Chapter 31

Things change between Laban and Jacob, and God tells Jacob to leave.  

Jacob informs Rachel and Leah of events of late and of his plan to leave.  They are ready to go.

Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel stole her father's household gods. And Jacob tricked Laban the Aramean, by not telling him that he intended to flee.

Genesis 31:19‭-‬20 ESV

Really hard to see Jacob and his wives as the heroes in this story.  Did Rachel steal the gods so she could continue to worship them or to spite her father.  Both present some severe problems.

Laban pursues and catches up after a week.  God warns Laban to be careful what he says.

How did they get from Haran to Gilead in only seven days?  Jacob got there in 10 pushing livestock women and children.

They have a confrontation.  Laban accuses Jacob of stealing his gods.  Jacob is unaware and says it Laban finds them, someone will die.  Laban searches.

Rachel hides what she stole with another lie.  Jacob makes a self-righteous speech about what a good guy he is and how Laban has abused him.

Laban and Jacob then make a covenant to leave each other alone.  Laban kisses the grands, and then goes home.