Genesis 31:22-42

the Dispute between Laban and Jacob

Genesis 31:22

These Chapter s afford a remarkable insight into God's forbearance. He knew what was in Jacob's heart, and could see all its weakness and deceit. There was not a thought in his heart or a word on his tongue, but He knew them altogether. Yet God cast the mantle of forgiveness and defense around this most unworthy soul, bidding Laban not to speak to him either good or bad. Indeed, in a later book, we are told, “He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath He seen perverseness in Israel.” Not that the holy God was unaware of the evil traits in His child, but that He refused to dwell on them, or to allow himself to be turned away from His purposes of grace. Rachel secretly carried with her the teraphim, which wrought evil throughout the home in after-years, as we shall see. The “fear of Isaac” was on Jacob's lips, but too little of it in his character and surroundings!