Jacob Flees Laban
Text: Genesis 31:1-21
Core Idea: Because God directs by His Word and guards by His providence, we, the people of God, can move in obedience – even when the path is uncertain. So, step forward today not in fear, but in faith – trusting the promise: “I will be with you.”
INTRODUCTION
We’re continuing our journey through the Book of Genesis – tracing how God’s promises moved forward. And last week, we looked at Laban – a man who knew the price of everything but the value of nothing; a man who wanted the benefits of God without surrendering to God. He evaluated relationships by usefulness and treated people as leverage for his own gain. And yet, in that hostile environment, God was sanctifying Jacob – teaching him to entrust his future to the Lord rather than his employer. And God multiplied Jacob’s wealth even when Laban tried to rob him of the blessing. Now, it’s amazing to see God prevailing. But that raises a question: If God is prospering Jacob in exile, does that mean Jacob should stay in exile forever? Does success in a foreign land mean he should settle there – or is there a higher call that demands he move? Well, we’re about to find out. So, with that in mind, please turn with me to Genesis 31:1-21. And I will read this for us.
1 Jacob heard that Laban’s sons were saying, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” 2 And Jacob noticed that Laban’s attitude toward him was not what it had been. 3 Then the LORD said to Jacob, “Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.” 4 So Jacob sent word to Rachel and Leah to come out to the fields where his flocks were. 5 He said to them, “I see that your father’s attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me. 6 You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength, 7 yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times. However, God has not allowed him to harm me. 8 If he said, ‘The speckled ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks gave birth to speckled young; and if he said, ‘The streaked ones will be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked young. 9 So God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me. 10 In breeding season I once had a dream in which I looked up and saw that the male goats mating with the flock were streaked, speckled or spotted. 11 The angel of God said to me in the dream, ‘Jacob.’ I answered, ‘Here I am.’ 12 And He said, ‘Look up and see that all the male goats mating with the flock are streaked, speckled or spotted, for I have seen all that Laban has been doing to you. 13 I am the God of Bethel, where you anointed a pillar and where you made a vow to Me. Now leave this land at once and go back to your native land.’” 14 Then Rachel and Leah replied, “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? 15 Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. 16 Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children. So do whatever God has told you.” 17 Then Jacob put his children and his wives on camels, 18 and he drove all his livestock ahead of him, along with all the goods he had accumulated in Paddan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. 19 When Laban had gone to shear his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household gods. 20 Moreover, Jacob deceived Laban the Aramean by not telling him he was running away. 21 So he fled with all he had, crossed the Euphrates River, and headed for the hill country of Gilead. Amen. This is the Word of God for you today.
Let’s go through this passage under these three headings:
· GOD’S WORD DIRECTS
· GOD’S PROVIDENCE PROTECTS
· GOD’S PEOPLE OBEY
1) GOD’S WORD DIRECTS
Before we dive in, we need to note that six years have passed since Jacob agreed to work for wages based on the spotted and speckled flocks. We know this from what Jacob later says in Genesis 31:41: “I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks.” And during those six years, God caused Jacob’s wealth to increase dramatically while Laban’s diminished. But as the spotted and speckled animals multiplied, Laban’s sons began to complain. They said in verse 1, “Jacob has taken everything our father owned and has gained all this wealth from what belonged to our father.” Notice their language. In their minds, everything Jacob had came from their father. Now, why were they upset? Was it because they were protecting their father? Possibly. But considering that apples don’t fall far from the tree, it was more likely because Laban’s loss meant that their inheritance was shrinking. In other words, they weren’t protecting their father – they were protecting themselves. And Jacob felt it. In fact, verse 2 tells us that Laban’s attitude toward him was no longer what it had been. The man who once begged Jacob to stay because of God’s blessing could now barely stand the sight of him. Why? Because Laban’s god was money – and Jacob had become a threat to it. Then, imagine the pressure and mistreatment Jacob must have endured during that time – the cold looks, the subtle hostility, and the constant tension. So, humanly speaking, Jacob had every circumstantial reason to leave – and yet he stayed for six more years. Why? We’re not told explicitly. Perhaps he wanted to work longer to secure more wealth for his family. Perhaps he felt bound by his agreement with Laban. Perhaps he feared going home – remembering Esau’s murderous rage. Harran may have been hostile – but it was still familiar. Leaving meant uncertainty. So, it’s possible that fear may have kept him from going back to his hometown. But here’s what changed everything – verse 3: “Then the LORD said to Jacob, ‘Go back to the land of your fathers and to your relatives, and I will be with you.’” That word “then” is important because it shows that while circumstances prepared the moment, it was God’s Word that determined the move. Jacob had many reasons to leave – but he didn’t move until God spoke. Do you see that? He didn’t move because it was uncomfortable – he moved because it was commanded. And notice what God said: “I will be with you.” That wasn’t new information. That was a covenant reaffirmation. The same promise spoken at Bethel was being spoken here again. Then, Jacob wasn’t stepping into the unknown – he was stepping deeper into promise. Let that sink in. He didn’t leave because life was hard – he left because God’s promise was clear.
