and he (Jacob) departed...

The reading of two weeks ago was Genesis 28:10-32:3.


The summary:


Chapter 28:
Using a stone as a pillow, Jacob dreams angels on a ladder with Yahweh at the top confirming promise. Awed by the experience, Jacob pours oil on stone/pillow for a pillar and vows to Yahweh about his future.


Chapter 29:
In Haran, Jacob finds Rachel among the sheepherders. Jacob waters the flock for Rachel, kisses her, and cries aloud; then identifies himself. Rachel runs off to tell Laban. Laban welcomes Jacob; Jacob names Rachel as his wage for 7 years, Laban gives his answer.
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After 7 years, Jacob asks for Laban; Laban throws a feast but gives Leah as a wife for Jacob; Zilpah given to Leah as a maid by Laban. Jacob serves another 7 years for Rachel, Laban gives to Rachel Bilhah as a maid.
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Seeing Leah unloved, Yahweh opens her womb; Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah are born.


Chapter 30:
Unhappy, Rachel has Jacob take Bilhah to have children; Dan and Naphtali are born. Leah does the same with Zilpah; Gad and Asher are born.
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Grown Reuben finds mandrakes, Rachel has Jacob be with Leah for the mandrakes; Issachar is born. Leah begets Zebulun, then Dinah, a girl. God has Rachel beget Joseph.
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Jacob requests to return to his country with his wives and children; Laban wants them to stay, Jacob wants to go. Jacob asks as his wage the patterned cattle, the brown sheep, and the patterned goats, Laban agrees. Jacob schemes with patterned sticks, the flocks produce favorably for Jacob.


Chapter 31:
Jacob is unwelcomed by Laban and sons. Yahweh tells Jacob to return to Canaan. Jacob tells Rachel and Leah the on goings; he also tells them the dream with God in it. Rachel and Leah side with Jacob. Jacob gathers his belongings for departure. Rachel takes Labans gods.
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Jacob and company flees without Laban knowing. Laban finds out after 3 days; catches up to Jacob in 7 days at Gilead. God tells Laban to behave in dealing with Jacob.
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Laban is upset, in particular about his idols missing. Jacob admits fear and decrees to not let live anyone with whom Laban finds the idols. Laban searches Leah and the two maids, then Rachel. Rachel tricks Laban; Laban finds nothing. Jacob chides Laban for everything in their history, while acknowledging God watching out for Jacob. Admitting no wrong, Laban suggests to make a covenant, Jacob consents.
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Laban and Jacob give names for the place as a witness for their agreement, and for Yahweh to keep watch over them both. Laban leaves the next morning.


Chapter 32:
Jacob met by angels of God, calls the place Mahanaim.
Jacob sends messengers for Esau to Seir in Edom.




Jacob struggles with his employer/father-in-law, Laban, who is the unfair and stingy boss type. Then Jacob deals with the struggles of his wives. Lastly, there is the struggle of Jacob leaving Laban.

God is consistently present in the resolution of the conflicts, just as it was promised to Jacob at the beginning. Many times, Jacob tries to be creative in solving his problem in his own way; these efforts seem to show his lack of faith on Jacob's part; fortunately for Jacob, God is faithful even when he is not.

Similarly for us, when we do things out of instinct or from a lack of faith, fortunately God is faithful; yay.

God is good.


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