November 27, 2025 • 26 mins
# 39 - Jacob's Escape - In this episode of The Chosen People, Jacob finally breaks free from his deceitful father-in-law, Laban, in a dramatic tale of divine intervention and human cunning. As Jacob prepares to return home, he must navigate the complexities of family loyalty, wealth, and God's promise, ultimately trusting in God’s guidance to lead him back to his ancestral land.
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Episode 39 of The Chosen People is inspired by the Book of Genesis.
Today's opening prayer is inspired by Psalm 139:7, “Where could I go from your Spirit? Or where could I flee from your presence?”
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Previously on the Chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
I'll serve you for seven more years. That should be
more than enough for your youngest daughter, Rachel's and in marriage.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Oh yes, well, I suppose it's better I give her
to you were kinsman than another dog from another clan
wanted to swap rocks and land. You have yourself a deal.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
It had been seven years since his agreement with Larbon.
He had worked tirelessly, expanding Larbin's flocks sevenfold.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Leah, what are you doing here?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
I was with you last night, Jacob. Don't you remember
that treacherous snake?
Speaker 3 (00:49):
They be tricked me, Jacob, Jacob, you know better. I
knew you wouldn't take Leah for a bride price of
seven years. I did what I had to do. This way,
I get to marry off my eldest daughter, and you
worked my fields for far more years than she's war
(01:13):
It's a win win. Well by that, of course, I
mean that I win twice.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Jacob sobered immediately. He understood who he was dealing with.
Now they were cut from the same cloth. The trickster
had been tricked. Jacob was angry, but he couldn't avoid
the irony. Jacob expanded his lineage larger than his forefathers
could ever imagine eleven sons to bear the promise given
(01:41):
to Abraham and Isaac. Yet the house of Jacob had
a foundation built on pettiness, favoritism, and jealousy. Jacob did
nothing to thwart the coiling weeds of discord choking out
the life of his wives and children. Jacob reclined at
(02:02):
the table opposite Larban. His father in law's voice nearly
shook the earth when he spoke. Jacob could feel the
base of Laban's laughter deep in his chest. At first,
Laban's charisma was charming to Jacob, but over the years
and four wives later, Jacob grew tired of the show.
(02:22):
Larban took up too much space for Jacob to truly grow.
He longed to be in the land of his forefathers
and to seize the birthright he won from Esau. Leaving
Haroon wouldn't be easy. Larban had a tight grip on
his daughter's even after Jacob had married them. Furthermore, Larban's
(02:43):
wealth had increased nearly tenfold since Jacob arrived. Larban considered
him something of a good luck charm. Jacob had to
be discreet and clever if he was to leave peacefully.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Jacob, tomorrow, I'd like you to take the flocks past
the western We have guests coming to Grays from the east,
and I prefer not to confuse our sheep with theirs.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
That sounds reasonable, I'll have the shepherd boys prepare first
thing in the morning.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
Ah, excellent, my dear boy. Now tell me how are
my sweet daughters and grandchildren?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Chaotic and unpredictable? As usual?
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Jacob shrugged. His household was overflowing with tears, broken bones,
and spilled milk. His twelve children, mostly boys, were all
under eighteen. The boys fought with their fists, the wives
fought with their tongues, and his sweet daughter Dinah would
rarely cease crying because of it all. It was a
(03:44):
messy life, but it was Jacob's life. Nonetheless, in the
back of his mind, Jacob blamed Laban for all of it.
All he had wanted was to marry Rachel, enjoy a
few years of peace, then return to Canaan. But Larban's
tricks created a domino effect of backbiting chaos and an
endless flow of children. Jacob now had wealth, four wives,
(04:08):
and twelve children, but no actual property to sustain it,
or all orchestrated by jolly old Laban, his dear father
in law.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
You should thank me for having so many sons. Without
our little agreement with Leah, you'd only have one son
to your name. Look at how blessed you.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Are now, Yes, blessed. Indeed, speaking of which, Layban, I
have something I want to discuss.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Laban lee back and sipped his cup. His eyes narrowed
and his wide smile shrank into a slight smirk.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
I'd like to return home to my home country. Allow
me to leave with my wives and children. I've served
you the full fourteen years of our arrangement, and then
more to build enough of my own wealth here. Now
that Rachel has borne child, I feel this season of
our lives has ended.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
Laban drew a long, deep breath and pondered. Jacob studied
his eyes. Laban rarely betrayed his inner thoughts, but Jacob
had become adept at reading him. Jacob knew that Laban
was calculating the loss. The big man leaned forward, coup
twirling in hand.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
In the past twenty years, my livestock has increased, My
family's wealth has doubled. And the land has been rich
with crops ha It almost seems too good to be true.
So I found some gods. I sought to know the
answer through divination. A seer revealed the answer to me
(05:49):
in the dark sands and bone.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
And what did this divination reveal to you?
Speaker 3 (05:56):
That your God has blessed me because of your press.
All I have gained in these past two decades are
because of you.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
My dear Laban. You didn't need the occult to show
you such things. That was the blessing given to my
grandfather Abraham. Whoever blesses me will be blessed.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Indeed, it's true. So, dear Jacob, because I owe you
a debt of gratitude, name your wages and I will
give it.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Was it that easy?
