Topical Bible: Theft: Rachel

◄ Theft: Rachel ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

Rachel, a significant figure in the Old Testament, is best known as the beloved wife of Jacob and the mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as a woman of beauty and deep personal struggles. One of the notable incidents involving Rachel is her act of theft, which is recorded in Genesis 31.

Context and Background

Rachel was the younger daughter of Laban, the brother of Rebekah, Jacob's mother. Jacob, having fled from his brother Esau, sought refuge with Laban and fell in love with Rachel. After serving Laban for seven years to earn Rachel's hand in marriage, Jacob was deceived into marrying Leah, Rachel's older sister. Jacob then served an additional seven years for Rachel, whom he loved deeply (Genesis 29:18-30).

The Act of Theft

The incident of theft occurs during Jacob's departure from Laban's household. After years of service and growing tension with Laban, Jacob decides to leave secretly with his family and possessions. As they prepare to leave, Rachel steals her father Laban's household idols, known as "teraphim" (Genesis 31:19).

The Berean Standard Bible records this event as follows: "Now while Laban was out shearing his sheep, Rachel stole her father’s household idols" (Genesis 31:19). This act of theft is significant for several reasons, both culturally and spiritually.

Cultural and Spiritual Implications

In the ancient Near Eastern context, household idols were often associated with inheritance rights and family blessings. By taking these idols, Rachel may have been attempting to secure her family's future or assert a claim to her father's estate. The idols also held religious significance, representing the gods that Laban's family worshiped.

From a spiritual perspective, Rachel's theft highlights the ongoing struggle between the worship of the one true God, whom Jacob served, and the pagan practices of the surrounding cultures. Despite being part of a family chosen by God, Rachel's actions reveal the persistent influence of idolatry and the challenges of maintaining faithfulness to God amidst cultural pressures.

Confrontation and Resolution

Laban, upon discovering the theft, pursues Jacob and his family. When he confronts Jacob, accusing him of stealing the idols, Jacob, unaware of Rachel's actions, denies the accusation and invites Laban to search their belongings (Genesis 31:30-32). Rachel, demonstrating cunning, hides the idols in her camel's saddle and sits on them, claiming she cannot rise due to her menstrual period. Laban searches but does not find the idols (Genesis 31:33-35).

This incident underscores the complexity of Rachel's character. While she is portrayed as a loving wife and mother, her actions reveal a willingness to deceive and manipulate to achieve her ends. The narrative does not explicitly condemn Rachel's theft, but it serves as a reminder of the moral and spiritual challenges faced by the patriarchal family.

Legacy and Reflection

Rachel's theft of the household idols is a multifaceted event that invites reflection on themes of faith, idolatry, and family dynamics. It illustrates the tension between cultural practices and the call to exclusive devotion to God. Rachel's account, including her act of theft, is a testament to the imperfect nature of God's chosen people and the ongoing need for grace and redemption.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Genesis 31:19
And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Chapter xxxi
... So Jacob appeared justified, for a painstaking search revealed no theft. We may
well wonder what he would have done if Rachel's theft had come to light. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxi.htm

Here Beginneth the Life of Isaac
... That time was Laban gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole away the idols of ... And
where thou reprovest me of theft, whosoever have stolen thy gods let him be ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here beginneth the life of.htm

Chapter xxix
... The "large stone" prevented theft by individuals. ... For if a girl like Rachel
tends her father's flock, like Jethro's daughters near Mt. ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxix.htm

How Joseph when He was Become Famous in Egypt, had his Brethren in ...
... He only retained Benjamin, who was born to him by Rachel, and was of the same ... him
search them, and that if any of them had been guilty of the theft, to punish ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/chapter 6 how joseph when.htm

Letter cviii. To Eustochium.
... Bethlehem stopping only on the right side of the road to visit Rachel's tomb ... the
valley of Achor, that is, of trouble and crowds,' where theft and covetousness ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cviii to eustochium.htm

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... about to charge any person here with such sins as adultery, or theft, or blasphemy ...
for the salvation of souls: when your cry is like that of Rachel, "Give me ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 16 1870/sinners bound with the cords.htm

Sinners Bound with the Cords of Sin
... not about to charge any person here with such sins as adultery or theft or blasphemy ...
for the salvation of souls: when your cry is like that of Rachel, "Give me ...
/.../spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/sinners bound with the cords.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... I thank God I know of no such men, nor thing: but my judgment tells me, that if
Christians may be drawn into fornication, adultery, murder, theft, blasphemy or ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm