Jacob's Escape

Summary

---

The Chosen People Podcast — Episode: “Jacob’s Escape”

Host: Pray.com
Date: November 27, 2025

---

Episode Overview

In “Jacob’s Escape,” The Chosen People podcast dives deep into one of Genesis’s pivotal turning points: Jacob’s departure from servitude under Laban and his journey to become the patriarch of a great nation. This cinematic retelling fuses evocative storytelling and dialogue-driven narrative to illuminate themes of faith, deceit, perseverance, and God’s providence, painting a complex portrait of family, legacy, and spiritual struggle.

---

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Recap of Jacob’s Service to Laban

(01:06–03:01)

• The story opens with a recap: Jacob’s fourteen years of hard labor for Laban, driven by his desire to marry Rachel, only to be deceived into marrying Leah as well.
• Jacob’s time in Laban’s household is marked by growth in wealth and family, yet also by trickery and rivalry.
• Quote (Jacob, 01:50): “That treacherous snake Laban tricked me.”

Insight:
The narrative underlines the irony that Jacob, known as a trickster, himself becomes the victim of trickery—a theme of poetic justice that echoes throughout his story.

---

2. The Family’s Growing Tensions and Jacob’s Lament

(04:33–07:03)

• Jacob’s household is described as chaotic with numerous children, wives in conflict, and a sense of perpetual unrest.
• He feels the burden of having gained much materially, but is spiritually and emotionally unsatisfied; his “wealth” is entangled with strife and manipulation.
• Quote (Jacob, 07:03): “Yes, blessed indeed. Speaking of which, Laban, I have something I want to discuss.”

---

3. Jacob’s Negotiation for Freedom

(07:11–10:52)

• Jacob asks Laban for permission to leave with his family, stating he has fulfilled his obligations.
• Laban admits through divination that it’s Jacob’s presence—and by extension, Jacob’s God—that’s brought prosperity.
• Quote (Laban, 08:29): “Your God has blessed me because of your presence.”
• A tense, careful negotiation ensures that Jacob’s wages will be the speckled and spotted livestock, which seems fair but sets up a subtle contest of wits.

Insight:
The episode explores themes of cunning versus divine blessing, showing Jacob using both strategy and trust in God’s guidance to secure his future.

---

4. Jacob’s Strategic Breeding and Divine Insight

(10:52–12:36)

• Jacob employs shepherding strategies and selective breeding to multiply his own flock.
• He attributes this plan to divine revelation:
  Quote (Jacob, 12:11): “He revealed this plan to me in a dream. God’s guidance and man’s diligence—this is the way of our people.”
• Jacob underscores the importance of both skill and spiritual attentiveness.

---

5. The Decision to Flee

(12:36–16:53)

• Tensions with Laban’s sons intensify, increasing Jacob’s fear for his family’s safety.
• God tells Jacob directly:
  Quote (Voice of God, 13:22): “Return to the land of your fathers and your kin. Go, for I will be with you.”
• In a rare show of unity, Rachel and Leah support Jacob’s decision to leave, expressing their own disenchantment with their father.
• Rachel secretly steals Laban’s household idols—an act of symbolic and practical rebellion.
• Jacob musters his entire family and dependents for a clandestine midnight escape.
• Quote (Jacob, 16:53): “None of you have seen what I have seen... But you’ve seen me. You’ve seen how my God has blessed me.”

---

6. The Flight and Laban’s Pursuit

(19:53–20:56)

• Laban discovers Jacob’s departure and pursues with a small force, enraged by the loss not only of family and wealth, but of his household gods.
• Before confrontation, God warns Laban in a dream not to harm Jacob.
• Quote (God’s Voice to Laban, 20:47): “Be careful how you deal with Jacob. Mind your words, whether good or bad.”

---

7. The Confrontation and the Covenant

(21:33–28:52)

• A tense standoff takes place when the two groups meet.
• Laban accuses Jacob of betrayal and theft.
• Jacob, standing his ground, defends his integrity and recounts years of faithful service under poor treatment.
• Quote (Jacob, 26:00): “If the God of my fathers had not been on my side, you would have already sent me away with nothing. But God is with me, Laban. You know this because he rebuked you last night.”
• Laban, subdued, proposes a covenant of peace, acknowledging the intertwined fates of their families.
• The two establish a monument of remembrance—a pillar of stones—naming the place Gilead/Mizpah.
• Quote (Laban, 27:14): “We have warred, you and I… but now I see that we have everything in common.”

