And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country.
When Rachel had born Joseph. Shortly after the birth of this son, Jacob's term of servitude expired, and, feeling anxious to establish an independence for his family, he probably, from knowing that Esau was out of the way, announced his intention of returning to Canaan (Hebrews 13:14). In this resolution the faith of Jacob was remarkable, because as yet he had nothing to rely on but the promise of God (cf. Genesis 28:15).