Charles (Chuck) Kensinger

A question to ask about Genesis 30 is, “Does God determine whether a couple can or cannot have a child?” If He does, what criteria does He use?  I know it can’t be whether you will be a good parent or have a healthy marriage.

Twelve children are born into Jacob’s family through the four women.  Leah stays in the lead by number, but not by love.  One daughter is mentioned, and the rest are sons.  Only Joseph is by Rachel.  This will play a factor later.

The last of our selection tells how Jacob deceived his father-in-law and increased his flocks while decreasing Laban’s.  Human nature is very active in the soon to be the Hebrew nation.

If Jacob is to be the son that carries the promise of possessing the land Abraham and Isaac were promised Genesis 31 tells us that God instructs him to return.  The animosity between Laban and his men and his son-in-law has grown to a dangerous pitch.  In justifying the move to his wives God’s chosen one does not explain the reason why spotted and striped animals outnumbered light colors.

We are not told why Rachel stole her Father’s idols.  They may have been valuable, or it might be spite or sentimental value.  We don’t know.  Jacob makes a dangerous statement about killing the thief if there is one.  Rachel has learned from her Father and Husband and moves the stolen goods while the search is on.

When nothing is found a truce is arranged and the two go their own ways.  Laban refers not only to Jehovah as the God of Abraham but also of Naho, Abraham’s father who was the first to start for Canaan.  He is the common ancestor of the two clans.

©Copyright 2020 by Charles Kensinger