---

8. Farewell and Forward to Destiny

(28:52–29:30)

• The episode concludes with Laban blessing his daughters and grandchildren, then departing.
• Jacob is left to continue his journey to Canaan, uncertain but trusting in God’s promises, previewing the coming challenge of facing his brother Esau.

---

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “The trickster had been tricked.” (Narrator, 02:21)

  • Summarizes Jacob’s ironic turn from cunning to the receiving end of deceit.

• “God’s guidance and man’s diligence—this is the way of our people.” (Jacob, 12:11)

  • Emphasizes the blend of faith and practical action that guides Jacob’s success.

• “Return to the land of your fathers and your kin. Go, for I will be with you.” (God to Jacob, 13:22)

  • Marks the divine mandate for Jacob’s escape.

• “What is my sin? You felt through all my goods and found nothing.” (Jacob confronting Laban, 25:03)

  • A pivotal moment asserting Jacob’s integrity and the unjust suspicion of Laban.

• “May God most High judge between us today.” (Jacob, 28:36)

  • Seals the gravity and sanctity of the covenant between Jacob and Laban.

---

Timeline of Major Segments

• 01:06–03:01: Recap of Jacob’s service, deception, and family strife.
• 04:33–07:03: Jacob’s family chaos and desire to leave.
• 07:11–10:52: Negotiating with Laban for freedom and fair wages.
• 10:52–12:36: Jacob’s husbandry strategy and reflection on faith.
• 12:36–16:53: Rising tension; God’s command to leave; Rachel steals idols.
• 19:53–20:56: Laban pursues Jacob; divine warning in a dream.
• 21:33–28:52: The confrontation, search for idols, Jacob’s defense, and the covenant at Gilead.
• 28:52–29:30: Final blessing; Jacob looks ahead to the next challenge.

---

Tone and Style

The episode’s tone is reverent yet unflinching—combining dramatic storytelling, emotionally resonant dialogue, and moments of wry humor (especially in Laban and Jacob’s exchanges). The narration retains the gravitas of the biblical account while humanizing the characters’ struggles and faith journeys.

---

Takeaway Themes

• Faith and Providence: God’s promises persist despite human flaws and conflicts.
• Family and Forgiveness: Even after deep betrayal, reconciliation and moving forward are possible.
• The Cost of Deceit: Cycles of cunning and suspicion ultimately give way to honest confrontation and peace.
• Leadership and Legacy: Jacob emerges as a true patriarch by trusting both his skill and God’s word.

---

This episode of The Chosen People masterfully retells Jacob’s escape, blending biblical fidelity with cinematic drama, making ancient lessons vibrant and deeply relevant for today.

Transcript

[Narrator/Advertiser]

This is an iHeart podcast.

[Advertiser]

Guaranteed Human open enrollment is here. If rising premiums and confusing fine prints have you praying for a better way, consider CrowdHealth, a community where people pay medical bills directly. You get bill negotiators, low cost prescriptions and lab tools and known networks that keep your healthcare limited. And if something major happens, you pay the first $500. Then the crowd steps in to help with the rest. It's real rapid support with bills being funded within an average of seven days. It's wise stewardship on your health and your wallet. This open enrollment take your power back. Join Crowd Health and get started for just $99 for your first three months using code [e-mail] that's joincrowdhealth.com code pray. Crowd health is not insurance. Opt out. Take your power back. This is how we win. Join CrowdHealth.com previously on the Chosen People.

[Jacob]

I'll serve you for seven more years. That should be more than enough for your youngest daughter Rachel's hand in marriage.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Oh, yes.

[Laban]

Well, I suppose it's better I give her to you. A kinsman, Another dog from another clan wanting to swap rocks and land. You have yourself a deal.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

It had been seven years since his agreement with Laban. He had worked tirelessly, expanding Laban's flock sevenfold.

