INTRODUCTION:  Jacob’s vow (Genesis 28:20And Jacob vowed a vow, saying, If God will be with me, and will keep me in this way that I go, and will give me bread to eat, and raiment to put on,
See All...) asked of God both provision and protection.  In this lesson, God gives provision and protection to Jacob.  However, He also shows Jacob that the provision he receives is definitely from God and not a result of Jacob’s own manipulations.  When Jacob’s wages become the marked cattle, he tries to make the cattle with the right marks be born (Genesis 30:37-42 [37] And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. [38] And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. [39] And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted. [40] And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle. [41] And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. [42] But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.
See All...).  But Laban changes his wages ten times (Genesis 31:7And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
See All..., 41) and makes it impossible for Jacob to influence the outcome.  Finally, Jacob realizes that the Lord is the One who is blessing him (Genesis 31:7-9 [7] And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. [8] If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. [9] Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
See All..., 42).

1. JACOB AND LABAN AGREE UPON WAGES  (Genesis 30:25-36 [25] And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. [26] Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. [27] And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. [28] And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. [29] And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. [30] For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also? [31] And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. [32] I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. [33] So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. [34] And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. [35] And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. [36] And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
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1. Jacob Prepares to Leave Laban (Genesis 30:25-26 [25] And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. [26] Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.
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1. Jacob prepares to leave immediately after the birth of Joseph (Genesis 30:25And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.
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2. Jacob desires to return to his own country (Genesis 30:25And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.
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3. Jacob requests that his wives and children also go (Genesis 30:26Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.
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2. Laban Offers to Pay Jacob Wages (Genesis 30:27-28 [27] And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. [28] And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
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1. Laban asks Jacob to stay because of God’s blessings on Jacob (Genesis 30:27And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake.
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2. Laban offers Jacob an opportunity to determine his own wages (Genesis 30:28And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it.
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3. Jacob Offers to Work for Specially Marked Cattle (Genesis 30:29-33 [29] And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. [30] For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also? [31] And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. [32] I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. [33] So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
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1. Jacob is concerned for providing for his own family (Genesis 30:29-30 [29] And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. [30] For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?
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1. Laban has been blessed during Jacob’s stay (Genesis 30:29-30 [29] And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. [30] For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?
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2. Jacob is concerned about when he will begin providing for his own house (Genesis 30:30For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?
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2. Jacob makes an offer to stay (Genesis 30:31-32 [31] And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. [32] I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.
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1. If Laban will agree to the deal, Jacob will stay (Genesis 30:31And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock.
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2. Jacob will pass through the flock and remove the…. (Genesis 30:32I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire.
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1. Speckled and spotted cattle
2. Brown cattle among the sheep
3. Spotted and speckled among the goats
3. The word cattle can refer to more than sheep and goats, or it can refer to these only.
4. The majority of sheep and goats in an oriental flock are either plain black or plain white. This made Jacob’s deal seem good.
3. Jacob will deal honestly with Laban (Genesis 30:33So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me.
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4. Laban Agrees to Jacob’s Terms (Genesis 30:34-36 [34] And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. [35] And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. [36] And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
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1. Laban removes the goats and sheep from his cattle to give to Jacob (Genesis 30:34-35 [34] And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. [35] And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons.
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2. Laban sets three days’ journey between himself and Jacob (Genesis 30:36And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks.
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2. JACOB’S HERDS ARE GREATLY INCREASED (Genesis 30:37-43 [37] And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. [38] And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. [39] And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted. [40] And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle. [41] And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. [42] But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's. [43] And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
   See All...)
1. Jacob Worked to Increase the Marked Cattle (Genesis 30:37-39 [37] And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. [38] And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. [39] And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.
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1. Jacob goes and gets some branches of Poplar trees, Hazel trees, and Chestnut trees and “pilled white strakes” in them (Genesis 30:37And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chesnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.
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2. Jacob sets these rods in the gutters of the water trough (Genesis 30:38And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink.
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3. This is done at a certain time so that the animals conceive while facing the rods.
