Jacob Slipped Away Quietly

Jacob had lived with Laban for a long time, and he longed to return to his own family far away. God said to Jacob, “Go back to the land where you were born. I will be with you.” Jacob called Rachel and Leah to the field and told them that God said it was time to return. He also told them that Laban had not treated them kindly. Rachel and Leah agreed to leave with Jacob. The family packed their clothes, pots, flocks, and belongings. While Laban was far away shearing sheep, they quietly left, crossed the Euphrates River, and began the journey home. Three days later Laban heard they had left. He chased them for seven days and caught up with them in the hill country of Gilead. But God warned Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob. Jacob told Laban that he had worked hard and honestly for twenty years, and that God had watched over him. Finally Jacob and Laban stacked stones as a witness and promised not to cross that place to harm each other. The next morning Laban said goodbye to his daughters and grandchildren, and Jacob’s family continued home with relief and hope.