[Jacob]

Leah. What are you doing here?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

I was with you last night, Jacob.

[Laban]

Don't you remember?

[Jacob]

That treacherous snake Laban tricked me.

[Laban]

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 work my fields for far more years than she's worth. It's a win. Win. Well, by that, of course, I mean that I win twice.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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. 11 sons to bear the promise given 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.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

It's finally here. Black Friday at ulta Beauty. Take 30% off Mac foundations and lip colors. Save $100 on the iconic Dyson airwrap. And starting Tuesday, shop mascaras for $14 and lip colors for $12. Perfect for stocking up to make it super easy. Shop online and pick up in store or get same day delivery. Head into Ulta Beauty and shop Black Friday deals now through November 29th Ulta Beauty Gifting happens here. The world is buzzing with AI tools, but instead of making things easier, they've made things overwhelming. There's a better way. Meet Superhuman, the AI productivity suite that gives you superpowers so you can outsmart the work chaos with Grammarly, mail and coda. Working together, you get proactive help across your workflow. No matter how you work, experience AI that meets you right where you are. Unleash your superhuman potential today. Learn [e-mail] podcast that's superhuman.com podcast every.

[Veterans Wreaths Advertiser]

Generation, every sacrifice, our nation's service members have stood up for our freedom, our families and our future. Now it's our turn to stand up for them. This year, you can honor their service in a deeply personal way by sponsoring a $17 veterans wreath. Each wreath is more than a symbol. It's a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who served and to the families who carry their legacy. Visit wreathsacrossamerica.org to sponsor a wreath today. This isn't just a wreath. It's a personal gift to an American hero.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jacob reclined at the table opposite Laban. His father in law's voice nearly shook the earth when he spoke. Jacob could feel the bass 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. Laban 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 Haran wouldn't be easy. Laban had a tight grip on his daughters even after Jacob had married them. Furthermore, Laban's wealth had increased nearly tenfold since Jacob arrived. Laban considered him something of a good luck charm. Jacob had to be discreet and clever if he was to leave peacefully.

[Laban]

Jacob, tomorrow I'd like you to take the flocks past the western hills. We have guests coming to graze from the east, and I'd prefer not to confuse our sheep with theirs.

[Jacob]

Sounds reasonable. I'll have the shepherd boys prepare first thing in the morning.

[Laban]

Excellent, my dear boy. Now tell me, how are my sweet daughters and grandchildren?

[Jacob]

Chaotic and unpredictable.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

And as usual, Jacob shrugged. His household was overflowing with tears, broken bones and spilled milk. His 12 children, mostly boys, were all under 18. 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 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 Laban's tricks created a domino effect of backbiting chaos and an endless flow of children. Jacob now had wealth, four wives, and 12 children, but no actual property to sustain it all. All orchestrated by jolly old Laban, his dear father in law.

[Laban]

You should thank me for having so many sons. Without our little agreement with Leia, you'd only have one son to your name. Look at how blessed you are now.

[Jacob]

Yes, blessed indeed. Speaking of which, Laban, I have something I want to discuss.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Larvan leaned back and sipped his cup. His eyes narrowed and his wide smile shrank into a slight smirk.

[Jacob]

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 14 years of our arrangement, and then more to build enough of my own wealth here. Now that Rachel has borne a child, I feel this season of our lives has ended.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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, cup twirling in hand.

[Laban]

In the past 20 years, my livestock has increased, my family's wealth has doubled, and the land has been rich with crops. It almost seemed 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 in the dark sands and bone.

[Jacob]

And what did this divination reveal to you?

[Laban]

That your God has blessed me because of your presence. All I have gained in these past.

[Jacob]

Two decades is or because of you, 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 indeed.

[Laban]

It's true. So, dear Jacob, because I owe you a debt of gratitude. Name your wages and I will give it.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Was it that easy? Jacob wondered at Laban for a moment. It 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.

[Jacob]

You know I've put the most effort into your livestock. 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.

[Laban]

So what shall I give you?

[Jacob]

You don't need to give me anything. I will pasture your flock and remove all the blemished ones from the herd. I'll take the spotted sheep, 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 have purer herds left for you. When I leave, it'll be increase the value of your herd tremendously.