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Jacob wondered at Labin for a moment. He was in
his nature to be agreeable at first and then dastardly
in the margins between promises made and promises kept. Jacob
needed to be sent off with his family as peacefully
as possible.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
You know, I've put the most effort into your lifestock.
You only had a little before I came, but it's
increased tenfold since then. All I ask is that you
provide me with enough for my household to start.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
So what shall I give you?
Speaker 2 (06:57):
You don't need to give me anything. Pass to your
flock and remove all the blemished ones from the herd.
I'll take the spotted sheep that, the black lambs, and
the speckled goats. They'll be my wages. This serves you
in two ways. First, you'll know I'm dealing honestly with you,
since the animals will be easy to identify. Second, you'll
(07:18):
have purer herds left for you when I leave. It'll
increase the value of your herd tremendously.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Ah, yes, this is good. Let it be as you
have said.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Larban reached out his arm and linked it with Jacob's.
Jacob hid his smile. Larban wrongly assumed that the trick
with Leo was water under the bridge. It wasn't, and
Jacob was determined to remind Larbin who the real trickster was.
Larban removed all the black, blemished, spotted, and striped livestock
(07:51):
from his flocks. He counted each of them, insuring none
were left unaccounted for. He then put them in the
care of his sons while Jacob led Larban's herd for
one final graze. He left a three days journey between
himself and Larban, ensuring there was no chance for the
flocks to intermingle. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi were with Jacob
(08:13):
padding behind him like pups. Jacob led them to a
far off pasture beside a dense forest.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Boys, I want you to go into the forest and
retrieve some branches for me. I need fresh sticks from poplar,
almond and plane trees.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
The boys did as they were told, running deep into
the forest, tripping each other along the way. They returned
with the branches. Jacob observed them, nodded in approval, and
began breaking them into smaller pieces.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Your grandfather, Layban has been close to the city for
too long. He's forgotten some of the finer art and husbandry.
It isn't just about keeping the sheep safe and fed.
You must be intentional with how they're bred. You need
to understand when they're and heat, how they shooes mates,
and what makes them fertile.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
As Jacob explained these things, he tossed the branches into
the sheep's watering trough.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
I've spent years preparing every sheep in Laban's flock. I
know which traits skip generations, and how to make certain
sheep breed with those hidden traits. Soon this flock will
multiply with spotted, freckled, and striped sheep, all for us
to take back home. Currently, our flock back at camp
is half the size of Laban's. By the time we leave,
(09:32):
it'll be double.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
The sheep came to drink, and a satisfied grin curled
on Jacob's face.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Another thing Laban does not realize is that I have
the favor of God passed down to me from my
father and his father. He revealed this plan to me
in a dream. God's guidance and man's diligence. This is
the way of our people. Watch and learn, my sons.
When we return to Canaan, you'll need to know all
(09:59):
these things.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Here he's a snake in the grass. Jacob's been taking
from our father, right under our noses.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Jacob leaned against the low walls separating him from Laban's men.
They were young and fiery, worried that Jacob's increased wealth
was due to theft.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
I haven't stolen anything. It's Laban's foolishness that's caught them
into trouble. I can't have that hatred boiling until it's
too late. It's time to leave now.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Then everything narrowed, the sounds of the people muted, and
the smells of fire and filled pots disappeared. Everything was
silent still. Then in the deep chambers of Jacob's heart,
the voice of his god echoed.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Return to the land of your father's and your kin go,
for I will be with you.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
All Jacob's senses returned. Jacob stealed his will and slipped
back to his camp, unnoticed by Lavin's men. He gathered
Rachel and Leah to himself, pacing back and forth as
he worked up the courage to speak.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Ever since I told your father about my intentions to leave,
he's grown cold. I fear his men are fueling his
eye toward me.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
He has grown quite agitated as of late.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
It may have something to do with all those sheep, Jacob,
You've provoked him.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
The God of my father has been with me. That
is why our wealth has increased. While I am shrewd
with my resources. Your father has exhausted his and spent frivolously.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
Huh, He's spent a great deal of money on those
shrines of his They're his tools for divination. All of
the inheritance that was owed to Leah and me was
wasted on those silly statues.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
He's unhinged and unpredictable. You know, I've served your father
with all my strength, yet he's cheated me ten times over.
He's changed the terms of our agreement too many times
to count. Each time I've ended up gaining more.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
How is that exactly? How have you outsmarted our father?
Speaker 2 (12:13):
I haven't outsmarted him. God has. And now it's time
we leave for the land he's promised to me. Will
you go with me? Are we in this together?
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Leah and Rachel looked at each other. The situation demanded
they agree. For the first time in nearly two decades.
Rachel and Leah exchange looks of understanding.
Speaker 5 (12:35):
There's nothing left for us here. Our father has regarded
us as foreigners. He has left us nothing.
Speaker 4 (12:42):
Whatever you've gained is our gain. To whatever God asks
you to do, we will follow.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Jacob wanted to hug and kiss them both, but decided
not to. There were moments when the strangeness of their
situation dawned on him, and now was one of those moments.
The awkward feeling then commanded some men to mount their camels.
