Ge 31

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CHAPTER 31: JACOB DEPARTS

The three basic principles of God's guidance are illustrated in this chapter:

1) Desire - God placed the desire to return home in Jacob's heart.

2) Uncomfortable circumstances - the situation at Laban's house was getting unbearable.

3) Direct word - the Lord told Jacob to return to his home.

v.7 Laban had tried to outwit Jacob.

v.13 God reminded Jacob of the vow he had made to Him at Bethel.

v.26-30 Laban was a hypocrite; in verse 29 we can see what was really in his heart.

It is sad that a man's gods can be stolen.

v.47 Jegarsahadutha and Galeed both mean "the witness".

v.49 Mizpah means, "The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another".

v.50-53 The intent of Mizpah was negative, because Laban and Jacob did not trust each other. They wanted God to watch between them, since they could not constantly see each other.