Topical Bible: Deceit: Laban

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Topical Encyclopedia

Laban, a key figure in the Book of Genesis, is often associated with acts of deceit, particularly in his interactions with Jacob. Laban was the brother of Rebekah and the father of Leah and Rachel. His account is primarily found in Genesis 24, 29-31.

Background and Family Relations

Laban first appears in Genesis 24:29, where he is introduced as Rebekah's brother. He plays a role in the marriage arrangement between Rebekah and Isaac, showing hospitality to Abraham's servant. Laban's character is further developed in Genesis 29-31, where his interactions with Jacob reveal his propensity for deceit.

Deceitful Acts

1. Marriage Deception: One of the most notable acts of deceit by Laban is found in Genesis 29. Jacob, having fled from his brother Esau, arrives at Laban's household and falls in love with Rachel, Laban's younger daughter. Jacob agrees to work for Laban for seven years to marry Rachel. However, Laban deceives Jacob by substituting Leah, his elder daughter, for Rachel on the wedding night. Genesis 29:25 recounts Jacob's realization: "So when morning came, there was Leah! 'What is this you have done to me?' said Jacob to Laban. 'Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why have you deceived me?'"

2. Wages and Livestock: Laban's deceit extends to his dealings with Jacob's wages. After the initial seven years, Jacob agrees to work another seven years for Rachel. During this time, Laban repeatedly changes Jacob's wages, attempting to limit his prosperity. Genesis 31:7 states, "Yet your father has cheated me and changed my wages ten times. But God has not allowed him to harm me."

3. Household Gods: In Genesis 31, Jacob decides to leave Laban secretly, taking his family and possessions. Unbeknownst to Jacob, Rachel steals her father's household gods. Laban pursues Jacob, accusing him of theft. This incident further illustrates the atmosphere of mistrust and deceit within Laban's household.

Character Analysis

Laban's actions are often seen as self-serving and manipulative. His deceitful behavior contrasts with the covenant faithfulness expected in biblical narratives. Despite Laban's attempts to control and deceive, God's providence and protection over Jacob are evident throughout the account. Laban's deceit ultimately serves to highlight God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His promises to Jacob.

Theological Implications

Laban's deceitful nature serves as a cautionary tale about the consequences of dishonesty and manipulation. His actions underscore the biblical principle that deceit leads to discord and strife. The narrative also emphasizes God's justice and faithfulness, as He protects Jacob and ensures the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Jacob's lineage.

Conclusion

While Laban's account is marked by deceit, it also serves as a testament to God's unwavering commitment to His promises. Despite human failings, God's purposes prevail, demonstrating His ultimate authority and righteousness.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:7
And your father has deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Laban had Two Daughters, Leah and Rachel; but Leah had Tender Eyes ...
... Then Jacob, being desirous of returning to his father, when Laban his father-in-
law ... to be acting justly in that matter, while he [also] suspected deceit on his ...
/.../severus/life and writings of sulpitius severus /chapter ix laban had two.htm

Chapter xxix
... So "he reported to Laban all these matters." How much is to be included in haddebhar??m ...
Jacob came as a godly man and one repentant of his recent deceit, as we ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

Jacob and Esau
... While he lived with Laban, what miserable work it was ... Therefore, I take it, when
the man wrestled with Jacob, he wanted to get his cunning and deceit out of him ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 5 1859/jacob and esau.htm

Chapter xxx
... to be dealt with as "a thing stolen," that is to say, Laban may promptly remove
it and claim it for his own. The issue will be very clear-cut. Deceit will be ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

High Priest
... For the benefit of those who ignorantly, if not deliberately by deceit, misled to ...
Cain and Abel, Noah, Abraham and Job, Abimelech and Laban, Isaac and Jacob ...
/.../conversion of a high priest into a christian worker/chapter iv high priest.htm

Adonijah
... Isaac's heart was rent by the deceit of Jacob, and by the self-will of Esau ... his
birthright for a mess of pottage, Rebekah, who, like her brother Laban is shrewd ...
/.../christianbookshelf.org/milligan/men of the bible some lesser-known/adonijah.htm

Letter viii. To the C??sareans. A Defence of his Withdrawal, and ...
... Who is to be my Laban, setting me free from Esau, and leading me to the supreme ... I
am quite well aware how the evil one by such means devises deceit for mankind ...
/.../basil/basil letters and select works/letter viii to the caesareans.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. ... decency;
but if he go beyond this bound, the spirit of deceit attacketh his mind ...
/.../iv the testament of judah concerning.htm

Chapter xxxiii
... Jacob's deceit in the matter of the blessing had made an unceremonious fraternal ...
actually been driven to the limit in Jacob's escape from Laban, and caution ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Christology of the Old Testament. <. ...
/.../hengstenberg/christology of the old testament/the blessing of jacob upon.htm