Topical Bible: Craftiness in Management of Laban's Flocks and Herds

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The narrative of Jacob's management of Laban's flocks and herds is a compelling account of shrewdness and divine providence, found in the Book of Genesis. This episode highlights Jacob's resourcefulness and God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, despite human manipulation and deceit.

Background

Jacob, having fled from his brother Esau, found refuge with his uncle Laban in Haran. After serving Laban for fourteen years in exchange for his daughters Leah and Rachel, Jacob sought to establish his own household. He proposed a deal to Laban: "Let me go through all your flocks today and remove from them every speckled and spotted sheep, every dark-colored lamb, and every spotted or speckled goat. These will be my wages" (Genesis 30:32). Laban agreed, seeing it as a favorable arrangement for himself.

Jacob's Strategy

Jacob employed a cunning strategy to increase his own wealth while tending Laban's flocks. He took fresh-cut branches from poplar, almond, and plane trees and peeled them to expose the white inner wood. He then placed these branches in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink, ensuring they were in front of the animals when they mated. As a result, the flocks bore young that were streaked, speckled, or spotted (Genesis 30:37-39).

Jacob's actions can be seen as a combination of natural observation and divine intervention. While the peeled branches may have had no scientific effect on the outcome, Jacob's faith in God's promise played a crucial role. The Lord had previously assured Jacob of His blessing and protection (Genesis 28:13-15).

Divine Favor

Despite Laban's repeated attempts to change the terms of their agreement, God continued to bless Jacob. Laban altered Jacob's wages ten times, yet each time, God ensured that the flocks bore the type of offspring that would benefit Jacob (Genesis 31:7-9). This divine favor is a testament to God's sovereignty and His commitment to the covenant made with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Moral and Theological Implications

The account of Jacob's management of Laban's flocks raises questions about ethics and integrity. Jacob's actions, while clever, involved a degree of deception. However, the narrative emphasizes God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, rather than endorsing Jacob's methods. It serves as a reminder that God's plans prevail, even amidst human imperfection.

Jacob's experience also illustrates the principle of reaping what one sows. Laban's own deceitful behavior towards Jacob is mirrored in the outcome of their agreement. This reflects the biblical theme of justice and the consequences of one's actions.

Conclusion

The account of Jacob and Laban's flocks is a rich tapestry of human ingenuity and divine orchestration. It underscores the importance of faith in God's promises and the assurance that He works all things for the good of those who love Him (Romans 8:28). Through Jacob's craftiness, God's faithfulness to His covenant people is vividly displayed.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 30:31-43
And he said, What shall I give you? And Jacob said, You shall not give me any thing: if you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flock.
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Library

Chapter xxxi
... came who by his assiduous and skilful management increased his ... to the climax of the
search: he (Laban) came out ... Rachel is a match for her father in craftiness. ...
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