Topical Encyclopedia
Biblical Context:The account of Jacob meeting Laban is found in the Book of Genesis, primarily in chapters 29 and 30. This narrative is a significant part of the patriarchal history, detailing the events that unfold after Jacob flees from his brother Esau and arrives in Paddan-aram, the land of his maternal relatives.
Background:Jacob, the son of Isaac and Rebekah, is sent to Paddan-aram to escape the wrath of his brother Esau, from whom he had deceitfully taken the birthright and blessing. Rebekah instructs Jacob to seek refuge with her brother Laban and to find a wife from among Laban's daughters (
Genesis 27:43-46).
Jacob's Arrival:Upon arriving in the region, Jacob encounters shepherds at a well and learns that they are from Haran, Laban's city. He inquires about Laban's well-being and is informed that Laban's daughter Rachel is approaching with her father's sheep (
Genesis 29:4-6). Jacob's first meeting with Rachel is marked by a display of strength and emotion, as he rolls the stone away from the well's mouth and waters her flock, then kisses Rachel and weeps aloud (
Genesis 29:10-11).
Meeting Laban:Rachel runs to inform her father, Laban, of Jacob's arrival. Laban warmly welcomes Jacob, embracing him and bringing him into his home. Jacob recounts his journey and his relationship to Laban, who declares, "Surely you are my bone and my flesh" (
Genesis 29:14). Jacob stays with Laban for a month, during which time Laban offers him employment.
Jacob's Service and Marriage:Laban inquires about Jacob's wages, and Jacob offers to serve Laban for seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand in marriage, as he loves her deeply (
Genesis 29:18). Laban agrees, and Jacob serves the seven years, which seem to him "but a few days because of his love for her" (
Genesis 29:20).
However, Laban deceives Jacob by substituting Leah, Rachel's older sister, as the bride on the wedding night. When Jacob confronts Laban, he is told that it is not customary to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older. Laban offers Rachel to Jacob in exchange for another seven years of service, to which Jacob agrees (
Genesis 29:25-28).
Family and Prosperity:Jacob's time with Laban is marked by the birth of his children and the growth of his wealth. Leah bears Jacob several sons, while Rachel, initially barren, eventually gives birth to Joseph (
Genesis 29:31-30:24). Jacob's prosperity increases as he tends Laban's flocks, employing selective breeding techniques that result in a large and strong herd (
Genesis 30:37-43).
Significance:The meeting and subsequent relationship between Jacob and Laban are pivotal in the unfolding of God's covenant promises. Through Jacob's marriages to Leah and Rachel, the twelve tribes of Israel are born. Despite Laban's deceit and manipulation, God's providence and blessing upon Jacob are evident, as Jacob's family and wealth grow significantly during his time in Paddan-aram. This narrative underscores themes of divine sovereignty, human agency, and the fulfillment of God's promises through the lineage of the patriarchs.