Leah and Rachel prepared the children, while Zilpah and Bellah
gathered all their belongings. The clouds parted like curtains to
(13:11):
give moonlight to Jacob's camp. Jacob hustled, collapsing every last
tent and locking every last chest. Bags were loaded onto wagons,
and camels were loaded with his children's belongings. Every child
had a camel, all but Joseph tied securely to Rachel's chest.
In the flurry of preparation, Rachel meanded into her father's room.
(13:34):
He had been gone for the night for shearing. There,
sitting atop a wooden shrine with the idols of divination,
contempt for her father boiled deep within her. Those idols
were a symbol of Laban's indifference towards his children and
the vain cultish beliefs he'd become enslaved too. In defiance,
(13:55):
Rachel swiped the idols from the altar and put them
in her bag. With a torch in one hand and
the reins of his camel in another, Jacob turned to
his wives, children, servants, and men, looking at all gathered
in one place made him realize how vast his wealth
had become. He had a loyal caravan of family and
(14:16):
friends ready to follow him into the Negev.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
None of you have seen what I have seen. None
of you know the riches of Canaan or the nectar
of the land. You've never met my father Isaac. Nor
have you heard of Abraham. But you've seen me. You've
seen how my God has blessed me. Some of you
know all too well that my God has blessed me
despite my own foolishness and pride.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Jacob stole a glance at his wives, who knew intimately
Jacob's follies and failures. They had bore witness to his floors,
but had seen God work despite them, which fueled their trust.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
My grandfather Abraham once left the comforts of these lands
to Canaan. He embarked on an adventure into the unknown,
beckoned by a faint promise whispered in the stars and
to night. We've been given that same call to adventure.
We're asked to leave this land and step into the unknown.
(15:15):
Hear me, Clan of Jacob. Here is my declaration that
God will be with us just as he was with
my fathers, Isaac and Abraham.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
The crowd irrupted in cheers. Jacob raised his torch high
into the air. Chills covered his body. He finally felt
like a leader. He felt like he had the potential
for greatness. He pulled at the reins of his camel
and turned toward the Euphrates. His course was set toward
(15:45):
the hill country of Gilead. Larban was only a day's
journey behind Jacob, breathing threats of death into the cold
night air as he galloped over the sands with a
small army behind him.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
I'll have that trader's head on a pike. He took
my tatters, I will and my gods.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
His men were gaining on them, and settled for one
more night in the desert.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
Tomorrow, I'll have my revenge.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Larban fell asleep under the stars, head heavy on his pillow,
fantasizing about driving a spear through Jacob's throat. However, in
the dead of night, the god of Jacob appeared to
Laban in a dream. Laban saw visions of Jacob and
his grandchildren huddled in a circle, and Laban's men closed
(16:35):
in with spears. Then the stars in the sky fell
upon Laban, and a voice that sounded like thunder boomed.
Be careful how you deal with Jacob.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Mind your words, whether good or bad.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
Laban awoke in fright, poking up and around him. It
was only a dream, but Laban realized that harming Jacob
would come at a great cost to him. Jacob woke
in a panic. The braying of camels and the clamoring
of men caused Jacob to leap out of his tent
with his sword drawn. His men were awake as well.
(17:13):
Swords of the ready dawns. Candescent glare beamed behind the intruders,
hiding their faces, but Jacob could see the glimmering of
their spears. He squinted, straining to get a gauge on
the situation, but everything became clear when he heard a
shouting voice.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Jacob, you doll, Layben, keep your swords drawn.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Laban dismounted his camel. His broad chest was puffed out
in rage. He postured himself as he skulked forward. Jacob
returned the posture, standing straight with his shoulders back. People
rarely thought of Jacob as a large man, but he was.
He was a man of wit. First but when push
came to shove, he'd fight. His grandfather had taught him
(18:01):
that there were moments when you couldn't run, you had
to face your enemy's head on. When Jacob was younger,
he would have shifted his feet to flee, But now
with his family behind him, Jacob readied himself.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Leave Laban.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Now, why have you done this to me? After all
I have done for you? This is how you repay me.
You've tricked me.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
It's no more than you deserve.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
Laban. You denied me a chance to kiss my daughters
and grandchildren goodbye. I could have sent you away with
songs and feasts. You were a fool to leave the
way you did. It is my right to do your
harm for what you've done.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Larban stepped forward, and all of Jacob's men readied themselves.
Jacob gripped his sword tightly and planted his feet. Laban
looked around. His brow was furrowed with a mixture of rage.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
And I should kill you, Jacob, But the god.
Speaker 6 (19:04):
Of your father spoke to me last night in a dream.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
She mourned me not to harm you, so I won't.
That's a wise choice.
Speaker 6 (19:16):
I understand why you fled the way you did. But
why take my household gods? What are they to you?
Why steal from me more than you already have.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Jacob cocked his head to the side in confusion. He
looked around, scanning the faces of his men. He turned
back to Labin with a confused look.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Layban, I fled because I was afraid you would take
your daughters back by force. Judging by the spears pointed
at me, it seems my fears were warranted. But as
for your idols, I don't know what you're talking about.
If any of my men have stolen your gods, their lives,
are yours to take? Search all our tents.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
Rachel's eyes widened. The idols were in her pack, right
underneath her. Larban stepped forward, face to face with Jacob,
his nostrils flared like a bull's.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
Very well, let's have a look.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Then Larbon started with Jacob's tent. He rummaged through all
his belongings, paying little attention to putting things back where
they belonged. No idols. He went into Lea's tent and
found nothing. He did the same with Rachel's and all
the others. When he passed by Rachel, she was sitting,
not standing. He grunted, you.
