MPV Commentary

Laban Pursues Jacob--Their Covenant at Gilead.

22-24. Laban was told about Jacob's departure on the third day and immediately set out in pursuit. With no family to care for, he could travel quickly, but Jacob had a young family and many flocks, so it took him seven days to reach Mount Gilead. When Laban arrived, he was accompanied by his people, but God intervened with a dream, warning him not to harm Jacob. This sudden change from rage to restraint is striking, as Laban's hands were tied by divine power (Ps 76:10). He didn't dare touch Jacob, so instead, they engaged in a verbal confrontation.

26-30. Laban began by accusing Jacob of failing to give him the customary farewell greetings when leaving. In Eastern cultures, it was customary for relatives and friends to accompany travelers a distance with music and valedictory songs. However, given Laban's past behavior, his complaint on this ground seems hypocritical. His second charge was more serious: he accused Jacob of stealing his household gods, small images used as talismans for superstitious purposes.

31-32. Jacob boldly challenged Laban to search for the stolen idols and threatened severe punishment on anyone found with them. A thorough examination was made, but Rachel intervened, preventing further search (Ge 31:34-35).

34. Rachel had secretly taken the images and hidden them in her camel's saddle, where she sat.

36-37. Jacob became angry and listed his grievances over twenty years of mistreatment by Laban, including his stingy character and excessive demands, as well as the hardships he endured.

38. Jacob explained that he hadn't eaten any female sheep from Laban's flock, as it was customary to spare them for breeding purposes.

39. He also stated that he had not brought him any losses caused by wild animals, as shepherds were responsible for such losses unless they could prove otherwise.

40. Jacob recounted the difficulties of herding during extreme weather conditions, including drought and frost. His outburst reflects the long-standing provocations he suffered at Laban's hands (Eph 4:26).

44. After their heated exchange, Laban proposed a covenant between them. This was formalized by piling stones in a circle, with a large stone set upright as an altar in the center. It is likely that a sacrifice was offered before they shared a meal together.

52. Jacob swore to uphold this agreement, using the heap of stones as witness and invoking the "fear of his father Isaac" (Ge 31:53). In contrast, Laban referred to the God of Abraham and Nahor, their common ancestors. This difference in religious sentiments highlights the distinct spiritual paths of these two relatives.