I am using the daily Bible reading schedule from “The Bible.net” for my daily Bible reading.

Today, I am reading and commenting on Genesis 31-32.

Laban’s response to Jacob leaving suggests that Jacob was correct to sneak away.  Laban gathered a small army and set off in pursuit of Jacob.  Jacob had a three day head start on Laban and it took Laban another seven days to catch up with him.  As we read on further, it seems that Esau had received word that Laban was chasing Jacob with hostile intent (why else did Esau set out with 400 men, since he did not intend to harm his brother).  It seems likely to me that by the time Laban overtook Jacob some of his allies had begun to wonder why they should fight Jacob over him leaving Laban.  In addition, Laban would likely have received word that Esau was marching with his men.  All of these factors played into Laban understanding, and heeding, God’s message to not harm Jacob.  We should recognize that God will use events we see happening in the world around us to reveal His will to us, but that He may also communicate with us directly.