Genesis 31-32

Jacob has become super-rich but his brothers-in-law start talking behind his back to Laban, telling Laban that Jacob is taking advantage. To some degree, that actually is true given Jacob's breeding scheme in the prior chapter. We also find out that Laban has changed Jacob's salary 10 times, or so Jacob claims, which could be an exaggeration. Perhaps, Laban has changed the salary precisely because he thinks Jacob is taking advantage of him or because Laban knows that Jacob has no where else go since he still is afraid of Esau.

Finally, God steps in and tells Jacob it is time to leave. Go back to Esau, "all will be fine and I will be with you.". That solves the problems with his in-laws but Esau is an unknown. Interestingly, while discussing it with his wives, they refer to God as God.

Jacob and his servants, children, and wives pack up to leave, but don't tell Laban. Presumably, they are still a 3 day-journey from Laban which makes that possible. Laban chases after them, but, I'm not entirely sure what it is he wants. He claims he wants to say goodbye to his girls and wants his family idols back, which we find out that Rachel took. But, he could easily want to change the salary again, or maybe Laban is used to getting his own way and will forbid Jacob from leaving. Fortunately, God stepped in and told Laban to tread very carefully.

I picture this like a border crossing where you go from one country to a much friendlier country. Armed soldiers with a big German Shepherd check your passport, then say, "the family idols are missing. We need to search you.". They put on gloves and ask you to step outside.

Laban searches Jacob's belongings for this family idols and can't find them because they are with Rachel on her camel. Now you look foolish Lavan. This finally is the idol that breaks the camel's back and Jacob has a shouting match with his father-in-law. All that pent up frustration of being treated unfairly for 20 years just spills out.

Laban lets him go and now Jacob has to do the next border crossing - meet Esau. Immediately, Jacob sees a village of angels and calls it the camp of God. This does not strengthen his resolve and confidence, but rather he sends messengers who find out that Esau is coming with 400 soldiers. He splits his flocks into multiple groups and starts sending waves of gifts to Esau. One wave has over 200 sheep, which gives some indication just how rich Jacob has become.

He crosses the river with his wives and kids late at night. Then he's alone at camp when possibly the most important thing in his life happens, an invisible man wrestles with him the rest of the night. He won't let go, even after the man wrenches his hip joint, but demands a blessing. The man does not exactly "bless" Jacob, but rather renames him Israel because he has wrestled with God and people and has been the stronger.

So, here we find Jacob extremely vulnerable. He is responsible for the lives of his wives, 11 children, and many servants with only flocks of sheep standing between him and the brother he twice- cheated. His brother leads an army of 400 soldiers...and Jacob's hip hurts. Yet, he seems to finally have the faith in God that has alluded him all these years as he declared, "I have seen God face-to-face, but lived".