NOTES for Gen 31:1-21

Jacob's departure from his father-in-law's land is connected with understandable human ideas of justice. To work for his father-in-law for so many years, to face petty deceit and substitution, to endure constant attempts to grab a piece and profit from Jacob: all this is hard. But his departure is not connected with an ordinary "I've had enough," but with God's call to obtain the land promised to his father and grandfather. Despite being in the right, Jacob fears for his life and for his family; he fears revenge from his brothers-in-law. He leaves secretly, having secured the support of Rachel and Leah. This secrecy gives Rachel the opportunity to bring idolatry into the people who worship the One God. She cannot part with what had long formed the foundation of her life, and the weed of paganism, without Jacob's knowledge, penetrates the field that the Lord planted.