Chapter 31 opens with Jacob trying to flee from Laban, knowing that Laban doesn't treat him as well as before. It's time for him to go back home, as he was told by God through a dream. He told Rachel and Leah to go with them, which they agreed to. the dishonesty of Jacob seems to be spread to his wife! Rachel stole his father's the household gods before she left (in an effort to secure the family's inheritance)
Laban pursues Jacob - and asked Jacob why he has taken his daughters/children and the household gods. Jacob denied taking the household gods, not knowing that actually Rachel took them. Laban made a covenant with Jacob, that they would not step on each other's toes and harm each other...
As Jacob prepares to meet Esau, he sends in front of him many gifts - "I will pacify him with these gifts I am sending on ahead; later, when I see him, perhaps he will receive me." So Jacob's gifts went on ahead of him, but he himself spent the night in the camp. That night he wrestles with God, and insists that He bless him or he would not let God go. God has renamed Jacob to Israel (meaning "he struggles with God").
No comments:
Post a Comment