1. Jacob decides to leave (1-21)

When Jacob became wealthy, Laban's attitude toward him changed. Jacob feared him. But his real reason for deciding to leave Laban was because the God of Bethel, where he had made a vow, said, 'Go back to the land of your fathers...and I will be with you.' (3,13). Rachel and Leah declared their loyalty to Jacob; they told him to follow God's leading (16). So, one day when Laban was away, Jacob collected everything and fled. Rachel revealed her true nature by stealing her father's household gods.

2. Jacob and Laban part (22-55)

Laban caught up with Jacob easily. He searched through all of his possessions, looking for the stolen gods. When Laban did not find anything (Rachel had cleverly hidden them), Jacob rebuked him. Jacob was smart, hard-working and responsible, but the secret of his wealth was not his own effort or cleverness, but God's blessing. God kept his promise and protected him from Laban.

Application: Lord, without your blessing, human success only produces unhappiness. Grant that I may live with your blessing.
One Word: The God of Bethel keeps his promise