1. When may I do something for my own household? (25-33)

Jacob completed fourteen years of labor, and he had two wives and a family. He was ready to return home. Laban didn't want Jacob to leave. He knew that he was blessed because of Jacob, so he negotiated yet another deal with him. He would continue working as a shepherd for Laban, but his pay would be any spotted or dark colored lambs and goats. That way, Jacob reasoned, he could build up his own house.

2. Laban deceives, but God blesses (34-43)

Laban agreed to give Jacob the less desirable animals-the spotted, speckled, and dark ones. But before the flock could be separated, he removed all such animals from his flock and gave them to his sons. Jacob did whatever he could to overcome Laban's deception. Laban wanted to deprive Jacob, but God made Jacob and his household exceedingly prosperous.