Topical Encyclopedia Laban, a key figure in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis, is often depicted as an unjust master in his dealings with Jacob. Laban was the brother of Rebekah and thus the uncle of Jacob. His interactions with Jacob are primarily recorded in Genesis 29-31, where he emerges as a shrewd and manipulative character.Deception and Labor Jacob first encounters Laban when he flees to Haran to escape the wrath of his brother Esau (Genesis 28:5). Upon arrival, Jacob falls in love with Laban's younger daughter, Rachel, and agrees to work for Laban for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage. However, Laban deceives Jacob by substituting Leah, his elder daughter, for Rachel on the wedding night. When Jacob confronts Laban, he justifies his actions by citing local custom: "It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one" (Genesis 29:26). Laban then offers Rachel to Jacob in exchange for another seven years of labor, which Jacob accepts. Exploitation and Prosperity Laban's unjust treatment of Jacob extends beyond the initial deception. Over the years, Laban repeatedly changes Jacob's wages, attempting to exploit his labor for personal gain. Despite Laban's attempts to cheat him, Jacob prospers due to divine favor. The Lord blesses Jacob, and his flocks increase significantly, leading to tension between him and Laban's sons, who accuse Jacob of taking what belonged to their father (Genesis 31:1-9). Divine Intervention and Departure Eventually, God commands Jacob to return to his homeland, promising His presence and protection (Genesis 31:3). Jacob secretly departs with his family and possessions, prompting Laban to pursue him. When Laban catches up with Jacob, he accuses him of theft and deceit. However, God intervenes by warning Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:24). In their confrontation, Jacob rebukes Laban for his unjust treatment, saying, "These twenty years I have been in your household. I served you fourteen years for your two daughters and six years for your flocks, and you have changed my wages ten times" (Genesis 31:41). Covenant and Separation The narrative concludes with a covenant between Jacob and Laban, marked by a heap of stones as a witness. They agree to part ways peacefully, with Laban acknowledging God's oversight in their dealings: "May the LORD keep watch between you and me when we are absent from each other" (Genesis 31:49). This covenant underscores the resolution of their conflict and the divine justice that ultimately prevails over Laban's unjust actions. Laban's role as an unjust master highlights themes of divine providence and justice. Despite Laban's attempts to exploit Jacob, God's favor ensures Jacob's prosperity and eventual liberation from Laban's oppressive control. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 31:7And your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. Nave's Topical Index Library The Power of Ambition. The Shepherd of Our Souls. From Abraham to Egypt. On the Baptism of Christ. Jeroboam Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes The First Apology of Justin, the Martyr Homilies on the Statues. From the Death of Bishop Asbury to the Close of the General ... Syria at the Beginning of the Egyptian Conquest Resources Why does the Bible allow slave owners to beat their slaves? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean that you cannot serve two masters in Matthew 6:24? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Unjust Steward (Luke 16:1-13)? | GotQuestions.org Master: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Master Workman: General Scriptures Concerning Master: Good Master: The Centurion Master: Jesus Prohibited the Appellation Master: Scriptures Relating to Masters of Serv Ants Master: Unjust Master: Laban to Jacob Master: Unjust Master: Potiphar's Wife to Joseph Master: Unjust Master: Sarah to Hagar Related Terms |
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