The God of Abraham, &c.— It seems very plain that Laban, by these expressions, means to refer to that true God, who was peculiarly the God of their fathers and family. And when Jacob swears by the fear of his father Isaac, that is, by the God who was the object of his father's religious veneration and regard, he insinuates that the same God still protected the family, and was no less the God of Isaac than of Terah, Abraham, and Nahor; a God always the same, and therefore the proper witness and avenger of those who swore by him, and covenanted in his name.
REFLECTIONS.—Laban could not gainsay Jacob's expostulation; truth and conscience confirmed it. But when he dares not do evil, he pretends kindness, and would fain make a merit of that affection which he had never shewn, and bestow as a gift what was Jacob's by hard service. Hereupon,
1. He proposes a covenant of friendship, and Jacob readily consents. Observe, We must follow peace with all men, especially with those of our own house and family. The terms are, That Jacob shall take no other wife, and that no injuries should be offered on either side. Jacob never designed the one, nor intended the other. Note; They who behave ill are most apt to suspect others to be like themselves. Hereupon a pillar is erected of stones, a sacrifice is offered, the oath is taken, they eat and drink before the Lord, and call the place the Heap of Witness and the Watch-tower. Learn, (1.) To forgive and forget all injuries is Christian-like. (2.) When friends are parted, it is their comfort that God sees and watches between them. (3.) Those who take the seals of the covenant, should look well that they be faithful to the engagements that are upon them, for God is not to be mocked.
2. They part in peace. The storm is blown over; anger subsides into paternal benediction, and threatening into kisses and love. Note; (1.) Strange alterations are brought about by God's providence. (2.) Near relations are doubly bound mutually to forgive and live in peace.