What We Miss:

*God reveals Jacob’s future in dream about a ladder
*Jacob makes his way to his coldhearted Uncle Laban
*Jacob agrees to work seven years in order to marry Rachel
*Laban tricks Jacob into marrying elder daughter Leah instead
*The children of Jacob/Leah/ Rachel are born
*Jacob cleverly devises a way to take ownership of sheep

From the time he flees home until he escapes from his duplicitous and calculating Uncle Laban, Jacob lives as an indentured servant. He is tricked into marrying the “other” daughter and held captive by an Uncle who benefits from Jacob’s work ethic (and cheap labor). Jacob must devise a scheme just to acquire any material possessions from many years of honest service. Jacob has reached his saturation point in his relationship with Laban. Our triennial reading begins as Jacob and family escape from Laban’s home; eager to establish their independence.

To this point in his life, Jacob has done nothing but run away from threatening circumstances. He fled from home to escape his brother Esau. Now, he flees the only other home he has ever known. In his defense Jacob, together with Rachel and Leah, has built an impressive family. His years with Laban have been plagued by deception, disappointment and physical confinement. Devising a scheme to validate his possessions and then having to secretly plot his escape must have been physically and emotionally draining for the Patriarch.

Now, inspired by God’s command, Jacob must establish his own line. Since Laban refuses to release him unconditionally, Jacob has no choice but to plot his family’s dramatic escape. Unless he leaves immediately, he will be doomed to life as a second class, disrespected employee. As many of us know from personal experience, working for a boss is an inevitable part of life in the work force. However, we have a right to demand respectful and honest treatment. Jacob’s boss accords him nothing of the kind…

When Laban realizes that Jacob and company have fled, he pursues his son in law relentlessly. The Torah suggests that Laban bears ill will toward Jacob and when he catches up with the family will not be too forgiving. Ultimately, Laban does overcome Jacob; yet does not react violently. Perhaps Laban’s self-restraint is due to loyalty to his daughters? Perhaps Jacob now has the numbers and the possessions to withstand any resistance from his uncle? Whatever the reason, Laban approaches Jacob with the most disingenuous, lame and transparent response imaginable. He argues that Jacob’s sudden flight denied him (Laban) the opportunity to say goodbye with a big personal and musical send off. We readers know that Laban has little interest in a heartfelt bon voyage. From all we have learned about this man, we know Laban’s sole interest lies in reclaiming his fortune. Laban appreciates financial interest and nothing more. He has demonstrated little concern for his children or grandchildren; nothing suggests otherwise. Because he does acknowledge the voice of God warning him to leave Jacob alone, Laban backs off from any aggression. Even when doing so, he cannot speak honestly to his son-in-law; affording some honest dialogue and closure. Consistent with his nefarious personality, Laban makes up a story about not having the opportunity to say goodbye with bells and whistles.

Until now, Jacob has survived on guile and outwitting his adversaries (i.e. Esau and Laban). He has done so without direct confrontation. For example, when Esau discovers how Jacob stole his blessing, Jacob flees. When Jacob wants to claim his share of possessions, he devises a scheme rather than speak to Laban directly. When departing from Laban he does so stealthily. Now, for the first time, Jacob stands up to an adversary (later on he will do likewise with Esau) and-face to face- defends himself and his actions:

What is my crime, what is my guilt that you should pursue me? These twenty years I have spent in your service, your ewes and she-goats never miscarried, nor did I feast on rams from your flock… Of the twenty years that I spent in your household, I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flocks, and you changed my wages time and again… Had not the God of my father… been with me, you would have sent me away empty handed…

Even now, Laban refuses to admit any culpability. Resigned to defeat, he makes a pact with Jacob to acknowledge Jacob’s independent status.

Haftorah Reading — Hosea 11:7-12:12

Hosea speaks about Jacob as the spiritual ancestor of the Jewish people. Just as Jacob was a flawed human being as a child; the people of the Northern Kingdom of Israel are morally flawed. As Jacob displayed guile and deceit, so will his descendants. The prophet calls upon the people to change their ways and to become a nation of good character.