HOMILETICS. Vere. 1-21.-Jacob's flight from Laban. I. THE HO'!IEWARD DESIRE. The long- ing to revisit Canaan, which six years previously Laban's exactions and Joseph's birth (eh. xxx. 25) had combined to inspire within the heart of Jacob, returned upon him with an intensity that could no longer be resisted. Accelerated in its vehemence partly by the interposed delay to which it had been subjected, pnrtly by his further acquaintance with the meanness and craft of his uncle, and partly by his own rapidly- accumulating wealth, it was now brought tc> a head by-1. The calumnious remarks of Laban's sons. Inheriting the sordid and avaricious nature of their parent, they were filled with envy at the remarkable prosperity which had attended Jacob during the past six years. If good men are sometimes "envious at the foolish," it is not sur- prising that wicked men should occasionnlly begrudge the success of saints. Then from sinful desires they passed to wicked thoughts, occusing Jncob of having by superior craft out-manceuvred their designing father, and appropriated the flocks nnd herds that ought to have been his; which, however, was a manifest exaggeration, since Jacob had not token away all their father's "glory," and an unjustifiable calumny, since it was not Jncob's stratagem, but God's blessing, that had multiplied the parti-coloured flocks. And lastly, from witked thoughts they advanced to evil words, not only accusing Jacob in their minds, hut openly vilifying him with their tongues, adding to the sin of private sl1mder that of public defamation-conduct which the word of God severely reprehends (Prov. xxx. 10; 1 Cor. vi. 10; Titus iii. 2; James iv. 11). 2. The manifest displeasure of Laban. During the fourteen yeMs that Jacob kept the flocks for Rachel and Leah, Laban regarded him with evident s&tisfnction; not perhaps for his own sake, but for the unprecedented increase in his (Laban's) pastoral wealth which had token place under Jacob's fostering care. He wns even disposed to be somewhat pious so long as the flocks and herds con- tinued multiplying (eh. xxx. 27). But now, when at the end of six years the relative positions of himself and Jacob are reversed,-when J11cob is the rich mnn and he, comparatively speaking at lenst, the poor one,-not only does his piety towards God disappear, but his civility towards m&n does not remain. There are many Labans in the Church, whose religion is but the shadow that wnits upon the sun of their pros- perity, and many Labans in the world, whose amiability tow.ards others is only the reflection of their complncent feeling towards themselves. 3. T!te explicit command of God. Twenty years before, at Bethel, God had promised to bnng Jncob buck again to Cana&n, o.nd now he issues formal instructions to bis servnnt to return. As really, though not ns visibly nnd directly, God orders the footsteps of 1111 his children (Ps. xxxii. 8; xxxvii. 23). If it is well not to run before God's providence, as Jacob would have done had he returned to Canaan at the end of the fourteenth year, it is also well not to lag behind when that providence has been clearly made known. 'l'he assurance given to Jacob of guidance on his homeward journey is extended to all who, in their daily goings forth, obey the Divine instructions and follow the Divine leadings. II. THE CONFERENCE IN TIIE FIELD. 1. Tlte e:xplanatwn of Jacob. Three con- trasts completo tho sum of Jncob's announcements to his wives. First, between the 378 THE BOOR OF GENESlR [en. xxxr. 1-21.
growing displeasure of Laban their father and the manifest favour of the Elohim of his father (ver. 5); second, between the unwearied duplicity of their father, not- withstanding Jacob's arduous service, nnd tl1e ever-watchful protection of God &g!linst his injurious designs (vers. 6, 7) ; and third, between the diminishing herds of Laban and the multiplying flocks of himself, Jacob, both of which were traceable to Divine interposition (vers. 8, 10, 12). After enlarging on these contrasts, he in- forms them of the Divine!y-given order to return (ver. 13). 2. 1'lie answer of Rachel and Leah. Acknowledging the mean and avaricious spirit of their father, who had not only sold them as i,Jr..ves, but unjustly deprived them of the portions to which, as the daughters of a chieftain, they were entitled (vera. 14, 15), they first confoss that Jacob's wealth was nothing more than it would have been bad they been honourably dowered at the first; second, recognise the hand of God in thus punishing their father and restoring to their husband what was practically his; and, third, encourage him to yield complete and prompt obedience to the Divine commandment (ver. 16). III. THE HASTY DEPARTURE. In this there were four things discernible. 1. Faith. In setting his face towards Canaan ho was acting in obedience to Divine instructions; and respect unto God's commandments is an essential characteristic of living faith. 2. Love. In determining " to go to Isaac bis father" he was actuated by a true spirit of filial piety. 3. Wisdom. In stealing away unawares to Laban, while Laban was providentially detained at the sheep-shearing, there was commend- able prudence, which, i{ possible, a good man should never lack. 4. Sin. Not indeed on Jacob's part, but on that of Rachel, who, taking advantage of her father's absence, carried off his Penates or household images. Learn-1. That the love of country and friends is deeply implanted in the human breast. 2. That it is a great trial for worldly men to see good fortune go past their doors. 3. That the love of money, or the greed of gain, is the l"Oot of every kind of evil. 4. That the promises of God, however long delayed, are certain of fulfil- ment. 5. That loving husbands should consult their wives in all important steps in life. 6. That daughters should avoid speaking ill of parents, even should those parents deserve it. 7. That wives should always study to encourage their husbands in doing God's will. 8. That those who flee from oppression should seek for safety in paths of God's appointing. 9. That thriving and prosperous sons should not for- get their parents in old age. 10. That daughters should not steal from their fathers, even to the extent of pilfering worthless images.