Speaker 3 (20:34):
Won't even stand for your own father.
Speaker 5 (20:37):
Forgive me father. The way of the woman is upon me.
I fear if I stand to greet you, it would
be a mess. If you'd like, I can stand here,
let me ah.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
I know my gods are somewhere around your Jacob. You're
a thief and a coward.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
Larbon pushed judor aside to get into his tent, but
Jacob stopped him and shouted.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Enough, Layban, you surround me like I'm a criminal, but
I want you to list an actual offense against me.
What is my sin? You felt through all my goods
and found nothing? Yes, but don't interrupt me. You're in
my camp and I will speak.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Everyone fell silent. Jacob's voice suddenly seemed deeper and more palpable.
He was tired of being underestimated and pushed around by Larban.
For years, he had endured Larban's nonsense on behalf of
his family, but no longer.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
For nearly twenty years, I've been with you, Your youes
and female goats have never miscarried, and I haven't eaten
a single ram from your flock. I never told you
when a predator took one of your flock. Instead, I
took from my own flock to a place what you lost?
Did you know that Layban?
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Larban was silent, simmering in a mixture of embarrassment and rage.
Jacob continued, now circling.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Larban gave no mercy while I was working under you.
If something was stolen from me, day and night, you
required me to pay it back. So there I stood,
day and night, ever watchful for you. The heat of
the day, consumably the cold of the night, shook my bones.
I served you for fourteen years, for your two daughters,
(22:20):
six years for your flock. You changed my wages six
times because you were in mountains of debt. If the
God of my father's had not been on my side,
you would have already sent me away with nothing. But
God is with me. Amen. You know this because he
rebuked you last night. If he can carve his way
(22:41):
into your dreams and make me rich despite your cruelty,
what else do you think he's capable of.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Larbon looked around. His men had lowered their spears in
submission to Jacob. His daughters were behind him, looking at
him like a monster. Laban's body uncor and he rolled
his shoulders back with an unclenched jaw lb and threw
his spear onto the ground and extended an arm to Jacob.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
We have ward you and I. We've struggled against each other.
Speaker 7 (23:16):
But but now I see that we have everything in common.
Your wives are my daughters, Your children are my grandchildren.
Your flocks came from my flocks. Our lives have grown intertwined.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Ah, I propose a covenant between us that everyone bear
witness that we can be unified and at peace.
Speaker 1 (23:43):
Jacob peered at Laban, searching his eyes for his true intentions.
He seemed genuine, and, although Jacob loathed to admit it,
their lives were indeed bound to each other. Jacob turned
to his men and shouted.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
Now that stones. My people established monuments to remember events
like these, will gather stones as a testament to our covenant.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
Jacob's men and his oldest sons gathered and stacked stones
between Jacob and Laban. With each stone, the anger between
the two quelled.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
My people call this place Jagar Sahadutha.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
My people call this place Gilead.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
It's new names shall be the lead and misper.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
May God most High judge between us today.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
If you abuse my daughters or take wives besides my daughters,
God will be a witness between us and I vow
to not cross the threshold of this pillar to pursue
or harm you.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
The two placed their hands on the pillars and swore
by the God of Abraham. They made a sacrifice on
the hill and enjoyed a meal together in the morning,
love and kiss his grandchildren goodbye, and went his way.
Jacob watched Laban disappear into the sun soaked horizon, his
face aglow from dawn's light. Jacob nodded and turned back
(25:13):
to Canaan. He wasn't sure what the future held, no
doubt Esau was somewhere out there, stronger and more vengeful.
Jacob chose to step forward in faith that the God
of his forefathers would protect him. This prey Dog comproduction
(25:37):
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Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz,
Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher,
(26:02):
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Previously on the Chosen people.
Speaker 2 (00:04):
I'll serve you for seven more years. That should be
more than enough for your youngest daughter, Rachel's and in marriage.
Speaker 3 (00:12):
Oh yes, well, I suppose it's better I give her
to you were kinsman than another dog from another clan
wanted to swap rocks and land. You have yourself a deal.
Speaker 1 (00:31):
It had been seven years since his agreement with Larbon.
He had worked tirelessly, expanding Larbin's flocks sevenfold.
Speaker 2 (00:40):
Leah, what are you doing here?
Speaker 4 (00:43):
I was with you last night, Jacob. Don't you remember
that treacherous snake?
Speaker 3 (00:49):
They be tricked me, Jacob, Jacob, you know better. I
knew you wouldn't take Leah for a bride price of
seven years. I did what I had to do. This way,
I get to marry off my eldest daughter, and you
worked my fields for far more years than she's war
(01:13):
It's a win win. Well by that, of course, I
mean that I win twice.
Speaker 1 (01:19):
Jacob sobered immediately. He understood who he was dealing with.
