Jacob was doing the right thing in now leaving his father-in-law Laban to return to the Promised Land. This was God’s will for him (v3), but the manner in which he did this was not right. Sneaking away so Laban could not say goodbye to his daughters or grandchildren was not right. Jacob was hindered from doing this the right way because of fear (v31).

God’s people need to do the right thing in the right way. We need to have integrity in our dealings with others. We need courage to act the right way.

Jacob should have done the right thing in saying to Laban that he was leaving and trusted in God for the outcome. God’s power to protect is shown here in how He speaks to Laban in a dream and warns him about how he would treat Jacob (v24 & 29). God is greater than any challenge we face. We can be confident in God to work things out and not to try and manipulate things.

Unknown to Jacob though he and his family have been put in a dangerous position by Rachel stealing the family idols (v19, 30, 32).

Although Rachel was able to get away with this action this time, sin has consequences for ourselves and our families. God’s people need to walk reverently before God acting in a blameless manner.