Genesis 31:27 Why did you run off secretly and deceive me? Why didn’t you tell me, so I could send you away with joy and singing to the music of timbrels and harps?
I’m honestly not entirely sure what to make of today’s scripture. Laban begins by almost cajoling Jacob. “Why’d you go in secret? You know I would have thrown a going away party if I had known.” Then Laban uses guilt. “You didn’t even let me kiss my grandbabies goodbye.”
Genesis 31:28 You didn’t even let me kiss my grandchildren and my daughters goodbye. You have done a foolish thing.
Then he uses a threat (“I have the power to harm you.”) and a query (“Why did you steal my gods?”) Is Laban just feeling all the emotions? Is he trying to find an angle to exploit? (He’s good at exploitation based on his past behavior.)
Genesis 31:29 I have the power to harm you; but last night the God of your father said to me, ‘Be careful not to say anything to Jacob, either good or bad.’
Precious Savior, It is difficult for me to watch an aggressor play the victim. But You have said that I am not to judge. Help me, Jesus. If You want me to love others, all others, help me to put aside the part that wants to judge without grace, mercy, or compassion. Help me to be more like You. Amen.
Genesis 31:30 Now you have gone off because you longed to return to your father’s household. But why did you steal my gods?”
Have a blessed day.