John Calvin Commentary Genesis 31:42

"Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now hadst thou sent me away empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight." — Genesis 31:42 (ASV)

Except the God of my father. Jacob here ascribes his not returning home entirely empty to the favor of God. By this, he not only aggravates Laban's sin but also addresses an objection that might seem at variance with his complaints. He therefore denies that he has been made rich by the kindness of his father-in-law but testifies that he has been favorably regarded by the Lord: as if he had said, “I do not owe it to you that you have not injured me further; but God, who is favorable to me, has opposed you.”

Now, since God is not the defender of unfaithfulness, nor is accustomed to help the wicked, Jacob’s integrity can be established from the fact that God intervened as his vindicator. It is also to be observed that by expressly distinguishing the God of Abraham from all false gods, he declares that there is no other true God. By this, he, at the same time, proves himself to be a truly devout worshipper.

The expression “the fear of Isaac” is to be understood passively as the God whom Isaac revered, just as, on account of the reverence due to Him, He is called the fear and the dread of His people. A similar expression occurs immediately after, in the same chapter. Now the devout, while they fear God, are by no means horror-struck at His presence, like the ungodly; but trembling at His judgment, they walk circumspectly before Him.

God has seen my affliction, and the labor of my hands. This was spoken from a devout conviction that God would bring help to him when afflicted, if he conducted himself with fidelity and honesty.

Therefore, so that the Lord may sustain us with His favor, let us learn to discharge our duty rightly. Let us not shrink from our proper work, and let us not refuse to purchase peace by submitting to many inconveniences.

Furthermore, if those from whom we have deserved well treat us severely and unjustly, let us bear our cross in hope and in silence, until the Lord helps us, for He will never forsake us, as the whole Scripture testifies.

But Jacob distinctly presses his father-in-law with Laban's own confession. For why had God rebuked Laban, unless because he was persecuting an innocent man in defiance of justice and equity? For, as I have recently indicated, it is abhorrent to the nature of God to favor evil and unjust causes.