Now they were cut from the same cloth. The trickster
had been tricked. Jacob was angry, but he couldn't avoid
the irony. Jacob expanded his lineage larger than his forefathers
could ever imagine eleven sons to bear the promise given
(01:41):
to Abraham and Isaac. Yet the house of Jacob had
a foundation built on pettiness, favoritism, and jealousy. Jacob did
nothing to thwart the coiling weeds of discord choking out
the life of his wives and children. Jacob reclined at
(02:02):
the table opposite Larban. His father in law's voice nearly
shook the earth when he spoke. Jacob could feel the
base of Laban's laughter deep in his chest. At first,
Laban's charisma was charming to Jacob, but over the years
and four wives later, Jacob grew tired of the show.
(02:22):
Larban took up too much space for Jacob to truly grow.
He longed to be in the land of his forefathers
and to seize the birthright he won from Esau. Leaving
Haroon wouldn't be easy. Larban had a tight grip on
his daughter's even after Jacob had married them. Furthermore, Larban's
(02:43):
wealth had increased nearly tenfold since Jacob arrived. Larban considered
him something of a good luck charm. Jacob had to
be discreet and clever if he was to leave peacefully.
Speaker 3 (02:55):
Jacob, tomorrow, I'd like you to take the flocks past
the western We have guests coming to Grays from the east,
and I prefer not to confuse our sheep with theirs.
Speaker 2 (03:06):
That sounds reasonable, I'll have the shepherd boys prepare first
thing in the morning.
Speaker 3 (03:12):
Ah, excellent, my dear boy. Now tell me how are
my sweet daughters and grandchildren?
Speaker 2 (03:20):
Chaotic and unpredictable? As usual?
Speaker 1 (03:23):
Jacob shrugged. His household was overflowing with tears, broken bones,
and spilled milk. His twelve children, mostly boys, were all
under eighteen. The boys fought with their fists, the wives
fought with their tongues, and his sweet daughter Dinah would
rarely cease crying because of it all. It was a
(03:44):
messy life, but it was Jacob's life. Nonetheless, in the
back of his mind, Jacob blamed Laban for all of it.
All he had wanted was to marry Rachel, enjoy a
few years of peace, then return to Canaan. But Larban's
tricks created a domino effect of backbiting chaos and an
endless flow of children. Jacob now had wealth, four wives,
(04:08):
and twelve children, but no actual property to sustain it,
or all orchestrated by jolly old Laban, his dear father
in law.
Speaker 3 (04:19):
You should thank me for having so many sons. Without
our little agreement with Leah, you'd only have one son
to your name. Look at how blessed you.
Speaker 2 (04:28):
Are now, Yes, blessed. Indeed, speaking of which, Layban, I
have something I want to discuss.
Speaker 1 (04:38):
Laban lee back and sipped his cup. His eyes narrowed
and his wide smile shrank into a slight smirk.
Speaker 2 (04:47):
I'd like to return home to my home country. Allow
me to leave with my wives and children. I've served
you the full fourteen years of our arrangement, and then
more to build enough of my own wealth here. Now
that Rachel has borne child, I feel this season of
our lives has ended.
Speaker 1 (05:04):
Laban drew a long, deep breath and pondered. Jacob studied
his eyes. Laban rarely betrayed his inner thoughts, but Jacob
had become adept at reading him. Jacob knew that Laban
was calculating the loss. The big man leaned forward, coup
twirling in hand.
Speaker 3 (05:25):
In the past twenty years, my livestock has increased, My
family's wealth has doubled. And the land has been rich
with crops ha It almost seems too good to be true.
So I found some gods. I sought to know the
answer through divination. A seer revealed the answer to me
(05:49):
in the dark sands and bone.
Speaker 2 (05:52):
And what did this divination reveal to you?
Speaker 3 (05:56):
That your God has blessed me because of your press.
All I have gained in these past two decades are
because of you.
Speaker 2 (06:05):
My dear Laban. You didn't need the occult to show
you such things. That was the blessing given to my
grandfather Abraham. Whoever blesses me will be blessed.
Speaker 3 (06:16):
Indeed, it's true. So, dear Jacob, because I owe you
a debt of gratitude, name your wages and I will
give it.
Speaker 2 (06:26):
Was it that easy?
Speaker 1 (06:28):
Jacob wondered at Labin for a moment. He was in
his nature to be agreeable at first and then dastardly
in the margins between promises made and promises kept. Jacob
needed to be sent off with his family as peacefully
as possible.
Speaker 2 (06:42):
You know, I've put the most effort into your lifestock.
You only had a little before I came, but it's
increased tenfold since then. All I ask is that you
provide me with enough for my household to start.
Speaker 3 (06:55):
So what shall I give you?
Speaker 2 (06:57):
You don't need to give me anything. Pass to your
flock and remove all the blemished ones from the herd.
I'll take the spotted sheep that, the black lambs, and
the speckled goats. They'll be my wages. This serves you
in two ways. First, you'll know I'm dealing honestly with you,
since the animals will be easy to identify. Second, you'll
(07:18):
have purer herds left for you when I leave. It'll
increase the value of your herd tremendously.
Speaker 3 (07:25):
Ah, yes, this is good. Let it be as you
have said.
Speaker 1 (07:30):
Larban reached out his arm and linked it with Jacob's.
Jacob hid his smile. Larban wrongly assumed that the trick
with Leo was water under the bridge. It wasn't, and
Jacob was determined to remind Larbin who the real trickster was.
