“For all the riches which God hath taken from our father, that is ours, and our children’s: now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.”
In this verse, we find Rachel and Leah, the wives of Jacob, discussing their relationship with their father, Laban. To fully understand the context of this verse, it’s helpful to explore the preceding events.
Jacob had been working for Laban for many years and had acquired wealth in the form of livestock and possessions. However, Laban’s attitude toward Jacob changed, and he began to treat him unfairly. God revealed to Jacob that it was time to return to his homeland (Canaan), and Jacob shared this with his wives, Rachel and Leah.
In Genesis 31:16, Rachel and Leah express their agreement with Jacob’s decision to leave Laban. They acknowledge that God has blessed Jacob and taken wealth from Laban, which they see as rightfully belonging to them and their children. They affirm their support for Jacob’s decision by saying, “now then, whatsoever God hath said unto thee, do.”
This verse highlights a few important lessons:
- Recognition of God’s Providence:Rachel and Leah acknowledge that it was God who had blessed Jacob and caused the increase of their family’s wealth. They attribute their prosperity to God’s intervention and guidance. It serves as a reminder to us that all blessings and riches ultimately come from God.
- Trusting God’s Guidance:Rachel and Leah demonstrate their trust in God’s leading by supporting Jacob’s decision to leave Laban. They recognize that Jacob is following God’s instructions and encourage him to do whatever God has commanded him to do. Their response reflects a willingness to submit to God’s plans, even if it means leaving familiar surroundings and uncertain circumstances.
- Family Unity:Rachel and Leah display solidarity with their husband, Jacob. Despite the difficulties they may have faced in their relationship with their father, they stand together as a family, recognizing their shared responsibility to follow God’s guidance. This underscores the importance of unity within families and the support needed to navigate challenging situations.
In summary, Genesis 31:16 provides insight into the faith and trust displayed by Rachel and Leah in God’s providence and guidance. Their words encourage us to acknowledge God’s blessings, trust His leading, and stand united with our family members in fulfilling His purposes.
