Genesis 31:25-35 – An Empty Search

God has warned Laban in a dream not to hurt Jacob, but that doesn’t stop Laban from coming up with all sorts of accusations against Jacob when he catches up with him. He says Jacob has acted like a deserter in running away and a criminal in taking his two wives and children. According to Laban, he was all ready to send Jacob away with happiness and joy. It’s highly unlikely that anybody believes this. Then Laban boasts about his power to hurt Jacob, thinking that he has right and strength on his side. But even Laban must admit that he is under the restraining hand of God.

Instead of admitting that he has wronged Jacob, Laban attributes this flight to a desire in Jacob to see his family. Bad people never want to take the blame for anything they do, but they would rather put others in the wrong. So then, Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his household idols. How foolish to put your trust in something that can be stolen. Happy are those who have the Lord for their God, for they have a God that they cannot be robbed of. Enemies can steal our things, but they cannot steal our God.

Jacob apologises for his hasty flight, explaining his fear that Laban would take away his wives. He pleads not guilty to taking the household idols, and so sure is he that everyone in his group would know better than to do such a thing, he makes a rash vow that whoever took the idols shall not live. (Perhaps he remembers this with sadness when Rachel dies not too long after this. – Genesis 35:19.) Laban is so set upon finding his gods that he searches through everything. We can be thankful that our God has promised that He will be found by those who search for Him.