What does this mean for us? The truth is that we’re often tempted to make major decisions based solely on circumstances. It could be emotional pressure, financial opportunity, relational conflict, or a desire for comfort. A job offer comes with more money – so we assume it must be God’s will. A relationship becomes tense – so we assume it’s time to leave. Ministry becomes difficult – so we assume God is closing the door. Life feels uncomfortable – so we assume that the right thing to do is remove whatever is causing that discomfort. But one thing we learn from this passage is that hardship does not always equal calling. This is so important because hostility can justify impulsive decisions, and circumstances can be used to rationalize almost anything. We say things like: “I’m just protecting my peace,” “I’m just following opportunity,” or “I’m just doing what’s best for my family.” Now, those may sound wise – but the question we must really wrestle with is this: Has God spoken? Of course, we may not receive an audible command as Jacob did – but God has spoken clearly in His Word. Through the Bible, He has spoken about covenant faithfulness in marriage, reconciliation and forgiveness, integrity in the workplace, perseverance in hardship, commitment to the local church, the call to make disciples, and more. So, before we move, before we quit, before we relocate, before we react, we shouldn’t just ask, “Is this uncomfortable?” or “Will this benefit me?” but “What has God said?” For example, if you feel overlooked at work, ask yourself, “Am I reacting out of pride or faithfully stewarding what God has entrusted to me?” If someone hurts you at church, ask yourself, “Has God called me to withdraw or to reconcile?” If marriage feels dry, ask yourself, “Is this my cue to escape or my calling to persevere?” If ministry becomes exhausting, ask yourself, “Is this burnout requiring rest or discomfort requiring endurance?” Hardship and opportunity are real, but they cannot be the ultimate authorities that determine our steps. Circumstances may confirm a direction – but they should never command it. Mature faith moves – not because life is hard, but because God’s promises and priorities are clear. Then, instead of reacting to pressure, we must examine our motives, seek wise counsel, and align our decisions with biblical truth. Ask yourself: Is this clearly permitted or prohibited in God’s Word? Does this move align me deeper into obedience – or pull me away from it? Now, if you’re ever scared to follow His command, rest in the comforting truth of this passage: when God speaks, He never sends us without Himself. He says, “I will be with you.” Then, remember that when we move in obedience to His Word, we’re not stepping into the unknown – we’re stepping deeper into His presence.
