Genesis 31:31 Jacob answered Laban, “I was afraid, because I thought you would take your daughters away from me by force.
What has Jacob gained by caving to his fear and slipping away in the night with his wives, children, property? At this point, absolutely nothing. Laban has found him. Anything Laban might have done he can still do if he has the desire and the muscle.
Genesis 31:32 But if you find anyone who has your gods, that person shall not live. In the presence of our relatives, see for yourself whether there is anything of yours here with me; and if so, take it.” Now Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen the gods.
But it seems like Laban is more concerned about his stolen gods than any of the people at this point, and I find that curious. In Gen 30:27, Laban says that the Lord has blessed him because of Jacob. Was that interaction not enough to draw Laban away from idols? It appears not.
Genesis 31:33 So Laban went into Jacob’s tent and into Leah’s tent and into the tent of the two female servants, but he found nothing. After he came out of Leah’s tent, he entered Rachel’s tent.
Precious Savior, You lavish me with blessings daily. Thank You. I do not and can not deserve the favor that You show me. Forgive me when I allow things of this world to steal my attention from You. Help me to stay focused on You, in You always. No matter what. Amen.
Genesis 31:34 Now Rachel had taken the household gods and put them inside her camel’s saddle and was sitting on them. Laban searched through everything in the tent but found nothing.
Have a blessed day.