Genesis 31:27

Wherefore didst thou flee away secretly, and steal away from me; and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp?

Wherefore didst thou flee away {H1272} secretly {H2244}, and steal away {H1589} from me; and didst not tell {H5046} me, that I might have sent thee away {H7971} with mirth {H8057}, and with songs {H7892}, with tabret {H8596}, and with harp {H3658}?

Why did you flee in secret and deceive me and not tell me? I would have sent you off with joy and singing to the music of tambourines and lyres.

Why did you run away secretly and deceive me, without even telling me? I would have sent you away with joy and singing, with tambourines and harps.

Wherefore didst thou flee secretly, and steal away from me, and didst not tell me, that I might have sent thee away with mirth and with songs, with tabret and with harp;

Commentary

Context

This verse captures Laban's indignant confrontation with Jacob, who had secretly departed from Laban's household after twenty years of service. Jacob's clandestine flight, accompanied by his wives, children, and extensive possessions, was a direct response to Laban's increasingly hostile demeanor and, more importantly, a divine command for Jacob to return to the land of his fathers. Laban, upon discovering their absence, pursued Jacob for seven days across the desert. When he finally caught up, Laban expressed his anger and perceived betrayal, questioning Jacob's motives for a secret departure, especially after their long, complex history.

Key Themes

  • Laban's Hypocrisy: Laban's claim of wanting to send Jacob off with "mirth, and with songs, with tabret, and with harp" rings hollow. His history of deceit, particularly in manipulating Jacob's wages ten times (Genesis 31:7) and substituting Leah for Rachel in marriage (Genesis 29:25), makes his words appear as a manipulative attempt to portray himself as the wronged party and to justify his pursuit of Jacob.
  • Broken Trust and Deception: Jacob's secret flight, though ultimately prompted by God's instruction (Genesis 31:3), was a direct consequence of the profound breakdown of trust between him and Laban. The verse highlights the culmination of years of exploitation and Jacob's feeling that he had to escape rather than face an open, potentially contentious, departure.
  • Cultural Customs: The mention of "mirth, songs, tabret, and harp" refers to the customary way a respected guest or family member would be honored upon departure in the ancient Near East. Laban is implying Jacob denied him the opportunity to perform this cultural courtesy, further framing Jacob's actions as disrespectful and suspicious.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase translated "flee away secretly" (ganav) carries the connotation of stealth or even theft, which Laban directly accuses Jacob of in the first part of the verse. This emphasizes the clandestine nature of Jacob's departure from Laban's perspective, suggesting an act of evasion or wrongdoing. The "tabret" (Hebrew: toph) and "harp" (Hebrew: kinnor) were common musical instruments used in celebrations and festive occasions, underscoring the joyous and public send-off Laban claims he would have provided, a stark contrast to the reality of Jacob's hurried escape.

Practical Application

This dramatic encounter between Jacob and Laban offers timeless lessons on relationships, communication, and integrity:

  • The Erosion of Trust: The verse powerfully illustrates how a history of deceit and manipulation, from both sides, ultimately destroys trust and leads to suspicion and covert actions. It underscores the importance of honesty in all dealings.
  • Discerning Motives: Laban's words serve as a reminder to look beyond superficial pleasantries or feigned generosity to discern true intentions. His claim of wanting a joyful send-off contrasts sharply with his established character, prompting us to critically evaluate the words and actions of others.
  • Communication in Conflict: While Jacob's secret departure was understandable given Laban's character and the divine directive, it highlights the challenges when open communication breaks down. In our own lives, striving for clear and direct communication, even in difficult situations, can help prevent misunderstandings and further conflict, though sometimes a clean break is necessary when dealing with manipulative individuals.
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Cross-References

  • Exodus 15:20 (5 votes)

    And Miriam the prophetess, the sister of Aaron, took a timbrel in her hand; and all the women went out after her with timbrels and with dances.

  • Judges 6:27 (3 votes)

    Then Gideon took ten men of his servants, and did as the LORD had said unto him: and [so] it was, because he feared his father's household, and the men of the city, that he could not do [it] by day, that he did [it] by night.

  • Genesis 31:3 (3 votes)

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

  • Genesis 31:5 (3 votes)

    And said unto them, I see your father's countenance, that it [is] not toward me as before; but the God of my father hath been with me.

  • Genesis 24:59 (3 votes)

    And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.

  • Genesis 24:60 (3 votes)

    And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou [art] our sister, be thou [the mother] of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

  • Proverbs 26:23 (3 votes)

    ¶ Burning lips and a wicked heart [are like] a potsherd covered with silver dross.