And the LORD said unto Jacob, Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee. Genesis 31:3

The time has come for Jacob to return to his homeland with his entire family. God commanded Jacob to return, but this was going to cause strife with his father in law Laban. Jacob was afraid to tell Laban they were leaving, in fear that he would take his daughters (Leah and Rachel) back.

And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father’s. Genesis 31:19

Now before they left, Rachel did something strange, she stole idols/images from her Father. Why did she do this? Maybe sentimental value? Maybe to sell them? However we see that Laban was a pagan. He was worshipping false gods. This is important to remember, that Abraham was raised a pagan. Then one day the true Living God called him out and to be set apart from the world

This is the same for us, when we get saved God is calling us out from this world of idols to be set apart body of believers

And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Genesis 31:24

Once Laban realized Jacob and his family had left, he pursued after them. But God came to him in a dream and told him not to say anything good or bad. What does this mean? We’ll find out later in the story

It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. Genesis 31:29

Laban was seeking to get revenge on Jacob, however he remembered that warning God gave him about Jacob. Laban listened to Gods warning and eventually made a peace treaty with Jacob

Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight. Genesis 31:42

Jacob affirms the only reason Laban hasn’t killed him is because God is watching over him. Then Laban and Jacob made a covenant and they went peacefully on their way headed to Canaan

This will be the beginning of the nation of Israel