Genesis 31:23

‘And he took his brethren with him and pursued after him seven days journey. And he overtook him in the hill country of Gilead.'

Jacob had been making good progress and it took Laban some time to gather his ‘brethren', that is his fellow confederacy leaders, together. It therefore took them ‘a seven day journey' to overtake them. A ‘seven day journey' indicates a longish journey as opposed to the shorter ‘three day journey'. It had therefore required greater preparation. It does not mean it was literally accomplished in seven days.

It would possibly take a little more than seven days to reach the hill country of Gilead (not the same as the later Gilead) although they would be moving at forced pace. This hill country was split into two halves, north (Joshua 13:31; Deuteronomy 3:13) and south (Deuteronomy 3:12 RV; Joshua 12:2; Joshua 12:5) of the Jabbok.

It is an indication of the seriousness of the situation that such a force should make such a journey. This was more than just something personal between Jacob and Laban. The whole tribal confederacy was involved. They were losing a part of themselves.

The picture is a vivid one. Jacob, aware that pursuit will come, urging his men and his flocks to ever greater efforts; Laban and his small army pounding through day and night, all the while becoming ever more determined to prevent their escape. The situation was extremely serious. They were angry at what they saw as treason. But then comes divine intervention.