As we continue in our story; let’s review the overview of The Essentials Of The Bible:
1. God yearns for a people
Creation – Garden of Eden – Adam & Eve
2. God chooses a people
Through Abraham, Isaac and Jacob (Israel)
3. God delivers the people
Through Moses
4. God judges and restore the people
Through the prophets
5. God comes to the people
Through Jesus Christ/Emmanuel (God with us)
6. God saves the people
Through the cross at Calvary
7. God sends forth the people
Through the Apostolic Church/Ecclesia (Called out ones)
The foundation of the Bible is formed in this first book of the Bible; Genesis. It is a book of “Beginnings.” The law of the prophets, the judgments of God, the poetical and historical books of the remainder of the Old Testament set the stage for Jesus Christ, God in the flesh; to come, save and invite us to join Him in Eternal life. The stories and the lessons that are foundational to daily Christian living in the 21st Century are founded here. We are a spiritual people joined to the physical people chosen by God through Abraham. The Apostle Paul confirmed this to the church in Rome:
Romans 2:29 KJV But he is a Jew, which is one inwardly; and circumcision is that of the heart, in the spirit, and not in the letter; whose praise is not of men, but of God.
Jacob Seizes The Moment To Flee From Laban
While his father-in-law is away shearing sheep; Jacob seizes the opportunity to flee from Laban; taking his earned wages with him. What he doesn’t know, is that his beloved Rachel has stolen all of the idols of her father’s house. God speaks to Laban in a dream and warns him not to do anything.
Genesis 31:19-24 KJV And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. (20) And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. (21) So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead. (22) And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. (23) And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. nd God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
Laban wants his idols back, and Jacob allows him to search every one’s possessions. When he comes to his daughter Rachel, she is sitting on the idols hidden in a saddle and claims that it would not be appropriate for her to get up, because it was her monthly time.
Genesis 31:34-36 KJV Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. (35) And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched, but found not the images. (36) And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me?
Jacob is rightfully exasperated with his father-in-law who made him serve as a slave; who swindled him and took sore advantage of him. Had it not been for God’s favor; he would have walked away with nothing. Because God had intervened and warned Laban; he could not do anything against Jacob. They make a peace pact and set up a pillar of stones as a witness of their agreement; that neither one of them will cross over to do the other harm. Laban warns Jacob that he better treat his daughters well and makes Jacob swears to it. Verse 49 has become a tradition of many up to our present day; to say this short prayer. Couples use it on jewelry as a prayer of protection. The word Mizpah was not only a place, but it means; “watch tower.” When Laban said it, it meant more; “May the LORD keep watch between us to make sure that we keep this covenant when we are out of each other’s sight.” There are many variations and applications of this prayer today.
Genesis 31:45-52 KJV And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. (46) And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. (47) And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. (48) And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; (49) And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. (50) If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee. (51) And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee; (52) This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. (53) The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.
This could have turned into a much different story had God not intervened on Jacob’s behalf. Jacob had set out to find a wife. Twenty years later he starts on his journey home a wealthy man with twelve sons and a daughter and he was able to reconcile with his father-in-law. Jacob offers sacrifices and they fellowship over a meal. The next morning they depart with kisses.
Genesis 31:54-55 KJV Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. (55) And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.
Prayer: Father in Heaven, you see all. Thank you for watching over me. Give me the faith to trust you in all things and to live in the promise, “that I can do all things through Christ Jesus which strengthens me.” I worship you and praise your most holy name in Jesus’ name, Amen.
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