Topical Encyclopedia The narrative of strife between Laban and Jacob is a significant episode in the Book of Genesis, illustrating themes of family conflict, divine providence, and the fulfillment of God's promises. This account is primarily found in Genesis 29-31.Background Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, fled to his uncle Laban in Haran to escape the wrath of his brother Esau, whom he had deceived to obtain the birthright and blessing. Upon arrival, Jacob fell in love with Laban's younger daughter, Rachel, and agreed to work for Laban for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage (Genesis 29:18). The Deception After the seven years, Laban deceived Jacob by giving him his elder daughter, Leah, instead of Rachel. Laban justified his actions by citing local custom, which dictated that the elder daughter must marry first. To marry Rachel, Jacob agreed to work another seven years (Genesis 29:25-28). This deception sowed seeds of strife between Jacob and Laban, as Jacob felt wronged and manipulated. The Prosperity and Envy Jacob continued to work for Laban, and God blessed him with prosperity. Jacob's flocks increased significantly, causing Laban's sons to become envious, claiming that Jacob had taken what belonged to their father (Genesis 31:1). Laban's attitude towards Jacob also changed, leading to increased tension and strife. Divine Intervention and Departure God instructed Jacob to return to his homeland, promising to be with him (Genesis 31:3). Jacob, aware of Laban's changing disposition, secretly fled with his family and possessions. Laban pursued Jacob, overtaking him in the hill country of Gilead. However, God warned Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:24). The Confrontation When Laban confronted Jacob, he accused him of stealing his household gods. Jacob, unaware that Rachel had taken them, allowed Laban to search his camp. Despite the search, Laban did not find the idols (Genesis 31:33-35). This confrontation highlighted the deep mistrust and strife between the two men. The Covenant at Mizpah Ultimately, Jacob and Laban resolved their conflict by making a covenant at Mizpah. They set up a heap of stones as a witness, agreeing not to harm each other and to respect the boundary between their territories (Genesis 31:44-52). This covenant served as a testament to their mutual recognition of God's oversight and justice. Theological Implications The strife between Laban and Jacob underscores the complexities of human relationships marred by deceit and envy. Yet, it also reveals God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Jacob, despite the challenges he faced. The narrative demonstrates that God's providence can work through human conflict to achieve His divine purposes, as Jacob's eventual return to Canaan was a step towards the fulfillment of God's covenant with Abraham. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 31:36And Jacob was wroth, and strived with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued after me? Nave's Topical Index Library John Chapter vii. 13-Jan Quoted in Jerome, Epist. 36, Ad Damasum, Num. xviii. (From Galland ... The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. ) Chapter xiii The Perpetual virginity of Blessed Mary. Against Rash and Vain Swearing. Genesis Chapter xxvi Antichrist. Christian Behavior Resources What does it mean that the love of many will grow cold (Matthew 24:12)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat are the works of the flesh? | GotQuestions.org What is the biblical significance of Beer Lahai Roi? | GotQuestions.org Strife: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Strife: An Evidence of a Carnal Spirit Strife: Appeased by Slowness to Anger Strife: Between Abraham and Lot's Herdsmen Strife: Christ, an Example of Avoiding Strife: Christians at Antioch (In Syria), About Circumcision Strife: Danger of Joining In--Illustrated Strife: Difficulty of Stopping, a Reason for Avoiding It Strife: Disciples, Over Who Could be the Greatest Strife: Evidences a Love of Transgression Strife: Excited by a Contentious Disposition Strife: Excited by Curious Questions Strife: Excited by Drunkenness Strife: Excited by Frowardness Strife: Excited by Tale-Bearing Strife: General Scriptures Concerning Strife: Herdmen of Abram and of Lot Strife: Herdmen of Gerar and of Isaac Strife: Hypocrites Make Religion a Pretence For Strife: Isaac's and Those of Gerar Strife: Israel and Judah, About David Strife: It is Honorable to Cease From Strife: Jephthah and his Brothers Strife: Jephthah and the Ephraimites Strife: Jews, Concerning Jesus Strife: Leads to Confusion and Every Evil Work Strife: Leads to Mutual Destruction Strife: Ministers should Avoid Strife: Ministers should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Ministers should not Preach Through Strife: Ministers should Reprove Strife: Ministers should Warn Against Strife: Paul and Barnabas, About Mark Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees Strife: Pharisees and Sadducees, Concerning the General Resurrection Strife: Promoters of, should be Expelled Strife: Saints Kept from Tongues of Strife: Saints should Avoid Questions That Lead To Strife: Saints should do all Things Without Strife: Saints should not Act From Strife: Saints should not Walk In Strife: Saints should Praise God for Protection From Strife: Saints should Seek God's Protection From Strife: Saints should Submit to Wrong Rather than Engage In Strife: Strength and Violence of--Illustrated Strife: Temporal Blessing Embittered By Strife: The Corinthian Christians Related Terms |
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