Hot Pursuit

Hot Pursuit

Genesis 31: ²² And Laban was told on the third day that Jacob had fled. ²³ Then he took his brethren with him and pursued him for seven days’ journey, and he overtook him in the mountains of Gilead. ²⁴ But God had come to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said to him, “Be careful that you speak to Jacob neither good nor bad.”

 

²⁵ So Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mountains, and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Laban lived in Haran. This was Sarah’s home where Abraham met and married her. Laban was the son of Nahor and Milkah. He heard stories about GOD destroying Sodom. When he was told about Jacob fleeing from him, he realized it would take days to catch him. But he was met by GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was furious and probably wanted to kill Jacob.
• GOD warned Laban not to speak good or bad about Jacob.
• Laban was probably cautious about his approach with Jacob.

 

It took a week for Laban and his crew to catch Jacob in the mountains of Gilead. He set up camp near Jacob, heeding GOD’s warning. He knew that if he were to bring any harm to Jacob, he would face GOD’s wrath.

 

Laban had to calm down enough to be able to talk versus act. His first inclination was probably to kill everyone and take back all his stuff. But he realized that GOD had a different plan. He may not have ever heard from GOD directly. His encounter would be memorable.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give details to Moses about Laban’s pursuit?
• Have you ever gotten angry and started to act before thinking?
• In times of anger, are you willing to slow down before acting or saying anything so GOD can diffuse the situation>?

Stolen Departure

Stolen Departure

¹⁴ Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? ¹⁵ Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. ¹⁶ For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

 

¹⁷ Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸ And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. ¹⁹ Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. ²⁰ And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. ²¹ So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Jacob described how GOD’s hand was involved with the acquisition of his flocks from Laban. Rachel and Leah both replied, that Laban had no intention in sharing any wealth with them and they were no longer considered family to him.  Jacob prepared to leave, but something happened.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel travelled for three days to go into Laban’s camp, steal gods and return on a three-day journey.
• Rachel stole Laban’s household gods that she was used to worshipping.
• Rachel must have believed that the gods had some power.

 

Almost a week passed after the conversation with Jacob. She may have convinced him that she had to get something important, but did not tell him what she was getting. Rachel was able to go into Laban’s camp easily because people were used to seeing her there. This is the first mention of teraphim, or ancestor worship. This belief would plague the eleven sons of Jacob for centuries.

 

Jacob “stole away”, meaning he left without telling anyone he was leaving. He, his wives, and his children left with riches. Little did Jacob know, he also left with idols. This belief in idols may have originated from Canaan. Humans were worshipped versus GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the details of Rachel stealing the household idols?
• Is there anything in your possession that you are afraid to depart with?
• Is GOD your protector and leader over your situations?