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Genesis 31 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Jacob was such an interesting blend of integrity and deception. On one hand, he heard intimately from God and was honest in his dealings. On the other hand, he would waste no time deceiving others in order to “assist” God with a promise. God had told Jacob to leave and said He would be with Him. There was no reason for Jacob to take additional precautions and sneak away. In fact, back in Chapter 28, God had promised to bring him back to his home safely.
Remember, I will be with you and protect you wherever you go, and I will bring you back to this land. I will not leave you until I have done all that I have promised you.”
Genesis 28:15 GNB
Yet, once again we read of God’s protection and faithfulness to Jacob even after this deception. It’s not that God was unaware or casual about Jacob’s actions. He was allowing many natural consequences to play out (as we will see later). But God remained faithful to His promises because that’s His nature. He’s a faithful father.
The most troubling aspect of Jacob’s behavior is that it didn’t just affect him. His choices had a direct influence on everyone else around him. Jacob thought he was doing the right thing for his family, but in reality, he was bringing more harm upon them by not trusting God.
“Much of this could have been avoided if Jacob had simply trusted and acted upon God’s promise to be with him. Instead, he further complicated his troubled family by causing Laban’s daughters to turn on their father in deceit and treachery.”
Nelson’s Commentary