2) GOD’S PROVIDENCE PROTECTS
After hearing from the Lord, the first thing Jacob did was explain to Leah and Rachel why it was time to leave – verse 5, “I see that your father’s attitude toward me is not what it was before, but the God of my father has been with me.” His words here reveal something profound, as they show that Jacob now sees beyond appearances. Laban’s favor was gone – but he saw that God’s presence remained. Laban’s attitude changed – but he saw that God’s promises did not. Circumstances shifted – but he saw that the covenant stood firm. Then, he continued in verse 6: “You know that I’ve worked for your father with all my strength, yet your father has cheated me by changing my wages ten times.” Laban was doing what he always did – calculating, deceiving, and manipulating for personal gain. In fact, verse 8 shows exactly how he cheated. He said, “Jacob, I didn’t agree to give you all the multi-colored animals. I meant you can only have the spotted ones.” Jacob submitted. But then the flocks started bearing only spotted ones. So, Laban said, “Wait, I meant to say only the speckled ones – not the spotted ones.” Then, they started bearing only speckled ones. In other words, every time Laban tried to control the outcome, it backfired. Why? Because behind what looked like natural breeding was the invisible hand of God. That’s what Jacob confirmed in verse 7: “However, God has not allowed him to harm me.” Laban manipulated, schemed, and changed contracts – but he couldn’t ultimately destroy Jacob. Why? Because God had set a boundary. Laban thought he was in control – but he was operating within limits he couldn’t see. He was able to alter the wages – but he couldn’t cancel the covenant. He was able to burden Jacob – but he couldn’t cross the line God had drawn. God did not allow him to harm him. And this doesn’t just apply to Jacob – think of Job. When Satan questioned Job’s loyalty, God said in Job 1:12, “Very well, then, everything he has is in your power, but on the man himself do not lay a finger.” Permission was given, but with a limitation. Do you see that? Satan was able to touch Job’s possessions – but not Job himself. Now, look at how Job responded. Job 1:20-22: “At this, Job got up and tore his robe and shaved his head. Then he fell to the ground in worship and said: ‘Naked I came from my mother’s womb, and naked I will depart. The LORD gave and the LORD has taken away; may the name of the LORD be praised.’ In all this, Job did not sin by charging God with wrongdoing.” So, Satan returned – claiming that Job would curse God if his physical health were struck. And God said in Job 2:6, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” Again, permission with restriction. Suffering was real. Loss was real. Pain was real. But there was always a boundary drawn by sovereign hands. That’s exactly what Jacob was describing. Let’s be clear. God’s providence doesn’t mean: “No pain.” But it does mean: “No uncontrolled pain.” Jacob suffered. Job suffered. But neither suffered outside of God’s sovereign boundary. Verse 9: “God has taken away your father’s livestock and has given them to me.” The increase wasn’t due to his technique or luck – all of it was God’s providence. And notice something even deeper in verse 13 – God said, “I am the God of Bethel.” Here, God reminded Jacob of who He is. It’s as if God were saying, “I’m the One who met you when you were alone and afraid. I’m the One who made the covenant. And just as I have been with you all along, I will continue to be with you wherever you go. I will protect you and make your path straight.” Jacob left not only because God spoke but also because he was certain that Laban didn’t determine his future – God did. In other words, his belief about God became the source of his courage and confidence to obey.
What does this mean for us? The truth is that we’re constantly surrounded by circumstances that feel threatening – difficult people, financial strain, relational tension, health concerns, cultural hostility, and so on. And as a result, we’re tempted to believe that those things determine our future. But this passage tells us that we don’t have to be anxious because God has set a boundary over our lives. Now, this doesn’t mean that life will always be easy, that we won’t experience injustice, or that suffering will vanish. But it does mean that our suffering is governed. Nothing crosses the boundary of our lives without divine permission. And even when pain is allowed, it’s never outside the gracious sovereignty of our Father – the One who knows us, loves us, and cares for us. Then, think back to the last five years of your life. You may come to realize that though you were tested, you weren’t destroyed. Though you were shaken, you were preserved. Though you were wounded, you weren’t consumed by the pain. There was always a line that kept you safe. Friends, that line wasn’t drawn by your enemies – it was drawn by your God. Do you believe that? I emphasize this because only when we begin to see that boundary set by the Lord will our fear begin to loosen its grip – only when we recognize that God governs all things will our trust begin to deepen.
3) GOD’S PEOPLE OBEY
After hearing Jacob’s explanation, Leah and Rachel responded in verse 14: “Do we still have any share in the inheritance of our father’s estate? Does he not regard us as foreigners? Not only has he sold us, but he has used up what was paid for us. Surely all the wealth that God took away from our father belongs to us and our children.” At first glance, their complaint sounds strange because we would think that the bride-price Jacob paid legally belonged to Laban. But in the ancient world, a loving father didn’t treat the bride-price as personal profit. It was used to secure the daughter’s future – to provide protection and stability for her. But Laban had consumed it for himself. And in that moment, Leah and Rachel saw clearly what had been true all along: that their father had treated them like transactions, not daughters. He received payment for them – but didn’t provide for them. He behaved less like a father and more like a merchant. This detail matters because it means that Laban didn’t just lose his wealth – he lost his daughters’ trust. The man who clung to money lost his family’s loyalty. But ironically, as a result, for the first time in this story, this fractured household became unified. Leah and Rachel said in verse 16, “So do whatever God has told you.” These words are significant because for years, this family had been marked by rivalry, insecurity, and manipulation. But now they were aligned not around strategy, comfort, or revenge, but around the Word of God. All that to say, their allegiance had shifted. They no longer saw themselves primarily as Laban’s daughters – tied to a system defined by greed and control. They now identified with Jacob – stepping into a family defined by covenant promise.