Larban removed all the black, blemished, spotted, and striped livestock
(07:51):
from his flocks. He counted each of them, insuring none
were left unaccounted for. He then put them in the
care of his sons while Jacob led Larban's herd for
one final graze. He left a three days journey between
himself and Larban, ensuring there was no chance for the
flocks to intermingle. Reuben, Simeon, and Levi were with Jacob
(08:13):
padding behind him like pups. Jacob led them to a
far off pasture beside a dense forest.
Speaker 2 (08:19):
Boys, I want you to go into the forest and
retrieve some branches for me. I need fresh sticks from poplar,
almond and plane trees.
Speaker 1 (08:28):
The boys did as they were told, running deep into
the forest, tripping each other along the way. They returned
with the branches. Jacob observed them, nodded in approval, and
began breaking them into smaller pieces.
Speaker 2 (08:42):
Your grandfather, Layban has been close to the city for
too long. He's forgotten some of the finer art and husbandry.
It isn't just about keeping the sheep safe and fed.
You must be intentional with how they're bred. You need
to understand when they're and heat, how they shooes mates,
and what makes them fertile.
Speaker 1 (09:03):
As Jacob explained these things, he tossed the branches into
the sheep's watering trough.
Speaker 2 (09:09):
I've spent years preparing every sheep in Laban's flock. I
know which traits skip generations, and how to make certain
sheep breed with those hidden traits. Soon this flock will
multiply with spotted, freckled, and striped sheep, all for us
to take back home. Currently, our flock back at camp
is half the size of Laban's. By the time we leave,
(09:32):
it'll be double.
Speaker 1 (09:33):
The sheep came to drink, and a satisfied grin curled
on Jacob's face.
Speaker 2 (09:38):
Another thing Laban does not realize is that I have
the favor of God passed down to me from my
father and his father. He revealed this plan to me
in a dream. God's guidance and man's diligence. This is
the way of our people. Watch and learn, my sons.
When we return to Canaan, you'll need to know all
(09:59):
these things.
Speaker 3 (10:03):
Here he's a snake in the grass. Jacob's been taking
from our father, right under our noses.
Speaker 1 (10:11):
Jacob leaned against the low walls separating him from Laban's men.
They were young and fiery, worried that Jacob's increased wealth
was due to theft.
Speaker 2 (10:20):
I haven't stolen anything. It's Laban's foolishness that's caught them
into trouble. I can't have that hatred boiling until it's
too late. It's time to leave now.
Speaker 1 (10:31):
Then everything narrowed, the sounds of the people muted, and
the smells of fire and filled pots disappeared. Everything was
silent still. Then in the deep chambers of Jacob's heart,
the voice of his god echoed.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Return to the land of your father's and your kin go,
for I will be with you.
Speaker 1 (10:57):
All Jacob's senses returned. Jacob stealed his will and slipped
back to his camp, unnoticed by Lavin's men. He gathered
Rachel and Leah to himself, pacing back and forth as
he worked up the courage to speak.
Speaker 2 (11:14):
Ever since I told your father about my intentions to leave,
he's grown cold. I fear his men are fueling his
eye toward me.
Speaker 5 (11:22):
He has grown quite agitated as of late.
Speaker 4 (11:25):
It may have something to do with all those sheep, Jacob,
You've provoked him.
Speaker 2 (11:30):
The God of my father has been with me. That
is why our wealth has increased. While I am shrewd
with my resources. Your father has exhausted his and spent frivolously.
Speaker 5 (11:41):
Huh, He's spent a great deal of money on those
shrines of his They're his tools for divination. All of
the inheritance that was owed to Leah and me was
wasted on those silly statues.
Speaker 2 (11:55):
He's unhinged and unpredictable. You know, I've served your father
with all my strength, yet he's cheated me ten times over.
He's changed the terms of our agreement too many times
to count. Each time I've ended up gaining more.
Speaker 4 (12:09):
How is that exactly? How have you outsmarted our father?
Speaker 2 (12:13):
I haven't outsmarted him. God has. And now it's time
we leave for the land he's promised to me. Will
you go with me? Are we in this together?
Speaker 1 (12:24):
Leah and Rachel looked at each other. The situation demanded
they agree. For the first time in nearly two decades.
Rachel and Leah exchange looks of understanding.
Speaker 5 (12:35):
There's nothing left for us here. Our father has regarded
us as foreigners. He has left us nothing.
Speaker 4 (12:42):
Whatever you've gained is our gain. To whatever God asks
you to do, we will follow.
Speaker 1 (12:48):
Jacob wanted to hug and kiss them both, but decided
not to. There were moments when the strangeness of their
situation dawned on him, and now was one of those moments.
The awkward feeling then commanded some men to mount their camels.
Leah and Rachel prepared the children, while Zilpah and Bellah
gathered all their belongings. The clouds parted like curtains to
(13:11):
give moonlight to Jacob's camp. Jacob hustled, collapsing every last
tent and locking every last chest. Bags were loaded onto wagons,
and camels were loaded with his children's belongings. Every child
had a camel, all but Joseph tied securely to Rachel's chest.
In the flurry of preparation, Rachel meanded into her father's room.
