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"Because he has set his love upon Me, therefore I will deliver him; I will set him on high, because He has known My name." Psalm 91:14

Text: Genesis 29:1-35

A HAPPY FAMILY REUNION

Rachel’s news to her father brought Laban running to greet Jacob. Did Laban remember how he had run to greet Eliezer when he came to look for a wife for Isaac decades ago? Laban was an old man now, but the excitement that pulsed through his blood caused him to run to greet Jacob.

“Then it came to pass, when Laban heard the report
about Jacob his sister’s son, that he ran to meet him,
and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him
to his house. So he told Laban all these things.
And Laban said to him, ‘Surely, you are my bone
and my flesh.’ And he stayed with him for a month.”

GENESIS 29:13-14

The Traditional Family Greeting

The careful description of how Laban “embraced and kissed” Jacob confirms the observation that the latter was not behaving inappropriately when he greeted Rachel. The embrace and kiss were good and healthy symbols of deep family affection.

“And brought him to his house”

Laban couldn’t just stand there at the well and talk to Jacob. But of course he had to bring him to his house. That would the right thing to do, when welcoming a family member.

JACOB’S TESTIMONY

Jacob shared with Rachel his testimony of how he came to be in the land of the east. He found himself repeating his story to Laban. We are not informed just how much Jacob actually revealed to Laban the problems in his family. Perhaps he did not elaborate on the part where he had cheated his brother of his birthright and blessing. What he certainly did tell was the part of how God had blessed his journey and how he met up with Rachel at the well.

“Surely, you are my bone and my flesh”

It is interesting to note how Laban applied this phrase. This was the original word Adam spoke when God presented Eve to him. Laban applied this phrase to Jacob to signify that he was truly “family”.

“And he stayed with him for a month”

Jacob had asked the Lord to provide him with food and clothing. Even as Laban took him in as a member of his household, God’s promise to Jacob was fulfilled. For a whole month, Jacob began to adjust to life in the new land. God had proven Himself to be Good and Faithful.