Genesis 31: Laban Pursues Jacob
Laban and his family felt that Jacob had basically stolen all Laban’s wealth. God told Jacob it was time to leave so while Laban was off shearing his sheep, Jacob packed everything up and left. Unknown to Jacob, Rachel stole Laban’s terephim or gods. Laban then pursued Jacob but before he caught up with him, God appeared to Laban in a dream and told him he better treat him decently. Laban accused Jacob of stealing his gods and so searched Jacob's camp but could not find them because Rachel was sitting on them on her camel. Jacob becomes angry with Laban and accuses Laban of taking advantage of him for twenty years. Laban says everything that Jacob has belongs to him. But the argument goes no further and they agree to vow friendship and part ways.
Laban is basically a covetous man who only cares about riches. Jacob cares more about pleasing God. Their relationship with each other is a war of theologies. Earthly gods and desires versus the God of Abraham and Issac who is the only active and effective god.
The behavior of Rachel is puzzling. Why did she steal Laban’s idols? One theory is that she thinks they could be used to find Jacob and company (Clarke). Another is that she wants to take them away from Laban so that he will turn to the God of Abraham. Well, motives can be a secret of the heart and we may never know.
Had not God interceded, Laban may well have attacked Jacob. Father, I pray that You intercede constantly to keep me at peace with all men.