(13:34):
He had been gone for the night for shearing. There,
sitting atop a wooden shrine with the idols of divination,
contempt for her father boiled deep within her. Those idols
were a symbol of Laban's indifference towards his children and
the vain cultish beliefs he'd become enslaved too. In defiance,
(13:55):
Rachel swiped the idols from the altar and put them
in her bag. With a torch in one hand and
the reins of his camel in another, Jacob turned to
his wives, children, servants, and men, looking at all gathered
in one place made him realize how vast his wealth
had become. He had a loyal caravan of family and
(14:16):
friends ready to follow him into the Negev.
Speaker 2 (14:20):
None of you have seen what I have seen. None
of you know the riches of Canaan or the nectar
of the land. You've never met my father Isaac. Nor
have you heard of Abraham. But you've seen me. You've
seen how my God has blessed me. Some of you
know all too well that my God has blessed me
despite my own foolishness and pride.
Speaker 1 (14:43):
Jacob stole a glance at his wives, who knew intimately
Jacob's follies and failures. They had bore witness to his floors,
but had seen God work despite them, which fueled their trust.
Speaker 2 (14:55):
My grandfather Abraham once left the comforts of these lands
to Canaan. He embarked on an adventure into the unknown,
beckoned by a faint promise whispered in the stars and
to night. We've been given that same call to adventure.
We're asked to leave this land and step into the unknown.
(15:15):
Hear me, Clan of Jacob. Here is my declaration that
God will be with us just as he was with
my fathers, Isaac and Abraham.
Speaker 1 (15:25):
The crowd irrupted in cheers. Jacob raised his torch high
into the air. Chills covered his body. He finally felt
like a leader. He felt like he had the potential
for greatness. He pulled at the reins of his camel
and turned toward the Euphrates. His course was set toward
(15:45):
the hill country of Gilead. Larban was only a day's
journey behind Jacob, breathing threats of death into the cold
night air as he galloped over the sands with a
small army behind him.
Speaker 3 (16:00):
I'll have that trader's head on a pike. He took
my tatters, I will and my gods.
Speaker 1 (16:06):
His men were gaining on them, and settled for one
more night in the desert.
Speaker 3 (16:11):
Tomorrow, I'll have my revenge.
Speaker 1 (16:15):
Larban fell asleep under the stars, head heavy on his pillow,
fantasizing about driving a spear through Jacob's throat. However, in
the dead of night, the god of Jacob appeared to
Laban in a dream. Laban saw visions of Jacob and
his grandchildren huddled in a circle, and Laban's men closed
(16:35):
in with spears. Then the stars in the sky fell
upon Laban, and a voice that sounded like thunder boomed.
Be careful how you deal with Jacob.
Speaker 2 (16:47):
Mind your words, whether good or bad.
Speaker 1 (16:52):
Laban awoke in fright, poking up and around him. It
was only a dream, but Laban realized that harming Jacob
would come at a great cost to him. Jacob woke
in a panic. The braying of camels and the clamoring
of men caused Jacob to leap out of his tent
with his sword drawn. His men were awake as well.
(17:13):
Swords of the ready dawns. Candescent glare beamed behind the intruders,
hiding their faces, but Jacob could see the glimmering of
their spears. He squinted, straining to get a gauge on
the situation, but everything became clear when he heard a
shouting voice.
Speaker 2 (17:30):
Jacob, you doll, Layben, keep your swords drawn.
Speaker 1 (17:38):
Laban dismounted his camel. His broad chest was puffed out
in rage. He postured himself as he skulked forward. Jacob
returned the posture, standing straight with his shoulders back. People
rarely thought of Jacob as a large man, but he was.
He was a man of wit. First but when push
came to shove, he'd fight. His grandfather had taught him
(18:01):
that there were moments when you couldn't run, you had
to face your enemy's head on. When Jacob was younger,
he would have shifted his feet to flee, But now
with his family behind him, Jacob readied himself.
Speaker 2 (18:16):
Leave Laban.
Speaker 3 (18:17):
Now, why have you done this to me? After all
I have done for you? This is how you repay me.
You've tricked me.
Speaker 2 (18:27):
It's no more than you deserve.
Speaker 3 (18:29):
Laban. You denied me a chance to kiss my daughters
and grandchildren goodbye. I could have sent you away with
songs and feasts. You were a fool to leave the
way you did. It is my right to do your
harm for what you've done.
Speaker 1 (18:47):
Larban stepped forward, and all of Jacob's men readied themselves.
Jacob gripped his sword tightly and planted his feet. Laban
looked around. His brow was furrowed with a mixture of rage.
Speaker 2 (18:59):
And I should kill you, Jacob, But the god.
Speaker 6 (19:04):
Of your father spoke to me last night in a dream.
Speaker 2 (19:08):
She mourned me not to harm you, so I won't.
That's a wise choice.
Speaker 6 (19:16):
I understand why you fled the way you did. But
why take my household gods? What are they to you?
Why steal from me more than you already have.
Speaker 1 (19:27):
Jacob cocked his head to the side in confusion. He
looked around, scanning the faces of his men. He turned
back to Labin with a confused look.
Speaker 2 (19:38):
Layban, I fled because I was afraid you would take
your daughters back by force. Judging by the spears pointed
at me, it seems my fears were warranted. But as
for your idols, I don't know what you're talking about.
If any of my men have stolen your gods, their lives,
are yours to take? Search all our tents.
