01-82 Jacob’s Exodus-Pt 2

Genesis 31:22-55

Scripture reading vv 22-42

The last verse of 1 John (5:21) is an urgent appeal to those who believe in the name of the Son of God

1 John 5:21 NASB95

21 Little children, guard yourselves from idols.

The term “guard” carries the meaning of an armed guard. The 4 squads of soldiers “guarding” Peter when he was arrested (Acts 12)—this is the term “to carry out sentinel function” and denotes “to protect, to watch, guard, care for, observe, to keep.” John is calling believers to be like armed guards ready to repulse every attack.

The attack that John is concerned about (one very subtle) is that of idolatry. This word has the sense of “unreality” and points to that which is counterfeit/false.

D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones has a helpful description of idols:

“an idol can be defined most simply in this way: an idol is anything in our lives that occupies the place that should be occupied by God alone. Anything that holds my life and my devotion, anything that is central in my life, anything that seems to be vital, anything that is essential to me; an idol is anything by which I live and on which I depend. Anything that moves and rouses and attracts and stimulates me is an idol. An idol is anything that I worship, anything to which I give much of my time and attention, my energy and my money; anything that holds a controlling position in my life is an idol.”

The reason John is so concerned is b/c idolatry is pernicious (subtly harmful) and every believer is susceptible to making something in our lives occupy the place that should be occupied by God alone (money, possession, success, any person, children, and even self). It is important to make this a daily, moment-by-moment, a constant practice to guard ourselves (spirit, hearts, minds) against such idols.

Proverbs 4:23 NASB95

23 Watch over your heart with all diligence, For from it flow the springs of life.

Now, I mention this b/c we encounter Jacob’s father-in-law Laban who had set up idols in his home. The term used by Moses is teraphim (to inquire) were used to consult oracles (not of the Lord) but from false gods/spirits. Now, Laban had some knowledge of the true God but he also mixes the heathen in his worship. Zephaniah would speak against Judah later on for the same things:

Zephaniah 1:2–6 NASB95

2 “I will completely remove all things From the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. 3 “I will remove man and beast; I will remove the birds of the sky And the fish of the sea, And the ruins along with the wicked; And I will cut off man from the face of the earth,” declares the Lord. 4 “So I will stretch out My hand against Judah And against all the inhabitants of Jerusalem. And I will cut off the remnant of Baal from this place, And the names of the idolatrous priests along with the priests. 5 “And those who bow down on the housetops to the host of heaven, And those who bow down and swear to the Lord and yet swear by Milcom, 6 And those who have turned back from following the Lord, And those who have not sought the Lord or inquired of Him.”

We come back to Gen 31 and looking at 3 ways Jacob has been changed over the past 20 years. Well known for his deception, Jacob’s transformation in righteousness is not unlike what happens to every believer (though we have a clearer picture of what righteousness looks like in LJC). Transformation is the hallmark of God’s people. Jacob’s change: 1. His Unhesitating Obedience (followed the directive of the Lord to return)

2. Jacob’s Uncompromising Integrity

22-42

Now, Laban treasured his household gods which explains why his quick action when he learns of Jacob’s departure.

A. The Aggressive Pursuit

Laban pursues Jacob and I want you to see the aggression in Laban’s heart. The verbs in vv 22-25 are used of military engagement: “fled, pursued, overtook, pitched tent, camped.” These are strong indicators that Laban was going after Jacob intending to do him harm. This is the reason for (vs 24):

Divine Warning

If God had not warned Laban, I’m sure he would have taken Jacob’s life when he caught up with him as enraged as he was. As it turns out, the Lord told Laban (Aramean—BTW Balaam (Num 23:7) the mysterious prophet appears to be a heathen soothsayer who comes from Aram which may make him a direct descendant of Laban about 280 years after Jacob’s departure): God spoke in a dream “be careful…” The mention of good or bad is a figure of speech—doesn’t mean not allowed to speak at all but if Laban felt like he has a grievance he is not to take action (violent) against Jacob.

There was a protective hedge that surrounded Jacob and his family—one that was placed there by God Himself. This is the fulfillment of God’s promised that He spoke to Jacob in the dream:

Genesis 28:15 NASB95

15 “Behold, I am with you and will keep you wherever you go, and will bring you back to this land; for I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you.”

