Genesis 27:42-44
42 And these words of Esau her elder son were told to Rebekah: and she sent and called Jacob her younger son, and said unto him, Behold, thy brother Esau, as touching thee, doth comfort himself, purposing to kill thee.
43 Now therefore, my son, obey my voice; and arise, flee thou to Laban my brother to Haran;
44 And tarry with him a few days, until thy brother's fury turn away;
Did Jacob return to Haran to flee Esau or to get a wife?
PROBLEM: Here Rebekah told Jacob, “Flee to my brother Laban in Haran. And stay with him a few days, until your brother’s fury turns away.” But, in Genesis 28:2 the reason given is to “take yourself a wife from there of the daughters of Laban your mother’s brother.” Which was it?
SOLUTION: Jacob returned for both reasons. Two or more reasons for the same thing are not uncommon in the Bible. Compare the following:
(1) Moses’ exclusion from the Promised Land was for unbelief (Numbers 20:12), for rebellion (Numbers 27:14), for trespass (Deuteronomy 32:51), and for rash words (Psalms 106:33).
(2) Moses’ condemnation for numbering the people was for taxation (Exodus 38:26) and for a military enrollment (Numbers 1:2-3; Numbers 2:32).
(3) Saul was rejected by God for an unlawful sacrifice (1 Samuel 13:12-13), for disobedience (1 Samuel 28:18), and for consulting the witch of Endor (1 Chronicles 10:13).