Laban, a key figure in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis, is often associated with themes of covetousness and deceit. As the brother of Rebekah and the father of Leah and Rachel, Laban plays a significant role in the life of Jacob, his nephew and son-in-law. His actions and attitudes provide a vivid illustration of covetousness, a sin condemned throughout Scripture.

Background and Family Relations

Laban first appears in Genesis 24:29, where he is introduced as Rebekah's brother. His initial encounter with Abraham's servant, who comes to seek a wife for Isaac, reveals his interest in wealth. Laban's attention is notably drawn to the gold jewelry given to Rebekah (Genesis 24:30). This early glimpse into Laban's character foreshadows his later interactions with Jacob.

Jacob's Arrival and Service

When Jacob flees to Haran to escape Esau's wrath, he finds refuge with Laban. Jacob agrees to serve Laban for seven years to marry his daughter Rachel, whom he loves (Genesis 29:18). However, Laban's covetous nature becomes evident when he deceives Jacob by substituting Leah for Rachel on the wedding night, compelling Jacob to serve an additional seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:25-27).

Manipulation and Prosperity

Laban's covetousness is further highlighted in his dealings with Jacob's wages. Despite changing Jacob's wages ten times, Laban seeks to maximize his own wealth at Jacob's expense (Genesis 31:7). Jacob, however, prospers through God's blessing, which Laban acknowledges: "I have learned by divination that the LORD has blessed me because of you" (Genesis 30:27).

The Flock Agreement

In a bid to secure his own prosperity, Laban agrees to a complex arrangement regarding the division of the flocks. Jacob proposes that he will keep only the speckled and spotted sheep and goats, while Laban retains the rest. Laban, driven by covetousness, agrees, thinking he will benefit. Yet, God intervenes, and Jacob's flocks multiply exceedingly (Genesis 30:31-43).

Departure and Pursuit

Jacob's eventual decision to leave Laban's household is met with resistance. Laban's covetousness is evident as he pursues Jacob, accusing him of stealing his household gods (Genesis 31:30). Despite Laban's claims, God warns him in a dream not to harm Jacob (Genesis 31:24). The confrontation ends with a covenant between the two, marking a boundary that neither will cross to harm the other (Genesis 31:44-53).

Legacy and Lessons

Laban's account serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of covetousness. His relentless pursuit of wealth and control leads to strained family relationships and divine intervention. The narrative underscores the biblical principle that covetousness, a form of idolatry (Colossians 3:5), ultimately leads to discord and divine disfavor. Laban's life exemplifies the warning found in Proverbs 28:22: "A stingy man hastens after wealth and does not know that poverty will come upon him" .

Through Laban's interactions with Jacob, the Bible illustrates the destructive nature of covetousness and the importance of trusting in God's provision rather than relying on deceitful schemes.Genesis 31:41
Thus have I been twenty years in your house; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your cattle: and you have changed my wages ten times.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Testaments of the Twelve Patriarchs.
... of which he had been guilty in the matter of Tamar; and covetousness, which is ... a
worshipper of God, who had been carried away as a captive and bought by Laban. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/deane/pseudepigrapha/the testaments of the twelve.htm

The Foundations of Good Citizenship.
... the story of his flight from Laban, Gen.31) or of David (I Sam.19 ... All of the crimes
with which they deal, except that of covetousness, were punished, in Hebrew ...
/.../kent/the making of a nation/study x the foundations of.htm

Antichrist.
... Thus their covetousness hath set them on high, even above the suns, moons, and ... cleave
to and countenance the people of God, being persuaded, as Laban was of ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

Jacob and Esau
... to kinsmen who cheated him as he had cheated others; to serve Laban for twenty ... If
you give way to meanness, covetousness, falsehood, as Jacob did, you will rue ...
/.../kingsley/the gospel of the pentateuch/sermon vi jacob and esau.htm

Evil Cannot be Suppressed by the Physical Force of the Government ...
... the guileless Esau and was in his turn deceived by Laban, Caiaphas and ... Public opinion
ever since the time of Moses has regarded covetousness, profligacy, and ...
/.../tolstoy/the kingdom of god is within you/chapter x evil cannot be.htm

Matt. xii. 33
... Was he not injured by Laban, and suffered evil? ... And whether it be the love of
covetousness, or that of luxury, or that of fair persons, or that of wrath, or be ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on the gospel of saint matthew/homily xlii matt xii 33.htm

The Testament of Judah Concerning Fortitude, and Love of Money ...
... Esau, and his sons with us, after that we came from Mesopotamia, from Laban. ... cranes;
and they will go on further in evil, advancing on still in covetousness. ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1816 to the ...
... in his disposition, and, as far as I could ever observe, covetousness formed no ... Laban
Clark presented a resolution in favor of forming a Bible and missionary ...
/.../chapter 4 from the close.htm

Homilies on Philippians, Colossians, and Thessalonians.
... Alms, adorn the soul, root out covetousness, raise soul toward heaven, bring blessings,
assist the dead, [715]197; a help to catechumens, [716]ib.; measured by ...
/.../homilies on philippians colossians and.htm

Christian Behavior
... a brief touch upon good neighbourhood; and a discovery of covetousness, pride, and ...
by masters that either change their wages, like heathenish Laban, (Genesis 31 ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/christian behavior.htm

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