B. The Angry Protest

26-42

Laban’s Speech

This section (26-30) begins one of the longest speeches made in Genesis. Laban accuses Jacob of both deception and theft. Jacob did not know about God’s warning to Laban in the dream and when Laban rode into Jacob’s camp with his armed servants and relatives, I’m sure Jacob was filled with terror. Of course, the only thing Laban could do was speak. Laban claims to be the wounded victim “what have you done?”

The deception Jacob is accused of is that of abducting his “daughters” (not Jacob’s wives) “like captives of the sword.” Of course, this is patently false. Rachel and Leah left of their own volition and were even enthusiastic. Laban also claims the victim card by saying he didn’t even get a chance to “kiss my sons” (g-sons) when he left secretly. This was all a ruse. Laban was not as upset with Jacob leaving secretly as the next accusation of theft. This is what he was truly incensed about: vs 30.

“my gods” The true nature of the household idols is that Laban considered them to be gods. These were what he cherished, what he worshiped, what he served, what he consulted. Laban’s deities were fashioned into the carved human-like figurines and he was mostly enraged b/c he believes Jacob had stolen them from him.

Laban’s Search

vs 31-35

Jacob explains why he left secretly…for fear. Laban may have tried to prevent him from taking his wives if he knew about Jacob’s plans to leave. What was most troubling to Jacob was the accusation of theft of Laban’s gods. It deserved the harshest sentence of death for the culprit—yet Jacob was confident that no one in his party was responsible. Moses tells us “Jacob did not know.” But the reader knows and we’re waiting to see what would become of Rachel (who took her father’s household idols).

Laban begins the frantic search of all the tents. But he did not find them b/c Rachel had taken them and put them in the camel’s saddle. Now, Rachel respectfully fools her father (vs 35). She claims she cannot greet her father b/c she has her menstrual period. Laban did not suspect her at all. Among the ancients “the way of women” was considered to be a state of impurity and thus contaminating—this is what Rachel ultimately thought of her father’s gods (worthless and unclean).

Jacob’s Scathing Rebuke

vs 36

This is what truly reveals the uncompromising integrity of Jacob’s life. Moses writes that he became angry (to burn) and contended with Laban. The word means to “get into a brawl, to contend, to strive” and physical combat is the primary meaning of the term. Whether the 2 came to blows might be in doubt but they certainly had come to the point of a verbal combat. Laban found none of his idols so Jacob lashes out “what is my transgression?”

“Now that you have searched thru all my tents, gone thru all my possessions, what have you found that belongs to you?” (37) Jacob knew he was innocent. There is frustration behind his rebuke of his father-in-law. Laban, upon finding nothing, really had nothing to say, no apology.

Jacob continues “These 20 years” (38)faithful service, caring service, nothing that would raise suspicion. In fact, Jacob went above and beyond (to show his integrity) that he even made restitution to Laban if any of his flock was attacked and ravaged by wild beasts. If anything was stolen, he made sure that Laban knew he was above reproach in all of this. Jacob’s day-to-day life and work ethic had him enduring the harshest conditions known in Mesopotamia (heat and frost)—even withstanding sleep deprivation to care for Laban’s herds.

How’s that for integrity? In all these years, 14 for his wives and 6 for his herd, Laban then changed wages 10 times and Jacob just went about his responsibilities.

vs 42—Jacob here makes his appeal to God for why he had not been overtaken by Laban. The phrase “fear of Isaac” is probably another name for God—fear standing in place of the name “God.” Jacob is probably speaking of the One (God) whom Isaac fears (to revere, worship, to be devoted to).

Jacob has withstood the test of temptation to compromise his integrity—even for 20 years. It would have been quite easy for him to justify taking advantage of Laban b/c his wages had been reduced 10x—thinking “I deserve this.” As it is he came thru with uncompromising integrity and I trust the HS will bring application of this to your lives where it is needed.

3. Jacob’s Unwavering Devotion

43-55

Proverbs 16:7 NASB95

7 When a man’s ways are pleasing to the Lord, He makes even his enemies to be at peace with him.

Laban had been exposed, the Lord rendered judgment and Jacob could stand tall b/c his ways were pleasing to the Lord. Jacob’s life wasn’t always that way—but these 20 years he has grown immensely.

A. The Mutual Pact

43-44

Laban is still not wanting to admit his presumption but recognizes that he has a responsibility toward his daughters and grandchildren and agrees that he and Jacob ought to pursue peace.