[Laban]

Ha. Yes, this is good. Let it be as you have said.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban reached out his arm and linked it with Jacob's. Jacob hid his smile. Laban wrongly assumed that the trick with Leah was water under the bridge. It wasn't. And Jacob was determined to remind Laban who the real trickster was. Laban removed all the black, blemished, spotted and striped livestock from his flocks. He counted each of them, ensuring none were left unaccounted for. He then put them in the care of his sons while Jacob led Laban's herd for one final graze. He left a three days journey between himself and Laban, ensuring there was no chance for the flocks to intermingle. Reuben, Simeon and Levi were with Jacob, padding behind him like pups. Jacob led them to a far off pasture beside a dense forest.

[Jacob]

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.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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.

[Jacob]

Your grandfather Laban has been close to the city for too long. He's forgotten some of the finer art in 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 in heat, how they choose mates and what makes them fertile.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

As Jacob explained these things, he tossed the branches into the sheep's watering trough.

[Jacob]

I've spent years preparing every sheep and 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, it'll be double.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The sheep came to drink, and a satisfied grin curled on Jacob's face.

[Jacob]

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 these things.

[Laban]

He's a snake in the grass Jacob's been taking from our father right under our noses.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jacob leaned against the low wall separating him from Laban's men. They were young and fiery, worried that Jacob's increased wealth was due to theft.

[Jacob]

I haven't stolen anything. It's Laban's foolishness that's gotten him into trouble. I can't have that hatred boiling until it's too late. It's time to leave now.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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.

[Laban]

Return to the land of your fathers and your kin. Go, for I will be with you.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

All Jacob's senses returned. Jacob steeled his will and slipped back to his camp. Unnoticed by Laban's men, he gathered Rachel and Leah to himself, pacing back and forth as he worked up the courage to speak.

[Jacob]

Ever since I told your father about my intentions to leave, he's grown cold. I fear his men are fueling his ire toward me.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

He has grown quite agitated as of late. It may have something to do with all those sheep. Jacob, you've provoked him.

[Jacob]

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.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

He 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.

[Jacob]

He's unhinged and unpredictable. You know, I've served your father with all my strength, yet he's cheated me 10 times over. He's changed the terms of our agreement too many times to count. Each time I've ended up gaining more. How is that exactly?

[Narrator/Advertiser]

How have you outsmarted our father?

[Jacob]

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, Leah and.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Rachel looked at each other. The situation demanded they agree. For the first time in nearly two decades, Rachel and Leah exchanged looks of understanding.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

There's nothing left for us here. Our father has regarded us us as foreigners. He's left us nothing. Whatever you've gained is our gain, too. Whatever God asks you to do, we will follow.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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. He shook the awkward feeling, then commanded some men to mount their camels. Leah and Rachel prepared the children while Zilpah and Billah gathered all their belongings. The clouds parted like curtains to 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 meandered into her father's room. He had been gone for the night for shearing. There, sitting atop a wooden shrine, were 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 to. In defiance, 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 friends ready to follow him into the Negev.

[Jacob]

None of you have seen what I have seen. None of you know the riches of Canaan and 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.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jacob stole a glance at his wives who knew intimately Jacob's follies and failures. They had bore witness to his flaws, but had seen God work despite them, which fueled their trust.

[Jacob]

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. Tonight we've been given that same call to adventure. We're asked to leave this land and step into the unknown. 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.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

The crowd erupted 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 the hill country of Gilead.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

It's finally here. Black Friday at ulta Beauty Take 30% off Mac foundations and lip colors. Save $100 on the iconic Dyson Airwrap and starting Tuesday, shop mascaras for $14 and lip colors for $12. Perfect for stocking up. To make it super easy, shop online and pick up in store or get same day delivery. Head into Ulta Beauty and shop Black Friday deals now through November 29th. Ulta Beauty Gifting happens here.