4. Whatever it is that takes place, we know that Jacob gets results.
5. Laban’s flocks breed speckled cattle (Genesis 30:39And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted.
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2. Jacob Worked to Strengthen His Cattle (Genesis 30:40-42 [40] And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle. [41] And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. [42] But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.
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1. Jacob set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked and all the brown in the flock of Laban (Genesis 30:40And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.
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2. Jacob put his own flocks by themselves (Genesis 30:40And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.
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3. When the stronger cattle conceived, Jacob laid the rods before their eyes in the gutters that they might conceive among the rods (Genesis 30:41And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods.
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4. When the cattle were feeble, he did not place the rods before them (Genesis 30:42But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.
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5. The feeble were Laban’s, and the strong were Jacob’s (Genesis 30:42But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's.
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3. Jacob Increased in Cattle and Servants (Genesis 30:43And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.
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3. JACOB DECIDES TO RETURN TO CANAAN (Genesis 31:1-16 [1] And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. [2] And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. [3] And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. [4] And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, [5] And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. [6] And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. [7] And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. [8] If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. [9] Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. [10] And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. [11] And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. [13] I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred. [14] And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? [15] Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. [16] For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
   See All...)
1. Jacob Decides to Return to Canaan (Genesis 31:1-3 [1] And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. [2] And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before. [3] And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
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1. Laban and his sons turn against Jacob (Genesis 31:1-2 [1] And he heard the words of Laban's sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father's; and of that which was our father's hath he gotten all this glory. [2] And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
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1. Laban’s sons said that Jacob had taken away all that was their father’s (Genesis 30:1And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die.
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2. The countenance of Laban changed toward Jacob (Genesis 31:2And Jacob beheld the countenance of Laban, and, behold, it was not toward him as before.
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2. The Lord tells Jacob to return (Genesis 31:3And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.
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2. Jacob Tells Rachel and Leah of His Decision (Genesis 31:4-13 [4] And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, [5] And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. [6] And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. [7] And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. [8] If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked. [9] Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me. [10] And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. [11] And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. [13] I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
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1. He tells of their father’s injustice to him (Genesis 31:4-8 [4] And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, [5] And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me. [6] And ye know that with all my power I have served your father. [7] And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me. [8] If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.
   See All...).
1. Jacob tells Rachel and Leah that their father’s countenance has changed against Jacob (Genesis 31:4-5 [4] And Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field unto his flock, [5] And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it is not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.
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2. Jacob tells of how faithfully he served Laban (Genesis 31:6And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
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3. Jacob tells how his wages were changed ten times (Genesis 31:7And your father hath deceived me, and changed my wages ten times; but God suffered him not to hurt me.
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4. Jacob omits some of the events of the growth of his cattle (Genesis 31:8If he said thus, The speckled shall be thy wages; then all the cattle bare speckled: and if he said thus, The ringstraked shall be thy hire; then bare all the cattle ringstraked.
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2. He tells of God’s blessing to him (Genesis 31:9Thus God hath taken away the cattle of your father, and given them to me.
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3. He tells of God’s dream to him (Genesis 31:10-13 [10] And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. [11] And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee. [13] I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
   See All...).
1. Jacob is given revelation concerning the cattle (Genesis 31:10-12 [10] And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled. [11] And the angel of God spake unto me in a dream, saying, Jacob: And I said, Here am I. [12] And he said, Lift up now thine eyes, and see, all the rams which leap upon the cattle are ringstraked, speckled, and grisled: for I have seen all that Laban doeth unto thee.
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1. This occurs “at the time that the cattle conceived” (Genesis 31:10And it came to pass at the time that the cattle conceived, that I lifted up mine eyes, and saw in a dream, and, behold, the rams which leaped upon the cattle were ringstraked, speckled, and grisled.
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2. Jacob had already made his preparations with the rods.
3. If Jacob is telling the truth, then the Lord was confirming what Jacob had already done.
2. Jacob is reminded of Bethel (Genesis 31:13I am the God of Bethel, where thou anointedst the pillar, and where thou vowedst a vow unto me: now arise, get thee out from this land, and return unto the land of thy kindred.
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1. The place where Jacob anointed the pillar
2. The place where Jacob vowed a vow unto God
3. Rachel and Leah Support Jacob in His Decision (Genesis 31:14-16 [14] And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? [15] Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money. [16] For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
   See All...).
