Genesis 31

Jacob goes through another trial while leaving Laban

Laban's sons were talking and they were saying things that were not true and hurtful. Jealousy is part of human nature and many times jealousy will make accusations that are the exact opposite of the truth. Laban was increased by God blessing Jacob. Laban was far better off now because of the blessing that God allowed Jacob to enjoy. God is going to show everyone that God is in charge and tells Jacob to return to his homeland. 

Jacob goes out to his wives and explains to them that If Laban is missing anything, it is because of the hand of God and not because Jacob has dealt suspiciously with Laban. It was God's hand that allowed Jacob's part to increase over Laban's. Laban has in fact tried to do Jacob much harm, but God protected Jacob.

Rachael and Leah side with Jacob and see what God has done, so they all set out. Unfortunately, Rachael took the idols that belonged to Laban so he knew something was wrong. Jacob had a three day lead, but Laban was able to overcome that lead in seven days. Laban may have done something rash or evil to Jacob but God appeared to Laban in a dream. Many times in our lives bad things might happen, but if we obey God and seek his face he can turn an awful situation into a good one. God told Laban not only to do Jacob no harm, but to not even speak evil to him. Unfortunately, Laban can't help but show theatrics and lie to and about Jacob. Fortunately, God is in charge and not Laban. 

After Laban finishes lying and venting, because of the words of God, they decide to make a vow and covenant between themselves. Jacob then offers a sacrifice to the Lord for delivering Jacob yet again. How many times does God deliver us and we are not even aware of his goodness?

Genesis 30

More children and some troubles for Jacob

God does wonders in spite of our sins, and not because of them. From the beginning God did not intend for man to have more than one living wife and he did not intend for us to have offspring through hand maids. We see here the trouble caused by people not being patient and obeying the will of God. Did God bless Jacob even though he sinned and made mistakes? Yes, but God blessed him for his righteousness, not for his sins. To say otherwise would make the commandments and laws of God to no effect. 

Rachael is heart broken that her sister is having sons and he is having none. He cries to Jacob in her frustration and he rebukes her. Finally, out of desperation and not divine making, she gives her hand maid to Jacob to bear children. This didn't turn out the best for Abraham, and it won't be the best situation her either. Leah becomes jealous because even though she has given birth to sons, she seems to no longer be able to be pregnant. She she gives her handmaiden to Jacob so that she can 'provide' him with more children. 

Evidently Jacob no longer 'visited' Leah, so when Rachael desires mandrakes from one of Leah's sons, she works out of deal for Jacob to 'visit' her. God smiles on the her and she has another son. Imagine the hard feelings that go around in this family. After Rachael later has Joseph, Jacob decides it is time to leave and tells Laban as much. 

Jacob had used a method to differentiate the cattle and sheep by making some spotted and the others natural color. Laban agrees that the livestock will be separated according this this method. Jacob takes what is his and goes out three days journey. Trouble and Laban are going to follow him, but the Lord is on Jacob's side. 

Genesis 29

Jacob marries Rachael, eventually.

Jacob comes to a well after his long journey and with the help of God's guiding hand we comes to meet the servants of his mother's people. They are eager to see him and there are great tidings all around, especially after he meets Rachael. Did Jacob assume too much from the start? Considering that Leah, Rachael's sister would bare the for eldest sons of the Tribe of Israel, obviously the Lord had plans that he wasn't yet aware of. 

After Jacob meets Laban there is celebration and terms. Jacob says that he'll work seven years for the hand of Rachael. Laban agrees, but has other plans that he won't reveal to Jacob. Do I think God was in on this deceitful plan? God knows all things, but even through men's sins and mistakes, God can show his strength, which he does here. 

After seven years fly by because of Jacob's deep love for Rachael, the day of marriage comes and Laban slips in Leah instead of Rachael. Laban wants his eldest daughter married first and this was a custom that ran through different cultures all the way up past the middle ages. Jacob is upset, but agrees to work seven more years because he wants to marry Rachael. 

The Bible says that Leah was hated. This is an awful instance because Leah probably had no choice in the matter with her father Laban or Jacob. A lot like we treat so called unwanted pregnancies, we choose to hate one of God's creation through no fault of their own. Seeing this, God blessed Leah to have many male heirs while Rachael was barren. In our Christian lives, lets make sure we are holding to God's plans and not our own.