[Veterans Wreaths Advertiser]

Every generation, every sacrifice. Our nation's service members have stood up for our freedom, our families and our future. Now it's our turn to stand up for them. This year, you can honor their service in a deeply personal way by sponsoring a $17 veterans wreath. Each wreath is more than a second symbol. It's a heartfelt tribute to the heroes who served and to the families who carry their legacy. Visit Wreaths Across America.org to sponsor a wreath today. This isn't just a wreath. It's a personal gift to an American hero.

[Jacob]

Managing multiple accounts and logins for your marketing needs is like managing multiple announcers for one ad. Confusing.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

But with mailchimp's new SMS features, you can reach all your customers in over 10 countries, all from one account, giving you more time, driving more conversions and improving campaign performance. One platform, many audiences, endless possibilities. That's how you MailChimp your marketing with SMS. Tap the banner to learn more.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban 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.

[Laban]

I'll have that traitor's head on a pike. He took my daughters, my wealth, and my gods.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

His men were gaining on them and settled for one more night in the desert.

[Laban]

Tomorrow I'll have my revenge.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban 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 in with spears. Then the stars in the sky fell upon Laban and a voice that Sounded like thunder boomed.

[Laban]

Be careful how you deal with Jacob. Mind your words, whether good or bad.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban awoke in fright, looking 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, swords at the ready. Dawn's 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.

[Laban]

Jacob. You dog.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban.

[Jacob]

Keep your swords drawn.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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 that there were moments when you couldn't run. You had to face your enemies head on. When Jacob was younger, he would have shifted his feet to flee. But now, with his family behind him, Jacob readied himself.

[Jacob]

Leave Laban. Now.

[Laban]

Why have you done this? After all I have done for you, this is how you repay me? You've tricked me.

[Jacob]

It's no more than you deserve, Laban.

[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 you harm. For what? You.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban 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 and hurt.

[Laban]

I should kill you, Jacob. But the God of your father spoke to me last night in a dream. He warned me not to harm you, so I won't.

[Jacob]

That's a wise choice.

[Laban]

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?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jacob cocked his head to the side in confusion. He looked around, scanning the faces of his men. He turned back to Laban with a confused look.

[Jacob]

Laban, 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.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Rachel's eyes widened. The idols were in her pack, right underneath her. Laban stepped forward, face to face with Jacob. His nostrils flared like a bull's.

[Laban]

Very well. Let's have a look then.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban 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 Leah'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.

[Laban]

You won't even stand for your own father.

[Jacob]

Forgive me, Father.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

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.

[Laban]

Ah.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

No.

[Laban]

I know my gods are somewhere around here. Jacob, you're a thief and a coward.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban pushed Judah aside to get into his tent, but Jacob stopped him and shouted, enough.

[Jacob]

Laban. 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.

[Laban]

Yes, but.

[Jacob]

Don't interrupt me. You're in my camp and I will speak.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Everyone fell silent. Jacob's voice suddenly seemed deeper and more palpable. He was tired of being underestimated and pushed around by Laban. For years he had endured Laban's nonsense on behalf of his family, but no longer.

[Jacob]

For nearly 20 years I've been with you. Your ewes 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 replace what you lost. Did you know that, Laban?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban was silent, simmering in a mixture of embarrassment and rage. Jacob continued, now circling.

[Jacob]

Laban 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 can see consumed me. The cold of the night shook my bones. I served you for 14 years for your two daughters. Six years for your flock. You changed my wages six times because you were in mountains of debt. If the God of my fathers had not been on my side, you would have already sent me away with nothing. But God is with me, Laban. You know this because he rebuked you last night. If he can carve his way into your dreams and make me rich despite your cruelty. What else do you think he's capable of?

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Laban 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 uncoiled and he rolled his shoulders back with an unclenched jaw. Laban threw his spear onto the ground and extended an arm to Jacob.

[Laban]

We have ward, you and I. We've struggled against each other, but. But now I see that we have everything in common. Your wives are my daughters. Your children are my grandchildren. You, your flocks came from my flocks. Our lives have grown intertwined. I propose a covenant between us. Let everyone bear witness that we can be unified and at peace.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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, gather stones.

[Jacob]

My people establish monuments to remember events like these. We'll gather stones as a testament to our covenant.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Jacob's men and his oldest sons gathered and stacked stones between Jacob and Laban. With each stone, the anger between the two quelled.