1. Rachel and Leah were already upset with Laban over the lack of an inheritance (Genesis 31:14-15 [14] And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father's house? [15] Are we not counted of him strangers? for he hath sold us, and hath quite devoured also our money.
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2. Rachel and Leah encourage Jacob to follow God’s call (Genesis 31:16For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children's: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.
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4. JACOB FLEES FROM LABAN (Genesis 31:17-24 [17] Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; [18] And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. [19] And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. [20] And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. [21] So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead. [22] And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. [23] And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. [24] And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
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1. Jacob Flees While Laban Shears His Sheep (Genesis 31:17-21 [17] Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; [18] And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. [19] And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's. [20] And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled. [21] So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
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1. Jacob gathers his family and cattle to leave (Genesis 31:17-18 [17] Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; [18] And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padanaram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan.
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2. Rachel stole the images that were her father’s (Genesis 31:19And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's.
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3. Jacob leaves without Laban knowing that he is leaving (Genesis 31:20And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled.
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4. Jacob passes over the river and sets his face toward the mount Gilead (Genesis 31:21So he fled with all that he had; and he rose up, and passed over the river, and set his face toward the mount Gilead.
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2. Laban Pursues after Jacob and Overtakes Him (Genesis 31:22-24 [22] And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled. [23] And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead. [24] And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
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1. Laban learns of Jacob’s departure on the third day after Jacob fled (Genesis 31:22And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.
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2. Laban takes his brethren and pursues Jacob for seven days (Genesis 31:23And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.
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3. Laban overtakes Jacob at the mount Gilead (Genesis 31:23And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.
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4. God came to Laban in a dream instructing him to speak neither good nor bad to Jacob (Genesis 31:24And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
   See All...).
5. LABAN CATCHES JACOB IN MOUNT GILEAD (Genesis 31:25-42 [25] Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. [26] And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? [27] Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? [28] And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. [29] It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. [30] And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods? [31] And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. [32] With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. [33] And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent. [34] Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. [35] And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched but found not the images. [36] And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? [37] Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both. [38] This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. [39] That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. [40] Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. [41] Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. [42] Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
   See All...)
1. Laban Makes His Accusations against Jacob (Genesis 31:25-30 [25] Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. [26] And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? [27] Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? [28] And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. [29] It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. [30] And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?
   See All...).
1. Laban questions Jacob’s departure (Genesis 31:25-28 [25] Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent in the mount: and Laban with his brethren pitched in the mount of Gilead. [26] And Laban said to Jacob, What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? [27] Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp? [28] And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing.
   See All...).
2. Laban tells Jacob of God’s intervention (Genesis 31:29It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.
   See All...).
3. Laban asks Jacob why he stole his gods (Genesis 31:30And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father's house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?
   See All...).
2. Jacob Allows Laban to Seek for His Gods (Genesis 31:31-35 [31] And Jacob answered and said to Laban, Because I was afraid: for I said, Peradventure thou wouldest take by force thy daughters from me. [32] With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them. [33] And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent. [34] Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. [35] And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched but found not the images.
   See All...).
1. Jacob offers death for anyone who stole the gods (Genesis 31:32With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
   See All...).
2. Jacob did not know that Rachel stole the images (Genesis 31:32With whomsoever thou findest thy gods, let him not live: before our brethren discern thou what is thine with me, and take it to thee. For Jacob knew not that Rachel had stolen them.
   See All...).
3. Laban searches Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah’s tent to no avail (Genesis 31:33And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found them not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.
   See All...).
4. Rachel hid the images under her so that Laban could not find them (Genesis 31:34-35 [34] Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found them not. [35] And she said to her father, Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me. And he searched but found not the images.
   See All...).
3. Jacob Makes His Accusations against Laban (Genesis 31:36-42 [36] And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? [37] Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both. [38] This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. [39] That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. [40] Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. [41] Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times. [42] Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
   See All...).
1. Jacob questions the reason for Laban’s hot pursuit (Genesis 31:36-37 [36] And Jacob was wroth, and chode with Laban: and Jacob answered and said to Laban, What is my trespass? what is my sin, that thou hast so hotly pursued after me? [37] Whereas thou hast searched all my stuff, what hast thou found of all thy household stuff? set it here before my brethren and thy brethren, that they may judge betwixt us both.
