#15 Gen 29-35

The fruitfulness of Jacob’s wives, whether directly or through their servants, in chapter twenty-nine is paralleled with the fruitfulness of Jacob’s flocks in chapter thirty. In the story of the flocks and herds we see the scheming of men and the overruling providence of God. Laban is pleased with the deal he makes with Jacob, because his flocks were predominantly black and brown with only an occasional spotted or streaked lamb or goat. Jacob thinks he is a shrewd fellow because he puts poles in the ground that are streaked and spotted. He thinks that the offspring of the mating sheep will be influenced by the spotted poles they visualize at the time of conception. This, of course, had nothing to do with the high proportion of streaked and spotted offspring and in chapter thirty-one we learn that the real reason was that God had caused the males who were mating with the flock to be spotted and streaked. As it says in Proverbs 16:33, The lot is cast into the lap, But its every decision is from the LORD.

Though we might find fault with Jacob over a number of things, it is clear that Laban was more deceitful and selfish than Jacob. He was a shrewd business man who constantly changed the rules of the game to his own advantage. Ten times he tried to do this, but it backfired every time. As promised at Bethel, God is with Jacob and is blessing him during his time of exile. Like Abram in Egypt and like his descendants in Egypt, God will spoil and plague those who try to take advantage of Jacob.

When Jacob flees from Laban, Rachel steals her father’s household gods. These were likely gold or silver figurines that were used as objects of worship. When Laban catches up with the fleeing company he demands that Jacob give the idols back. Jacob knows nothing about it and swears that anyone who is found with them in their possession will be killed. The whole camp is searched and when Laban comes to Rachel she is hiding them under her skirt. She succeeds in her theft by telling her father that she is on her period and therefore unable to rise. The gods of Laban are powerless and defiled.

After escaping from the wrath of Laban, Jacob must now face his brother Esau. Again, he devises a two fold plan. First he will try to placate his brother by a great gift and second, he will divide the women and children into two groups so that if one is attacked the other can escape. Most importantly Jacob prays for God to protect and deliver him from Esau. As they prepare to meet, Jacob is left alone at the crossing where he wrestles with a (man/angel/God) all through the night. Jacob refused to let him go until he blessed him. This is Jacob’s life in miniature. He is a man who struggles, who wrestles, who refuses to let go. His name is changed from Jacob to Israel which means, struggles with God.

After settling in the land and avenging the rape of Dina, Israel is called to fulfill his vow at Bethel. Jacob tells his household to put away their false gods, purify themselves and change their clothing. He returns to Bethel and builds an alter there to the God of his fathers.