Lesson 17 – Jacob versus Laban:
 Rivalry and Its Results
 Read Genesis 30:25-31:55 - www.bible.com/bible/59/gen.30
 
*Do you currently have a strained or fractured relationship with a family member, friend or someone at work? In this study we find Jacob and Laban in just such a situation.

In the previous chapter, after marrying both Leah and Rachel, Jacob was obligated to serve their father for another seven years. Now he wants to return to his homeland with his family. But Laban persuades Jacob to stay on with a new contract. We will see how the rivalry between these two men grows to the point of open conflict.

In chapter 30, beginning in verse 25 we read how Jacob started planning for his own future ability to care for his family. He remembered he had an inheritance waiting for him back in his homeland and was anxious to get back there to see his family again. But Laban didn’t want Jacob to leave because he had gained much wealth through Jacob’s management of his animals.

We also read the different ways Jacob and Laban agreed on for saying which animals would now belong to whom. Laban, however, was going to do everything he could to cheat Jacob out of everything he could, so he removed all the sheep and goats he thought would bear others colored the way Jacob had said would be his.

When Jacob heard Laban’s sons begin to plan evil against him, Jacob took his wives and children and all that belonged to him, and started for home without telling Laban he was leaving. He talked with Leah and Rachel about his plan to leave, and they agreed with him that there was nothing left in this place for them.


 Three days later, when Laban heard Jacob had left, he rushed after them on the excuse that Jacob hadn’t given him a chance to say goodbye to his daughters. But he fully intended to charge Jacob with theft. Rachel had taken some things from her father, but Laban wasn’t able to find them and finally allowed Jacob and all he had to leave.

When we feel we’ve been treated unfairly, how do we respond? If we get angry we cannot hope to hear the other person’s point of view. Only when we truly listen to the other person can we begin to understand how they are feeling. Then, with God’s wisdom we can begin to find a way of reconciling our differences. Jesus promises us wisdom whenever we ask – James 1:5. He also wants us to do whatever we can to reconcile with someone with whom we’ve had differences. Read the following verses and write God’s command to believers:
*Matthew 5:23-26 _____ Leave your offering and reconcile
*Romans 12:18 _____ As much as depends on you be a peace with all