Speaker 1 (19:58):
Rachel's eyes widened. The idols were in her pack, right
underneath her. Larban stepped forward, face to face with Jacob,
his nostrils flared like a bull's.
Speaker 3 (20:10):
Very well, let's have a look.
Speaker 1 (20:12):
Then Larbon started with Jacob's tent. He rummaged through all
his belongings, paying little attention to putting things back where
they belonged. No idols. He went into Lea's tent and
found nothing. He did the same with Rachel's and all
the others. When he passed by Rachel, she was sitting,
not standing. He grunted, you.
Speaker 3 (20:34):
Won't even stand for your own father.
Speaker 5 (20:37):
Forgive me father. The way of the woman is upon me.
I fear if I stand to greet you, it would
be a mess. If you'd like, I can stand here,
let me ah.
Speaker 3 (20:50):
I know my gods are somewhere around your Jacob. You're
a thief and a coward.
Speaker 1 (20:54):
Larbon pushed judor aside to get into his tent, but
Jacob stopped him and shouted.
Speaker 2 (21:00):
Enough, Layban, you surround me like I'm a criminal, but
I want you to list an actual offense against me.
What is my sin? You felt through all my goods
and found nothing? Yes, but don't interrupt me. You're in
my camp and I will speak.
Speaker 1 (21:15):
Everyone fell silent. Jacob's voice suddenly seemed deeper and more palpable.
He was tired of being underestimated and pushed around by Larban.
For years, he had endured Larban's nonsense on behalf of
his family, but no longer.
Speaker 2 (21:32):
For nearly twenty years, I've been with you, Your youes
and female goats have never miscarried, and I haven't eaten
a single ram from your flock. I never told you
when a predator took one of your flock. Instead, I
took from my own flock to a place what you lost?
Did you know that Layban?
Speaker 1 (21:49):
Larban was silent, simmering in a mixture of embarrassment and rage.
Jacob continued, now circling.
Speaker 2 (21:57):
Larban gave no mercy while I was working under you.
If something was stolen from me, day and night, you
required me to pay it back. So there I stood,
day and night, ever watchful for you. The heat of
the day, consumably the cold of the night, shook my bones.
I served you for fourteen years, for your two daughters,
(22:20):
six years for your flock. You changed my wages six
times because you were in mountains of debt. If the
God of my father's had not been on my side,
you would have already sent me away with nothing. But
God is with me. Amen. You know this because he
rebuked you last night. If he can carve his way
(22:41):
into your dreams and make me rich despite your cruelty,
what else do you think he's capable of.
Speaker 1 (22:48):
Larbon looked around. His men had lowered their spears in
submission to Jacob. His daughters were behind him, looking at
him like a monster. Laban's body uncor and he rolled
his shoulders back with an unclenched jaw lb and threw
his spear onto the ground and extended an arm to Jacob.
Speaker 3 (23:11):
We have ward you and I. We've struggled against each other.
Speaker 7 (23:16):
But but now I see that we have everything in common.
Your wives are my daughters, Your children are my grandchildren.
Your flocks came from my flocks. Our lives have grown intertwined.
Speaker 3 (23:35):
Ah, I propose a covenant between us that everyone bear
witness that we can be unified and at peace.
Speaker 1 (23:43):
Jacob peered at Laban, searching his eyes for his true intentions.
He seemed genuine, and, although Jacob loathed to admit it,
their lives were indeed bound to each other. Jacob turned
to his men and shouted.
Speaker 2 (23:59):
Now that stones. My people established monuments to remember events
like these, will gather stones as a testament to our covenant.
Speaker 1 (24:10):
Jacob's men and his oldest sons gathered and stacked stones
between Jacob and Laban. With each stone, the anger between
the two quelled.
Speaker 3 (24:20):
My people call this place Jagar Sahadutha.
Speaker 2 (24:25):
My people call this place Gilead.
Speaker 3 (24:28):
It's new names shall be the lead and misper.
Speaker 2 (24:33):
May God most High judge between us today.
Speaker 3 (24:36):
If you abuse my daughters or take wives besides my daughters,
God will be a witness between us and I vow
to not cross the threshold of this pillar to pursue
or harm you.
Speaker 1 (24:48):
The two placed their hands on the pillars and swore
by the God of Abraham. They made a sacrifice on
the hill and enjoyed a meal together in the morning,
love and kiss his grandchildren goodbye, and went his way.
Jacob watched Laban disappear into the sun soaked horizon, his
face aglow from dawn's light. Jacob nodded and turned back
(25:13):
to Canaan. He wasn't sure what the future held, no
doubt Esau was somewhere out there, stronger and more vengeful.
Jacob chose to step forward in faith that the God
of his forefathers would protect him. This prey Dog comproduction
(25:37):
is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents.
Steve Katina, Max Bard, Zach Shellabager and Ben Gammon are
the executive producers of The Chosen People, narrated by Paul Coltefianu.
Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvado, Sarah Seltz,
Mike Reagan, Stephen Ringwald, Sylvia Zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Junior, Rosanna Pilcher,
(26:02):
and Mitch Leshinsky. Music by Andrew Morgan Smith, written by
Aaron Salvato, bre Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear
more Prey dot Com productions on the Prey dot Com app,
available on the Apple App Store and Google play Store.
If you enjoyed The Chosen People, please rate and leave
a review,
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