Genesis, 31
48. And Laban said: This heap shall be a witness between me and thee this day, and therefore the name thereof was called Galaad, that is, The witness heap.
48. And Laban said: This heap shall be a witness between me and thee this day, and therefore the name thereof was called Galaad, that is, The witness heap.
Genesis 31 reports Jacob's escape from Laban's house with his family and his flocks. Jacob had worked for many years to Laban, but realized that he was being deceived and explored by him. After receiving a message from God saying to return to his parents' land, Jacob decided to escape with everything he had acquired in his years of work to Laban. During his escape, Laban chased him, but God intervened to protect Jacob. Below are five verses related to the topics addressed in Genesis 31:
Deuteronomy 24:14: "Thou shalt not overwhelm the poor and needy diarist, whether he is of your brothers, or the foreigners who live in your land and in your cities." This verse talks about the injustice that Jacob felt on the part of Laban, who explored him for years. The Bible condemns the oppression of the poor and the needy, including workers who depend on their daily salary.
Psalm 121:7-8: "The Lord will keep you from all evil; He will keep your life. The Lord will keep your departure and your arrival from now and forever." Jacob fled from Laban for fear of being persecuted and harmed by him. This psalm talks about divine protection, showing that God takes care of those who trust him and protects them from all evil.
Proverbs 14:31: "He who oppresses the poor insults his Creator, but whoever shakes himself from the needy honor to God." Laban acted selfishly and oppressive in relation to Jacob, disrespecting him as a worker and a relative. This verse shows that Laban's attitude was not only unfair, but also dishonored God.
Isaiah 41:10: "Do not be afraid, for I am with you; do not be discouraged, for I am your God. I give you strength and help you; I protect you with my strong hand." Jacob was afraid of Laban, but trusted God to protect him during his escape. This verse shows that God is the one who gives us strength to face difficulties and protects us in times of danger.
Acts 26:17-18: "I send them to them, to open their eyes and convert them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness from sins and inheritance between those who are sanctified by faith in me. " Jacob moved away from Laban to fulfill God's plan for his life and return to his parents' land. This verse shows that God has a plan for each of us, and that it is often necessary to make difficult decisions to follow him.
“Esforce-se, mesmo se for um pouco, mas sempre…” São Padre Pio de Pietrelcina