The forming of a covenant (to cut a covenant) was Laban’s idea and it would involve both parties: you and I, you and me. There is an emphasis here on both parties and the ultimate result would be a pact that would keep the 2 apart from each other. Sarna comments: “The treaty would recognize Jacob as a separate, independent people by its dual representations: two stone memorials, two meals, two names for the memorials, two names of deity, and the delineation of two ethnic groups.”

B. The Memorial

45-48a

It appears that Jacob (who is burning with anger toward Laban) is giving his father-in-law the silent treatment. He doesn’t respond with words—only action. He constructed a pillar (memorial stone—same term used for Lot’s wife ch 19) and then had his relatives make a mound of several stones (heap). Now, Jacob was experienced in constructing these pillars. He no doubt remembered Bethel and following the dream of the ladder and God’s promised presence he set up another pillar in ch 28.

This pillar would serve as a memorial, witness and had 2 names (one Aramaic one Hebrew—roughly equivalent). It would be translated along the lines as “witness heap.” This would become the witness of the mutual pact they had formed with each other.

C. The Mizpah

48b-53

The place was called Galeed (witness heap) & Mizpah (watchtower). You may have heard of the “Mizpah Benediction” (found in older hymnbooks), has been used on Christmas cards, inscribed inside wedding bands, and even used as a title for an organization! The Mizpah benediction was interpreted to invoke union, fellowship, and trust—this is unfortunate. What Laban said to Jacob was not a benediction at all, in fact it was invoking severe judgment of God. Laban said “we’re separating from each other but God is watching both of us.” This was actually a declaration of the 2 men who never really cared for each other and certainly didn’t trust each other. Laban’s threat was If you mistreat my daughters, I won’t know it but God will. God is the watchman, a sentry and so you see the purpose of the name Mizpah.

The other aspect of this was a commitment to go their separate ways and not do any harm to the other party. The Laban, who appears to embrace the God of Abraham… (some suggest it is only an act on his part and this may be the case). At any rate, Jacob is ready to honor the pact so he “swore by…” again, this is the name for His God—the one True God.

This would later be a practice required by the Law:

Deuteronomy 6:13 NASB95

13 “You shall fear only the Lord your God; and you shall worship Him and swear by His name.

Deuteronomy 10:20 NASB95

20 “You shall fear the Lord your God; you shall serve Him and cling to Him, and you shall swear by His name.

Nothing is said about Laban “swearing and oath” but we can see in Jacob his unwavering devotion to God. He wants to honor the agreement and has no thought of even mistreating his wives that would bring God’s judgment down on him. Jacob is a man of honor, a man of devotion.

D. The Meal

54-55

It was customary to eat a meal when a covenant was arranged. That Moses tells us 2x that they ate the meal by this heap and on the mountain where they stayed the night. What you would expect from the man who is devoted to the Lord is precisely how Jacob responds—he offered a sacrifice (54) in recognition of the divine host who was indeed watching over the forming of the covenant b/t Laban and Jacob.

Wiersbe “He wanted the God of his fathers to be honored before this pagan family that had caused him so much grief. The next morning, Laban said his farewells and returned home; and a long and difficult chapter in Jacob’s life came to a close, a chapter in which God was with him from beginning to end.”

This is the last we hear about Laban (a good thing!). Henry Morris comments:

Laban is an unfortunate example of a worldly, covetous man, one who knows about the true God and to whom a thorough witness has been given. He had seen the reality of God in the life of Jacob, along with the power of God in His blessing and protection of Jacob. He himself had even enjoyed many of the blessings of God through his relationship to Jacob. Nevertheless, he continued in idolatry and covetousness, seeking material gain for himself to the exclusion of all other considerations. Rather than seeking to follow the truth of God’s plan as witnessed by Jacob, he merely resented and coveted the blessing of God on Jacob. He finally ended up with neither. His life constitutes a sober warning to a great host of semireligious but fundamentally self-worshiping and self-seeking men and women today.

Jacob is returning home a changed man…but there’s still more change that he needs and it will take a visit from the pre-incarnate Christ to bring about God’s purposes in and thru this man.

Let me just add one more thing…in ch 35 we’ll see Jacob telling his family to bring all the gods, idols to him to be buried under an oak tree. To observe the warning of John against idols, drastic measures are required that we would guard ourselves against idols. Whatever it takes bury the idols.

1 Corinthians 10:14 NASB95

14 Therefore, my beloved, flee from idolatry.

Be sure to examine your heart to guard against and to flee from idols.