Ancestral idols

October 24, 2020 (Saturday)

 

After Joseph is born, Jacob wants to leave Laban (see Genesis 30:25 – 26). Considering Jacob was leaving Laban to head back to a homicidal brother, things must have been bad. He asks for permission, but Laban still want to use Jacob.

 

“But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.” [Genesis 30:27 NIV] Jacob reminds Laban that he has become rich, due to Jacob’s efforts. It’s time for Jacob to go into business for himself (see Genesis 30:29 – 30).  Laban does a deal that will allow Jacob to begin building his own herds. Mistake.

 

Jacob will accept, as his pay, the speckled, spotted, and black sheep. Laban, of course, cheats Jacob again. “But that very day Laban went out and removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted or had white patches, and all the black sheep. He placed them in the care of his own sons” [Genesis 30:35 NLT] By agreement, these were Jacob’s sheep.

 

Jacob begins a breeding program, designed to increase his herds. It has been suggested that Jacob used some sort of fertility magic. Personally, I have thought Jacob used the sticks to mark the genetic traits he wished to create (see Genesis 31:10 – 13). “Jacob separated those lambs from Laban’s flock. And at mating time he turned the flock to face Laban’s animals that were streaked or black. This is how he built his own flock instead of increasing Laban’s.” [Genesis 30:40 NLT]

 

“As a result, Jacob became very wealthy, with large flocks of sheep and goats, female and male servants, and many camels and donkeys.” [Genesis 30:43 NLT] Of course, this creates problems. Laban’s sons began to accuse Jacob of getting stealing from Laban. “And Jacob began to notice a change in Laban’s attitude toward him.” [Genesis 31:2 NLT] Consider, Jacob would rather take his chances with his homicidal brother… BEFORE this… and I get the feeling things had become very, very, very dangerous.

 

Jacob calls his wives, explains the need to run. They agree, Laban is a dangerous man. “Doesn’t he think of us as foreigners since he sold us and has even used up the payment he received for us?” [Genesis 31:15 CEB] Laban no longer treats them as family. Worse, they are foreigners. Compound the reality, the daughters were sold. Laban has taken their dowry, meant to be their safety net, and stolen it for his personal uses. They run. Mistake.

 

Laban gives chase for seven days (see Genesis 31:22 – 23). Considering he rounded up an army to chase him indicates this was a hostile action. God intervenes to save Jacob. “But God came to Laban the Aramean in a dream by night and said to him, “Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.” [Genesis 31:24 ESV] Basically God told Laban to leave Jacob alone!

 

Still, Laban is willing to risk the wrath of God for wealth. He accuses Jacob, “…But why did you steal my gods?” [Genesis 31:31c NIV] I hope you catch the humor of the idea that Laban’s “gods” could be stolen. Turns out Rachel has taken them. Go back to the last study, when Rachel is naming Naphtali she is declaring victory over Leah and the LORD. Mistake.

 

These “gods” become a constant thorn in the spiritual side of Israel for more than 400 years. “So fear the Lord and serve him wholeheartedly. Put away forever the idols your ancestors worshiped when they lived beyond the Euphrates River and in Egypt. Serve the Lord alone.” [Joshua 24:14 NLT] Ouch.

 

The “gods” you serve today through the choices you make may just haunt your descendants for a very, very, very long time.