JACOB SERIES: THE MIZPAH BENEDICTION

Genesis 31 tells the story of Jacob, his family, and all his possessions as they set out on a journey home after living for 20 years in Haran. His secret departure prompted a hostile pursuit by his father-in-law; however, in the end, a peaceful resolution was reached.

With the exceeding increase of livestock, camels, asses, maidservants, and menservants, Laban’s son began to complain and accuse Jacob of mishandling their father’s livestock. Plus, Laban’s attitude toward Jacob changed, making him feel uncomfortable.

God spoke to Jacob and said, “Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee.” So Jacob summoned Leah and Rachel to him, where he was attending the flock, and told them of his decision to return home. He shared with them the issues he was having with Laban and how he had deceived him and changed his wages ten times. Jacob acknowledged that it was God who protected him, cared for him, and allowed him to prosper during this time. Additionally, he told them of the dream he had about the mating of the livestock, as recorded in Genesis 30, and how he was instructed to return to the land of his kindred. Rachel and Leah, feeling as if their father also mistreated them, took their inheritance and treated them like strangers were willing to depart from him with Jacob.

Laban, who was away shearing his sheep, was unaware of the departure of Jacob, his household, possessions, and livestock until three days later. Hearing this news, Laban with his brethren pursued Jacob for seven days and finally overtook him in the mount of Gilead. Before he arrived in a dream, God told Laban to be careful how he spoke to Jacob; therefore, when they met, Laban said to Jacob, “What hast thou done, that thou hast stolen away unawares to me, and carried away my daughters, as captives taken with the sword? 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? ,And hast not suffered me to kiss my sons and my daughters? thou hast now done foolishly in so doing. It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad. And now, though thou wouldest needs be gone, because thou sore longedst after thy father’s house, yet wherefore hast thou stolen my gods?”

Jacob told Laban he was scared that he would take away his wives, and if he found his stolen gods with anyone accompanying him, that person should be killed. Laban searched through the tents of Jacob, Leah, Bilhah, and Zilpah and did find his idol. When he got to Rachel’s tent. Rachel, who had stolen the images unbeknownst to the others, put them in the camel’s furniture and sat on them. She gave this excuse to her father, which he accepted, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise up before thee; for the custom of women is upon me.”

Seeing that Laban did not find the images, Jacob became angry and expressed to Laban his displeasure with the unfair treatment he had received during his time working for him. Also, Jacob acknowledged that the God of his forefathers had been with him, had helped him, and warned Laban not to harm him. In response, Laban told Jacob that everything he had belonged to him; however, he was willing to make a reconciliation and suggested they make a covenant, to which Jacob agreed.

First, Jacob and the brethren gathered stones in a heap, and then they ate together. Laban named the heap Jegar-sahadutha, while Jacob gave it the Hebrew name Galeed, both meaning “the heap of witness.” This was also called Mizpah, which means “watchtower.” Additionally, according to Laban, the covenant implied that in the future, he and Jacob would not harm each other, and that Jacob would not mistreat his wives or take other wives. In his actions and communication, Laban revealed that he did not truly trust Jacob, as both of them at times displayed deviant behavior. Therefore, when Laban said the Mizpah benediction, “The Lord watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another,” he was implying. “God is watching you because I am not there and I don’t trust you.” Solidifying the covenant, Laban invoked the name of “The God of Abraham “and “the God of Nahor,” and Jacob, in turn, swore by “The Fear of his father Isaac.”

The evening ended with Jacob offering a sacrifice on the mount and the men eating their last meal together. The next morning, after kissing his daughters and grandchildren, Laban and his company departed, allowing Jacob and his family to continue their journey.

Here is additional information and nuggets:

It was the custom in the East for family members and friends to accompany those departing for a short distance, making music and singing songs.

In biblical times, household gods were known as “teraphim”

Shepherds were held responsible for the management and safety of the flock. If any livestock were lost or injured, the shepherd would have to bear the cost from their earnings. This was considered an old Babylonian Herding Contract.

Physical markers in the ancient world signified sealed agreements. Following the Eastern custom, covenant stones were placed in a circular pile on which men could sit while eating a meal together, and a large stone was placed in the middle, upon which a sacrifice could be made. This act was a visible sign of a peace agreement between opposing parties.  

Commentators believed the covenant between Jacob and Laban was not friendly but rather made out of necessity, so that neither would hurt the other in the future.

Though the Mizpah Benediction is often spoken in our church services, when Laban recited it, it was not a sentimental blessing but a statement of mistrust.

Scripture revealed this was the last time any of these family members met together.

Sometimes your living arrangements must become uncomfortable to get you to move.

God can warn an enemy not to harm you.

God will protect you from those who would harm you.

Despite what may be happening in your life, you can trust God with your future.

Animosity occurs when people feel they are being manipulated, mistreated, and robbed.