Obedience always involves a transfer of loyalty. You cannot cling to old allegiances and fully follow God. When Leah and Rachel left with Jacob, they weren’t just relocating geographically – they were leaving a system of false security. They were walking away from a household built on control, calculation, and conditional love. And in many ways, that’s exactly what obedience looks like for us as well. To follow Christ is to step out of whatever we once trusted and entrust ourselves fully to the covenant promises of God. Now, what are the “Laban houses” we still live in? For some of us, it’s the house of approval – where our identity rises and falls on what others think. For others, it’s the house of control – where we feel secure only if we can manage the outcome and guarantee results. For others, it’s the house of comfort – where Christianity must fit neatly into our lifestyle without ever disrupting it. And for some, it’s the house of achievement – where our worth is measured by productivity, success, and visible results. But you cannot serve two masters. At some point, allegiance must shift. Being a Christian is not about adding Jesus to your existing loyalties – it’s about transferring them. It’s to say, “My identity is no longer rooted in my past, my culture, my status, or my success. My ultimate allegiance belongs to Christ.” And here’s what we must remember: that leaving is not loss – it’s liberation. Donald Grey Barnhouse said, “There was nothing for them in the old life, no value in the old inheritance. The sooner the believer recognizes this and lives accordingly, the sooner he will experience true joy, the strength of God’s people.” For Leah and Rachel, joy didn’t come from clinging to what was familiar – it came from stepping into what God promised. In the same way, obedience may feel like surrender at first – but it leads to freedom. It may look like a risk – but it results in deeper fellowship. It may require leaving what once felt safe – but it opens the door to a joy rooted not in circumstances, but in God’s presence. This is true because, unlike Laban, our God doesn’t treat His children as transactions. He doesn’t consume for Himself what was paid for us – in fact, He paid for us Himself. He gave what was most precious to Him: His one and only Son, Jesus Christ. And at the cross, He was treated like a commodity so that we could be treated like sons and daughters. He was betrayed and handed over so that we could receive an inheritance that can never be lost. This is why obedience leads to joy – not because obedience is easy, not because obedience is painless, but because obedience aligns us with the God who loves us and secures our future. So, let me ask you: what allegiance is God asking you to transfer today? Is there an old loyalty you are still protecting? Is there a false security you are afraid to leave? Is there a comfort you are unwilling to surrender? Leah and Rachel said, “Do whatever God has told you.” Then, may we have the faith to say the same – that when God’s Word confronts our comfort, challenges our plans, or calls us into something costly, we would respond, “Lord, whatever You have spoken, we will obey.” May we choose God’s promise over our preferences, His will over our fear, and His glory over our security. And when obedience requires us to leave what feels familiar, may we trust that stepping into His command is stepping into His presence – and that in His will there is deeper joy than anything we leave behind.
CONCLUSION
Lighthouse family, because God directs by His Word and guards by His providence, we, the people of God, can move in obedience – even when the path is uncertain. So, step forward today not in fear, but in faith – trusting the promise: “I will be with you.”
DISCUSSION QUESTIONS
1) Why do you think Jacob stayed six years under growing hostility before leaving? What changed in verse 3 that finally moved Jacob to act? Can you think of a time when discomfort pushed you toward a decision? Looking back, was it obedience or reaction? Today, where are you most tempted to let circumstances determine your decisions instead of Scripture?
2) What evidence does Jacob give that God was protecting him? Looking back at the last five years, where can you see evidence that your suffering was real but bounded? How would it lessen anxiety and deepen courage if you truly believed God had set a boundary around your life?
3) What does Leah and Rachel’s response in verse 16 reveal about their father and their shifted allegiance? Where do you feel divided in loyalty – wanting to follow God but still clinging to something else? What would it look like for you to say, “I will do whatever God said” in your current season?
4) Why does obedience lead to joy – even when it’s costly at times?
