BIY - Genesis 29-31

Initial Thoughts:
1. Laban was deceitful
2. Jacob punished in a way for Laban's deceit.
3. Leah was a victim, Maybe
4. Jacob caught in the middle?
5. Did Jacob exert revenge on Laban?
6. or take his due "wages"?
7. After the posturing Laban folds.

Detailed Thoughts
1. First and formost the underlying theme in these three chapters is the deceit from Laban. First with Leah, than with the sheep and goats and finally with the household goods (Even though this one was true). Such a prominent role he plays in these early histories and yet he does not appear to have been a man of his word or a man of God.

2. In a way Jacob is punished for Laban's deceit. Jacob wanted to marry Rachel. He got Leah as a underhanded manipulation. Then because Leah is not loved, Rachel and by extension Jacob is punished. He didn't ask for Leah in the first place how is this his fault?

3. Then, extending point 2, Jacob gets caught in the middle of a sibling rivalry between his wives! Need I say more, ok I will. Read on dear reader...

4. OK what part of the Laban back story with Leah did we miss? Was there more to it than, " It is not our custom to marry the younger daughter first?" Maybe Leah was the driver! I feel sorry for Jacob.

5\6. Did Jacob exert revenge on Laban by selectively mating the flock or was he taking what was owed him? I think after 20 years of working for Laban and getting nothing but underhanded schemes as well as enhancing Laban's worth, Jacob got what he was owed. Did he exert a little "influence?" Probably. Was it a little unethical? Probably. But so far no one was perfect in this story.

7. Laban talks a big game but folds. Maybe this is why he such a small net worth to begin with. He liked to throw weight around but had no follow through.