Study Desk

Does he not think of us as strangers? For he has sold us. And he has used all the money that was paid for us.

So he took the men of his family with him, and followed Jacob for seven days. He found him in the hill country of Gilead.

Now you have gone away because you had a desire for your father's house. But why did you steal my gods?"

The one with whom you find your gods will not live. In front of those of our family, look for what I have that is yours, and take it." For Jacob did not know that Rachel had stolen them.

She said to her father, "My lord, do not be angry that I cannot rise in front of you. For the way of women is upon me." So he looked, but could not find the gods.

I did not bring to you those that were torn by wild animals. I took the loss upon myself. You had me pay for what was carried away during the day or during the night.

This is the way it was for me. I suffered from heat during the day, and from cold during the night. And I could not sleep.

I have been in your house twenty years. I worked for you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock. And you changed my pay ten times.

If the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the fear of Isaac, had not been with me, for sure you would have sent me away with nothing. God has seen my suffering and the work of my hands. So He spoke sharp words to you last night."

Laban said, "These stones are to stand for the agreement between you and me today." So they were given the name Galeed.

They were given the name of Mizpah also. For Laban said, "May the Lord watch between you and me when we are apart from each other.

These stones that have been set up will stand for our agreement. I will not pass by these stones to hurt you. And you will not pass by these stones to hurt me.

For he said, "If Esau comes to the one group and destroys it, then the other group will get away."

I have not earned any of the loving-kindness and faith which You have shown to your servant. For I had crossed this Jordan with only my walking stick. And now I have become two large groups.

Save me, I pray, from the hand of my brother, from the power of Esau. For I am afraid of him. I am afraid he will come and kill us all, the mothers with the children.

So Jacob stayed there that night. Then he chose a gift from what he had for his brother Esau:

And be sure to say, ‘Your servant Jacob is coming behind us.'" For he said, "I will take away his anger with the gift that goes in front of me. Then when I meet him, he might receive me."

The man said, "Let me go. For the morning has come." But Jacob said, "I will not let you go unless you pray that good will come to me."

And the man said, "Your name will no longer be Jacob, but Israel. For you have fought with God and with men, and have won."

So Jacob gave the place the name of Peniel. For he said, "I have seen God face to face, and yet I am still alive."