[Laban]

My people call this place Jacob Jagar Sahadutha.

[Jacob]

My people call this place Gilead.

[Laban]

Its new names shall be Gilead and Mizpah.

[Jacob]

May God most High judge between us today.

[Laban]

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.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

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. Laban kissed 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 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.com production is only made possible by our dedicated team of creative talents. Steve Cattina, Max Bard, Zach Shellavaga and Ben Gammon are the executive producers of the Chosen People. Narrated by Paul Coltofianu Characters are voiced by Jonathan Cotton, Aaron Salvato, Sarah Seltz, Mike Reagan, Steven Ringwald, Sylvia zaradoc, Thomas Copeland Jr. Rosanna Pilcher and Mitch Leschinsky Music by Andrew Morgan Smith Written by Aaron Salvato, Bree Rosalie and Chris Baig. You can hear more pre.com productions on the pre.com app available on the Apple app store and Google Play store. If you enjoyed the chosen people, please rate and leave a review.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Okay, only 10 more presents to wrap.

[Laban]

You're almost at the finish line.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

But first. There the last one. Enjoy a Coca Cola for a pause that refreshes.

[Jacob]

You know what a girl's best friend is not diamonds her lawyers.

[Laban]

From executive producer Ryan Murphy comes a fiery new legal drama.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

It's our own boutique women representing women.

[Laban]

You can't afford to miss.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Make it r showtime, ladies. Stand up straight and breeze into that room like a storm no one saw coming.

[Laban]

Hulu Original Series All's fair now streaming on Hulu and Hulu on Disney plus for bundle subscribers terms apply.

[Jacob]

So usually on okay story time, our audience will send in their relationship problems. And the okay storytime squad give some good advice goofily. But today we're not giving out our usual advice. Our producer Riley says we're giving something else. So what are we doing today, Riley? They were playing a little game. Game, Says the man. I bought special gifts for you guys from ebay. Each one picked with one of you in mind. Yeah, Dakota, if you want to guess. All right. There is a gift at my feet. Open that. And now it is in my hands. Oh, I feel like it's got to be our resident gamer. Key. This is the rectangle of childhood. It's a portable game console. I used to have this as a kid. This game console I used to play all the time. And you know when your mom came into the room when you're a kid and like you're pretending to sleep. But Riley, what a thoughtful gift.

[Narrator/Storyteller]

Yeah, right?

[Jacob]

Thank you so much, Riley. You're crushing it. But we have one more gift. Open it.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Boom.

[Laban]

Oh, camera.

[Jacob]

An old timey camera.

[Advertiser]

That's right.

[Jacob]

Classic. This is awesome because you know how I love to take pictures of my travels. Yeah, you're always somewhere, whether it's in Kyrgyzstan with some nomads or just New York, you know, with a nice little A piece of trash or a rat taking pictures with. With the birds. So, Riley, you got all this from ebay? Dude, ebay. It was really fun finding it with you guys. Like, I had very specific things for each one of you. It was all there. Thanks, Riley. And thank you.

[Laban]

EBay.

[Jacob]

And guys shop ebay for millions of fines, each with a story. EBay. Things people love.

[Advertiser]

Running a business is hard enough. Don't make it harder with a dozen apps that don't talk to each other. One for sales, another for inventory, a separate one for accounting. That's software overload. Odoo is the all in one platform that replaces them all. CRM, accounting, inventory, E Commerce, hr. Fully integrated, easy to use, and built to grow with your business. Thousands have already made the switch. Why not you try Odoo for free at o-oo.com that's odoo.com it's finally here.

[Narrator/Advertiser]

Black Friday at Ulta Beauty. Take 30% off Mac foundations and lip colors. Save $100 on the iconic Dyson Airwrap and starting Tuesday, shop mascaras for $14 and lip colors for $12. Perfect for stocking up. To make it super easy, shop online and pick up in store or get same day delivery. Head into Ulta Beauty and shop. Black Friday deals now through November 29th. Ulta Beauty gifting happens here. This is an iHeart podcast. Guaranteed Human.