This is part of a video series covering the entire Bible in 4 years, one chapter at a time. Start at the beginning with Genesis 1 (Youtube link: https://youtu.be/wC2qD4RGOdo) and work through the playlist. Or go to https://www.peace.org.au/bible.html for more information.
In this video listen to Genesis 31 read by David Alley, followed by comments and prayer.
In Genesis 31 Jacob is now wealthy. He arrived at Haran empty handed, but twenty years later he has a huge family and is well off. The Lord’s blessing spoken by his father oer his life has worked. But Laban is annoyed, and so he sneaks away from Laban. This is probably an indication of depth of Laban’s attitude toward Jacob, which was probably not comfortable.
As they sneak away, Rachel steals her father’s idol. This may have been an inheritance idol, or a sentimental family item, but either way it indicates how far things have come from the polytheistic society of then until now.
As Laban pursues Jacob the Lord gives a dream. This shows how even when we are unaware of it, God fights for us. If we walk with the Lord, he works in many ways which we are unaware of.
Finally Laban and Jacob make an agreement together asking the Lord to watch over each other. It sounds sweet, but this arrangement is made in suspicion because there is no trust between them. It’s not an example of how Christians should treat each other.
Jan 31, 2021 | Message by David Alley