Genesis 31:36 - Meaning and Application

See in these verses,

I. The power of provocation. Jacob’s natural temper was mild and calm, and grace had made it even better. He was a quiet and honest man, and yet Laban’s unfair treatment of him stirred him up and brought out some sharp words, (Genesis 31:36, Genesis 31:37). Jacob’s complaint against Laban may be somewhat excused, but it was still not right, and it is not written for us to copy. Harsh words stir up more anger and usually only make matters worse. It is a serious insult to a man who means to act honestly to be accused of cheating, yet even then we should learn patience and leave our cause with God.

II. The comfort of a good conscience. This was Jacob’s joy, that when Laban accused him, his own conscience cleared him. It testified that he had tried, in all things, to live honestly, (Hebrews 13:18). Those who have dealt faithfully in any work, even if they do not get praise from people, will still have the comfort of knowing it in their own hearts.

III. The character of a good servant, especially a faithful shepherd. Jacob had shown himself to be such a man, (Genesis 31:38-40). He was very careful, so that through his oversight or neglect the ewes did not lose their young. His devotion to God also brought blessing on the things under his care for his master. Servants should care for what is entrusted to them for their masters just as carefully as if it were their own.

He was also very honest, and he did not take for his own food what had not been allowed to him. He was content with simple fare and did not covet the choice meat of the flock. Servants must not be fussy about food or desire what is forbidden to them, but should show full faithfulness in that and in every other area.

He was also very hardworking, (Genesis 31:40). He stayed with his work in all kinds of weather and bore heat and cold with steady patience. People who want to succeed in business must be ready to endure hard things. Jacob is also an example for ministers, who are shepherds too. They must be true to their trust and willing to take pains.

IV. The character of a hard master. Laban had been such a master to Jacob. Bad masters are those who demand what is unfair from their servants, making them pay for losses that came without any fault of their own. Laban did this, (Genesis 31:39). Even if there has been neglect, it is still unfair to punish beyond the fault. A small loss to a master may nearly ruin a poor servant.

Bad masters are also those who refuse their servants what is fair and right. Laban did this, (Genesis 31:41). It was unreasonable for him to make Jacob serve for his daughters when Jacob had already been given, by God’s promise, such a large inheritance in the future. It was also unfair to give him his daughters without dowries, when Laban had the means to provide well for them. In this way he robbed the poor because they were poor, and he did the same by changing Jacob’s wages.

V. The care of providence for the protection of injured innocence, (Genesis 31:42). God took note of the wrong done to Jacob, and he gave back to Jacob what Laban would otherwise have sent away empty. He also rebuked Laban, who would otherwise have swallowed Jacob up. God is the defender of the oppressed, and those who are wronged yet not destroyed, brought low yet not ruined, must give him the glory for their safety.

Notice, first, Jacob speaks of God as the God of his father. This shows that Jacob felt unworthy to be so cared for, and that he was loved for his father’s sake. Second, he calls him the God of Abraham and the fear of Isaac. Abraham was already dead and had gone to the place where perfect love drives out fear, but Isaac was still alive and still honored the Lord in his heart as the one he feared and reverenced.