   See All...).
2. Jacob reminds Laban of his faithful service (Genesis 31:38-41 [38] This twenty years have I been with thee; thy ewes and thy she goats have not cast their young, and the rams of thy flock have I not eaten. [39] That which was torn of beasts I brought not unto thee; I bare the loss of it; of my hand didst thou require it, whether stolen by day, or stolen by night. [40] Thus I was; in the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night; and my sleep departed from mine eyes. [41] Thus have I been twenty years in thy house; I served thee fourteen years for thy two daughters, and six years for thy cattle: and thou hast changed my wages ten times.
   See All...).
3. Jacob tells Laban of God’s intervention because of Laban’s wickedness (Genesis 31:42Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight.
   See All...).
6. LABAN MAKES A COVENANT WITH JACOB (Genesis 31:43-55 [43] And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? [44] Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. [45] And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. [46] And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. [47] And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed. [48] And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; [49] And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. [50] If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee. [51] And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee: [52] This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. [53] The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac. [54] Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount. [55] And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.
   See All...)
1. Jacob and Laban Make a Heap of Stones (Genesis 31:43-47 [43] And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? [44] Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. [45] And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar. [46] And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap. [47] And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.
   See All...).
1. Laban and Jacob make a covenant between each other (Genesis 31:43-45 [43] And Laban answered and said unto Jacob, These daughters are my daughters, and these children are my children, and these cattle are my cattle, and all that thou seest is mine: and what can I do this day unto these my daughters, or unto their children which they have born? [44] Now therefore come thou, let us make a covenant, I and thou; and let it be for a witness between me and thee. [45] And Jacob took a stone, and set it up for a pillar.
   See All...).
2. Laban and Jacob ate upon the heap of stones (Genesis 31:46And Jacob said unto his brethren, Gather stones; and they took stones, and made an heap: and they did eat there upon the heap.
   See All...).
3. Laban called the heap Jegarsahadutha, while Jacob called the heap Galeed (Genesis 31:47And Laban called it Jegarsahadutha: but Jacob called it Galeed.
   See All...).
2. Jacob and Laban Make a Covenant between Them (Genesis 31:48-53 [48] And Laban said, This heap is a witness between me and thee this day. Therefore was the name of it called Galeed; [49] And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another. [50] If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee. [51] And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee: [52] This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm. [53] The God of Abraham, and the God of Nahor, the God of their father, judge betwixt us. And Jacob sware by the fear of his father Isaac.
   See All...).
1. The covenant was for the Lord to watch both sides (Genesis 31:49And Mizpah; for he said, The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another.
   See All..., 53).
2. The pillar was set up for a boundary (Genesis 31:51-52 [51] And Laban said to Jacob, Behold this heap, and behold this pillar, which I have cast betwixt me and thee: [52] This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm.
   See All...).
3. Jacob Makes a Sacrifice to the Lord (Genesis 31:54Then Jacob offered sacrifice upon the mount, and called his brethren to eat bread: and they did eat bread, and tarried all night in the mount.
   See All...).
4. Laban Returns to Haran in Peace (Genesis 31:55And early in the morning Laban rose up, and kissed his sons and his daughters, and blessed them: and Laban departed, and returned unto his place.
   See All...).

CONCLUSION:  It is God who gives us “power to get wealth” (Deuteronomy 8:18But thou shalt remember the LORD thy God: for it is he that giveth thee power to get wealth, that he may establish his covenant which he sware unto thy fathers, as it is this day.
See All...).  He is the One who has promised to provide for us (Philippians 4:19
See All...).  We need to work with the best of our ability and effort (Genesis 31:6And ye know that with all my power I have served your father.
See All..., 38-40; Colossians 3:23And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men;
See All...).  But we need to know that God deserves credit for every blessing that we receive.  Also, we see God’s protection of Jacob from Laban.  However, God’s protection of Jacob will be seen more when we study Jacob’s encounter with his brother Esau in the next two chapters.