Genesis 31:22-42

Laban Pursues Jacob and His Family

After three days, Laban was told of Jacob's departure. He and his men finally overtook Jacob's company on the seventh day in the mountains of Gilead. The night before he met Jacob, God warned him in a dream to do him no harm. Laban questioned Jacob as to why he had stolen away and why he had taken his household gods. As head of his family, he could have acted violently against Jacob. However, he noted God had warned him not to harm him.

Jacob responded by saying he feared Laban would have taken away his wives if he had told him he was going to leave. He also said he had not taken the idols and promised the one in whose possession they were found with would be slain. Rachel hid the idols under her saddle and sat upon it saying the "manner of women is with me." Thus, Laban found nothing and was rebuked by Jacob for pursuing and accusing him. Jacob reminded Laban he had served faithfully for twenty years (Genesis 31:22-42).