«Then Jacob answered and said to Laban, ‘Because I was afraid, for I said, Perhaps you would take your daughters from me by force'»‘ (Genesis 31:31).
Jacob was on his way home, with two wives, twelve sons, and a great flock of sheep. He was fleeing from his evil father-in-law. Laban had treated Jacob deceptively; he had controlled two generations of marriages (Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel), manipulated others for his own benefit, and he refused to acknowledge his errors. He had benefited financially but not spiritually from Jacob. His two daughters agreed on something for the first time: the fact that their father had sold them as slaves. He had not given them a dowry as was the custom. Jacob had good reasons to fear someone as unscrupulous as Laban, but his father-in-law’s selfish behavior was not an excuse for him not to serve faithfully and diligently. Let’s not justify our faults at our workplace with the unjust treatment from our superiors.
Fear is a feeling that transcends gender, social status, relationships, and economic positions. It has been an inseparable part of the human race. From the moment that Adam sinned fear grew in his heart, and it will stay with us as long as sin exists. We need to learn to identify it and keep it subject to our will. Whether it was due to fear or because he was so sure of his family’s faithfulness, Jacob spoke impulsively: «With whomever you find your gods, do not let him live» (Genesis 31:32). He was unaware that it was his beloved wife Rachel who had hidden them. We should take care not to speak recklessly, no matter how sure we may be of things.
«In defense of his secret and hasty departure Jacob pleaded fear, and made an honest and forthright confession. As for the charge of theft, Jacob voluntarily submitted to the provisions of Mesopotamian law. This provided the death penalty for certain kinds of theft, including that of sacred objects.»—SDA Bible Commentary, vol. 1, p. 400.
Rachel stole the idols because according to tradition, possessing the family gods was like having a deed to the father’s properties. Once he died, having these god allowed the person to lay claim to his estate as their inheritance. This explains Laban’s anxiousness to recover the idols, but does not justify Rachel ‘s theft or her lies. Fear led Jacob to make hasty statements that could have cost him his wife’s life.
Ask God to give you the wisdom to not make hasty statements that could possibly affect members of your family.
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Taken from: Devotional Thoughts for Women 2023
“DAUGHTER OF MINE” Do Not Be Afraid
From: Arsenia Fernandez-Uckele
Collaborators: Xiomara Perdomo & Angelica Cuate
