Daily Devotions
Genesis
"Blessed are those who keep justice, and he who does righteousness at all times!" Psalm 106:3
Text: Genesis 31:1-55
COMPLETE CONSENSUS
Did Jacob fear that the hearts of Rachel and Leah would react adversely to what he had spoken to them? He need not have feared. The two women were not blind to the fact that their father had treated them as unjustly.
“Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him,
‘Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in
our father’s house? Are we not considered strangers by him?
For he had sold us, and also completely consumed our money.
For all these riches which God has taken from our father are
really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God
has said to you, do it.'”
GENESIS 31:14-16
DEEPLY AGGRIEVED
Rachel and Leah were deeply aggrieved at how their father had treated them. A number of reasons were aired.
1. The question of inheritance
Every child, whether son or daughter was entitled to “any portion or inheritance”. Rachel and Leah doubted that there would be any inheritance left for them. Laban had let down his daughters rather badly in this regard.
2. The question of relationship
Laban was supposed to maintain a father’s relationship to all his children. But as Jacob’s wealth waxed, his relationship with his daughters waned. Rachel and Leah felt that they were little more than strangers in the household.
3. The question of monetary integrity
What kind of life did Laban pursue? From this remark of Rachel and Leah, we may assume that his life was not marked by frugality. Whatever money that Rachel and Leah personally owned had been “completely consumed”. Laban appeared to be a disappointing father to his daughters.
OBEDIENCE TO THE LORD
Rachel and Leah agreed that God’s hand of blessing must be acknowledged! Yes, they knew that Jacob had become rich! The acquisition of wealth was to be attributed to the Lord Himself. They would not give up their wealth to their father. If the Lord were to instruct Jacob to leave Padan Aram for Canaan, they would be ready to obey! They would share weal or woe with their husband, Jacob!
They were now Jacob’s true family. The ties with their father Laban had slowly but surely been severed over the years. There was only a basic formal relationship between daughter and father left! They were ready to leave Laban and cleave to Jacob!