John Calvin Commentary Genesis 31:1

"And he heard the words of Laban`s sons, saying, Jacob hath taken away all that was our father`s; and of that which was our father`s hath he gotten all this glory." — Genesis 31:1 (ASV)

And he heard the words. Although Jacob ardently desired his own country and was continually thinking of his return to it, his admirable patience appears in this: he suspended his purpose until a new occasion presented itself. I do not, however, deny that some imperfection was mixed with this virtue, in that he did not hurry more to return; but it will shortly appear that the promise of God was always retained in his mind.

In this respect, however, he showed something of human nature by postponing his return for six years for the sake of obtaining wealth. For when Laban was perpetually changing his terms, Jacob might justly have taken his leave of him. But we infer from his secret flight that he was detained by both force and fear.

Now, at least, he had a sufficient reason for asking for his dismissal, because his riches had become grievous and hateful to Laban’s sons. Nevertheless, he did not dare to withdraw openly from their enmity but was compelled to flee secretly. Yet, though his tardiness is in some degree excusable, it was probably connected with indolence, just as the faithful, when they direct their course towards God, often do not pursue it with appropriate fervor.

Therefore, whenever the indolence of the flesh hinders us, let us learn to fan the ardor of our spirits into a flame. There is no doubt that the Lord corrected the infirmity of his servant and gently spurred him on as he proceeded in his course. For if Laban had treated him kindly and pleasantly, Jacob’s mind would have been lulled to sleep; but now he was driven away by hostile looks.

So the Lord often better secures the salvation of His people by subjecting them to the hatred, envy, and malevolence of the wicked, than by allowing them to be soothed with flattering speech. It was far more useful for holy Jacob to have his father-in-law and his sons opposed to him, than to have them courteously obsequious to his wishes, because their favor might have deprived him of the blessing of God.

We also have more than sufficient experience of the power of earthly attractions and of the ease with which, when they abound, the oblivion of celestial blessings steals over us. Therefore, let us not consider it a hardship to be awakened by the Lord when we fall into adversity or receive little favor from the world; for hatred, threats, disgrace, and slanders are often more advantageous to us than the applause of all people on every side.

Moreover, we must notice the inhumanity of Laban’s sons, who complain throughout as if Jacob had plundered them. But sordid and avaricious men suffer from the disease of thinking that they are robbed of everything with which they do not gorge themselves. For since their avarice is insatiable, it necessarily follows that the prosperity of others torments them, as if they themselves would thereby be left in need.

They do not consider whether Jacob acquired this great wealth justly or unjustly; instead, they are enraged and envious because they imagine that so much has been taken from them. Laban had previously confessed that he had been enriched by Jacob’s coming and even that he had been blessed by the Lord for Jacob’s sake. But now his sons murmur, and Laban himself is tortured with grief to find that Jacob also is made a sharer in the same blessing.

From this, we perceive the blindness of avarice, which can never be satisfied. This is also why Paul calls it the root of all evil; because those who desire to swallow up everything must be treacherous, cruel, ungrateful, and in every way unjust. Besides, it is to be observed that Laban’s sons, in the impetuosity of their younger years, give vent to their vexation; but the father, like a cunning old fox, is silent, yet betrays his wickedness by his facial expression.