Genesis 54
THE SEPARATION BETWEEN JACOB AND LABAN
(Gen. 31:17-42)
Introduction:
In verses 19-20 of the text, Laban went out to shear sheep, and Jacob's family took advantage of the opportunity to secretly run away.
At that time, the entire family was mobilized to shear sheep, and people were also hired to shear the sheep. It usually lasted for three days,
and a feast was held.
Three days after Jacob fled, the news reached Laban. That was because Laban made a covenant with Jacob that the distance between the two was as long as
three days.
In verse 23, Laban mobilized his brothers (relatives) and chased Jacob for seven days until he arrived at a place where Jacob could be seen.
So Jacob ran away for 10 days. It is said that the distance between Paddan Aram, where Jacob left, and Gilead, where he arrived, is approximately 480 km.
Jacob ran away 48km every day. And Laban chased them about 70km a day. Laban may have pursued on horse or camel. Finally, Jacob and his group came
into view. Then they stopped pursuing and reorganized their battle lines. But that night, God appeared in Laban’s dream and spoke to him.
v. 24. Then God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream at night and said to him, "Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad."
1. Sometimes problem comes to believer. “However”
1) Gen.28:10-22
2) Gen.31:7
v. 7. yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me.
<Example >
Suffering of Joseph.
Suffering of David.
Suffering of Job.
Suffering of Paul.
2. Jacob’s level of faith.(Atmosphere)
1) Gen.31:36-42
2) Gen.31:1-3
3. Rachel’s level of faith (She steal her father’s household god)
Teraphim(Household God) were commonly made of wood, but they were also made of silver. The question then arises, “Why did Rachel steal her father’s
teraphim?”
The teraphim had the function of fortune-telling. Rachel no longer had trust in her father. She and her husband were running away, and she must have
been afraid of what would happen if the teraphim told her father about their escape route. It was also a fairly expensive idol at the time. Some say that
they brought it because their husband Jacob wanted to compensate for being exploited by their father. Above all, it was about 800km from Paddan Aram,
where they started, to Canaan, where they were going. Rachel must have been afraid to go that long distance, and she may have thought that
the teraphim would protect her and her family.
1) Gen.31:17-21
2) Gen.31:34-36
4. Laban’s level of faith.
1) Gen.31:26-28
2) Gen.31:29
3) Gen.31:34-36
5. God’s purpose for Jacob.
1) Gen.28:10-22
2) Gen.32:22-32
v. 28. Then the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel, because you have struggled with God and with men and have overcome."
3) Heb.11:21 By faith Jacob, when he was dying, blessed each of Joseph's sons, and worshiped as he leaned on the top of his staff.
Conclusion: Jacob’s confession in verse 42
This confession shows the best aspect of Jacob's life so far.
v. 42. If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had not been with me, you would surely have sent me away empty-handed.
But God has seen my hardship and the toil of my hands, and last night he rebuked you."
Jacob attributes his accumulation of wealth to God's guidance. Jacob said that God saw and knew everything about him.
This confession is a very precious confession. The Lord is watching us. That is our courage and hope.
I bless you everyday when you raise your eyes toward the Lord.