Genesis 31:33

And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found [them] not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

And Laban {H3837} went {H935} into Jacob's {H3290} tent {H168}, and into Leah's {H3812} tent {H168}, and into the two {H8147} maidservants {H519}' tents {H168}; but he found {H4672} them not. Then went he out {H3318} of Leah's {H3812} tent {H168}, and entered {H935} into Rachel's {H7354} tent {H168}.

Lavan went into Ya'akov's tent, then into Le'ah's tent and into the tent of the two slave-girls; but he did not find them. He left Le'ah's tent and entered Rachel's tent.

So Laban went into Jacob’s tent, then Leah’s tent, and then the tents of the two maidservants, but he found nothing. Then he left Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent.

And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, and into Leah’s tent, and into the tent of the two maid-servants; but he found them not. And he went out of Leah’s tent, and entered into Rachel’s tent.

Commentary

Genesis 31:33 details Laban's methodical search through Jacob's camp, driven by his suspicion that Jacob or his family had stolen his household gods, known as teraphim. This verse sets the scene for the dramatic revelation of Rachel's secret.

Context

This verse is part of a larger narrative where Jacob, after two decades of service to Laban, decides to secretly depart with his wives, children, and possessions to return to his homeland, Canaan. Laban pursues him, having been informed of their flight and, more importantly, discovering that his household gods, the teraphim, were missing. Laban confronts Jacob, accusing him of theft. Jacob, unaware that Rachel had taken them, vehemently denies the accusation and invites Laban to search their tents, promising death to whoever is found with the stolen items. This verse describes the start of that search, moving from Jacob's tent to Leah's, the maidservants', and finally Rachel's in a systematic manner.

Key Themes

  • Laban's Persistence and Suspicion: Laban's thorough search through each tent underscores his determination to recover his possessions and his profound distrust of Jacob and his family. He is convinced that the theft occurred within Jacob's household, reflecting the strained relationship between them.
  • The Deception of Rachel: While not explicitly stated in this verse, Laban's systematic search directly leads to the tent of Rachel, who was indeed hiding the teraphim. This highlights a moment of significant moral compromise within Jacob's family, contrasting with Jacob's own integrity in the face of the accusation, especially as she continued her deception by hiding the teraphim in the camel's saddle.
  • The Significance of Teraphim: These household gods were believed to bring good fortune, provide guidance, or even signify inheritance rights in some ancient Near Eastern cultures. Laban's desperate search reveals his strong attachment to these idols, highlighting a spiritual contrast between his idolatrous practices and Jacob's growing faith in the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.

Linguistic Insights

The term "teraphim" (Hebrew: תְּרָפִים) refers to household idols or images, often associated with divination or protection. Their significance in this context is not just monetary but also spiritual and perhaps legal, representing Laban's reliance on pagan practices rather than the true God. The thoroughness of the search underscores the value Laban placed on these objects, making their disappearance a grave matter for him.

Practical Application

This passage offers several insights for contemporary life:

  • The Consequences of Deception: Rachel's act of theft and subsequent deception created significant tension and put her family at risk. It serves as a reminder that dishonesty, even with seemingly minor objects, can have far-reaching consequences and undermine trust within relationships.
  • Identifying Our "Teraphim": While we may not possess physical idols, this narrative prompts us to consider what "teraphim" we might cling to today—things or ideas that take priority over our devotion to God. This could include wealth, status, comfort, or even certain relationships, if they become objects of ultimate trust or worship.
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Human Conflict: Despite the human drama, deception, and suspicion, God's overarching plan for Jacob's return to Canaan and the fulfillment of His covenant promises continues to unfold. Even in moments of intense family conflict, God remains sovereign over the circumstances, protecting His chosen one, as seen in God's warning to Laban in Genesis 31:24 not to harm Jacob.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:28 (4 votes)

    And the damsel ran, and told [them of] her mother's house these things.

  • Genesis 24:67 (4 votes)

    And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's [death].