Jacob Flees from Laban

Jacob observed that Laban's countenance was not toward him as before, and he received a command from God to return to the land of his fathers (Genesis 31:2-3). He called Rachel and Leah to the field and explained that although Laban had changed his wages ten times, God had not permitted Laban to hurt him. Jacob reported that an angel of God spoke to him in a dream regarding the spotted and speckled cattle (Genesis 31:10-11). Rachel and Leah agreed to depart, stating they were counted as strangers by their father and that all the riches God had taken from him belonged to them and their children.

Jacob rose up and set his sons and wives upon camels, carrying away all his cattle and goods to go to Isaac in the land of Canaan (Genesis 31:17-18). While Laban went to shear his sheep, Rachel stole the images that were her father's. The text does not say why she took them. Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian and fled with all he had, crossing the river and setting his face toward the mount Gilead. Laban was told of the flight on the third day and pursued Jacob for seven days, overtaking him in the mount (Genesis 31:22-23).

Laban questioned Jacob regarding his secret departure and the theft of his gods. Jacob replied that he fled in fear that Laban would take his daughters by force, but he pronounced a death sentence upon anyone found with the stolen images (Genesis 31:31-32). Laban searched the tents but did not find the images, as Rachel had hidden them in the camel's furniture and sat upon them. Jacob then rebuked Laban for his pursuit, citing twenty years of service in Laban's house (Genesis 31:41). The event concluded with the two men setting up a pillar and a heap of stones as a witness that neither would pass over it to harm the other.