Genesis Profiles

LABAN

Genesis 30:25–31:55

We’re all selfish, but some of us have a real corner on the market. Laban’s whole life was stamped by self-centeredness. His chief goal was to look out for himself. The way he treated others was controlled by that goal. He made profitable arrangements for his sister Rebekah’s marriage to Isaac and used his daughters’ lives as bargaining chips. Jacob eventually outmaneuvered Laban, but the older man was unwilling to admit defeat. His hold on Jacob was broken, but he still tried to maintain some kind of control by getting Jacob to promise to be gone for good. He realized that Jacob and Jacob’s God were more than he could handle.

On the surface, we may find it difficult to identify with Laban. But his selfishness is one point we have in common. Like him, we often have a strong tendency to control people and events to our benefit. Our “good” reasons for treating others the way we do may simply be a thin cover on our self-centered motives. We may not even recognize our own selfishness. One way to discover it is to examine our willingness to admit we’re wrong. Laban could not bring himself to do this. If you ever amaze yourself by what you say and do to avoid facing up to wrong actions, you are getting a glimpse of your selfishness in action. Recognizing selfishness is painful, but it is the first step on the road back to God.

Strengths and accomplishments	Controlled two generations of marriages in the Abrahamic family (Rebekah, Leah, Rachel) Quick-witted
Weaknesses and mistakes	Manipulated others for his own benefit Unwilling to admit wrongdoing Benefited financially by using Jacob, but never fully benefited spiritually by knowing and worshiping Jacob’s God
Lessons from his life	Those who set out to use people will eventually find themselves used God’s plan cannot be blocked
Vital statistics	Where: Haran Occupation: Wealthy sheep breeder Relatives: Father: Bethuel. Sister: Rebekah. Brother-in-law: Isaac. Daughters: Rachel and Leah. Son-in-law: Jacob.
Key verse	“Except the God of my father, the God of Abraham, and the fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely thou hadst sent me away now empty. God hath seen mine affliction and the labour of my hands, and rebuked thee yesternight” (Genesis 31:42).

Laban’s story is told in Genesis 24:1—31:55.