What is the meaning of Genesis 31:15? Are we not regarded by him as outsiders? Rachel and Leah are acknowledging to Jacob that their own father, Laban, has treated them as if they no longer belong to his household. • Genesis 31:5–7 shows Laban’s hostile attitude toward Jacob, which spilled over onto his daughters. • The women sense that the family bond has been replaced by cold, contractual dealing, the opposite of the protection expected from a father (cf. Psalm 68:5; Isaiah 1:17). • By calling themselves “outsiders,” they admit that any natural loyalty to Laban has been broken, paving the way to support Jacob’s decision to leave. Not only has he sold us, Laban accepted fourteen years of Jacob’s labor in exchange for Leah and Rachel (Genesis 29:18–30), effectively treating his daughters as merchandise. • Scripture allows a bride-price to honor a daughter (Exodus 22:16–17), yet Laban turned the custom into a self-serving sale. • Saul later tried a similar tactic when he set a bride-price on Michal to manipulate David (1 Samuel 18:25), showing how fathers could misuse the practice. • By admitting, “he sold us,” Rachel and Leah make clear that Laban’s motives were financial, not paternal. but he has certainly squandered what was paid for us. The bride-price should have become the women’s dowry or inheritance, but Laban consumed it for himself. • Proverbs 19:14 notes that “houses and wealth are inherited from fathers,” underscoring the normal expectation the daughters now see denied. • Laban’s greed mirrors the warning of Proverbs 15:27 against those who “bring trouble on their own households.” • Their statement confirms they will receive nothing further from their father, freeing them to cast their future with Jacob (Genesis 31:16). summary Genesis 31:15 records Rachel and Leah’s united testimony that Laban has broken every familial duty: he treats them like foreigners, reduced them to commodities, and wasted the wealth meant for their security. Their words justify Jacob’s departure, reveal Laban’s covenant unfaithfulness, and highlight God’s provision in contrast to human exploitation (Genesis 31:3; Psalm 27:10). |
    |