Genesis 31:1-16

In this lesson, "Parting Prompting," we look at the two primary circumstances that prompted Jacob's decision to finally, after 20 years, separate himself from Laban and head back to his true home.  We also discuss his persuasive conversation with his two wives regarding his need to depart and their consent to depart with him and leave their father (Laban).  Fortunately, Rachel and Leah were united in their response; both women had harbored resentment toward their father for the way he essentially "sold" them to Jacob, had excluded them as virtual "strangers" from receiving any inheritance, and he had even "devoured" their dowry money on himself.  He demonstrated little care for them; too busy building up his own self-worth.  A very selfish father!