John Calvin Commentary Genesis 31:14

"And Rachel and Leah answered and said unto him, Is there yet any portion or inheritance for us in our father`s house?" — Genesis 31:14 (ASV)

And Rachel and Leah answered. Here we see fulfilled what Paul teaches: that all things work together for good to the children of God (Romans 8:28). For since Jacob’s wives had been unjustly treated by their father, they went so far as to act contrary to the natural tenderness characteristic of women, so that at their husband’s desire, they became willing to follow him into a distant and unknown region.

Therefore, though Jacob is compelled to endure many bitter experiences of grief, he is now cheered by the most satisfying compensation: his wives are not separated from him by their attachment to their father’s house. Instead, overcome by the wearisome nature of their sufferings, they earnestly resolve to join him in his flight.

“There is nothing,” they say, “that should cause us to remain with our father, for daughters are attached to their fathers because they are esteemed members of his family. But what a cruel rejection this is, that he has not only married us off without a dowry, but has also sold us and devoured the price for which he sold us?” By the word money (Genesis 31:15), I understand the sale price.

For they complain that they had not even received, as a substitute for a dowry, the profit unjustly extorted from their husband; instead, this gain too had been unjustly kept by their covetous father. Therefore, the particle גם (gam) is inserted, which is used for amplification among the Hebrews.

For this greatly increased Laban’s meanness, as, like an insatiable whirlpool, he had absorbed the gain acquired by this most dishonorable trade. It should also be noted that they were then devoted to their husband and were therefore free to depart from their father, especially since they knew that the hand of God was stretched out to them.

There is also no doubt, since they were persuaded that Jacob was a faithful prophet of God, that they freely embraced the heavenly oracle from his mouth. Indeed, at the end of their reply, they show that they yielded not so much to his wish as to God’s command.