In Chapter 28 we read of how Jacob goes away from his home. He is sent off by Rebekah to her brother Laban's place to escape Esau's wrath. Jacob was still unmarried and probably about 70 years old at this time.

It says in 28:11, "after the sun had set." Though that is referring only to a geographical fact, yet the sun had indeed set on Jacob's life, spiritually speaking too. He had been living for the world, and had grabbed and cheated. And yet God met with Jacob in mercy and told him that He had a great purpose for his life.