Browse Bible Study Resources

Daily Devotions

Genesis

Genesis 
Day 
Day 242

"But You, O God the Lord, Deal with me for Your name's sake; Because Your mercy is good, deliver me." Psalm 109:21

Text: Genesis 31:1-55

A QUIET ANSWER

Laban essentially had raised two questions to Jacob! Why had he surreptitiously departed Padan Aram? Why had he stolen his idols? Jacob’s reply was a quiet one.

“Then Jacob answered and said to Laban,
‘Because I was afraid, for I said, “Perhaps
you would take your daughters from me by force.” ‘ ”
GENESIS 31:31

This was Jacob’s meek response to Laban’s first question. He knew that Laban had a right to demand that his permission be sought before making plans to depart! Jacob pleaded “fear of Laban” as his reason for fleeing!


AN INVITATION TO SEARCH

The second answer was offered with greater strength of spirit. Why would Jacob steal anybody’s idols?

“‘With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live.
In the presence of our brethren, identify what I have of yours
and take it with you.’ For Jacob did not know that Rachel
had stolen them.”
GENESIS 31:32

This was essentially an invitation to search all Jacob’s belongings! This was uttered in protest to Laban’s charge of theft.

1. Jacob’s faith in God

Jacob had found genuine faith in the Lord! He would never worship idols! He would have no use for idols at all. Why would he steal Laban’s idols?

2. Assumption of like-mindedness of Leah and Rachel

Both Leah and Rachel had mentioned the name of the Lord in their conversations with Jacob. Thus he must have assumed that they too would have nothing to do with Laban’s idols. In this confidence he offered Laban the right to execute anyone who was found guilty of theft of the idols.


WHAT REASONS COULD RACHEL HAVE TO STEAL THE IDOLS?

A number of reasons may be suggested as to why Rachel stole her father’s idols. It may have been out of anger that she stole her father’s idols! It may also be out of superstition that she stole the idols. Was she afraid, perhaps, that her father could cause them harm if he had possession of the idols?

The Scriptures are silent as to why Rachel stole her father’s idols. We can only guess at the reasons. We could never be positive as to the actual reasons why she stole them when she did.