And Laban went, &c.— The LXX here add, and searched; Laban went and searched into Jacob's tent, &c. which Dr. Kennicott defends by a reading from the Samaritan; but the matter is of no consequence, since the passage is perfectly well understood in the Hebrew without this addition; and the conciseness of the Hebrew idiom does not always admit of every explanatory word. Who does not well know, from the context, for what purpose Laban entered into Jacob's, Leah's, and the other tents? not to say that the words at the end of Genesis 31:34 are sufficient for the whole.
REFLECTIONS.—We have here,
1. Laban's pursuit. He raises all his family, and pursues the fugitive seven days, and overtakes him at Mount Gilead. Note; When anger and covetousness are roused, what will not men do to gratify them? Even his own flesh and blood are now likely to rue his vengeance.
2. That night God stops his career, forbids him to interpose, and restrains him from offering Jacob the least injury. Note; (1.) God hath in his hands the hearts of all men. He saith to the fury of man as to the raging sea, Hitherto shalt thou come, and no further. (2.) He hath rescued, and will continue to rescue his people, when they seem upon the brink of ruin. Let us in every circumstance trust, and not be afraid. But though Laban is restrained from hurting Jacob, he is not from upbraiding him. Here is,
1. His charge against him, of great unkindness. He pretends wondrous affection to his children, nothing of which he had ever shown. Observe, When a man is disappointed of a mischievous design, he would fain have it thought he never intended it. He suggests also, as if it were a force upon his daughters, though they were first consulted. Learn, A bad heart is ingenious in inventing evil surmises. He vaunts his power to hurt him, but owns himself under a divine restraint, from God's appearing to him the past night. Note; It were well if men attended more to the secret notices (sleeping or waking) given to their consciences from God. However, one charge at least with some colour he can maintain: his gods are stolen, and Jacob the thief. Sad gods indeed that cannot preserve themselves!
2. Jacob maintains his innocence. If he were to depart at all from Haran, he had reason from Laban's past conduct to fear injustice. As to his gods, he denies the charge, and denounces vengeance on the thief. Had he known her, he had spoken more warily. Note; Evil wishes cannot be too sparingly dispersed; they may light on those we least suspect.
3. Laban's search for his gods in vain. Rachel by an artifice conceals them. Note; They who steal will never want a lie or excuse.