Genesis 31:22

Modern

On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled.

Traditional

And it was told Laban on the third day that Jacob was fled.

Literal

And it was told to Laban on the third day that Jacob had fled.

Latin

…nuntiatum est Laban die tertio quod fugeret Jacob.

Hebrew

English

On the third day Laban was informed that Jacob had fled.

The theft of the idols (31:19) probably caused Laban and his men to chase Jacob. It was one thing for Jacob to take his family and flocks (Laban probably still thought they were his). But taking the household gods was different. Laban might have feared Jacob would return to claim all of Laban’s property. When he could not find the gods, he asked for a treaty to keep Jacob away (31:43–53).
It took Laban seven days to overtake Jacob.

These chapters describe how God fulfilled his promise by greatly blessing Jacob with a family and possessions. God also disciplined Jacob, leaving him to struggle with Laban for many years. Laban was Jacob’s match in deception, and thus a means of correction.
The story of Jacob and Laban is similar to Israel's later stay in Egypt. Jacob struggled while serving his uncle but finally emerged with a large family (the founders of the 12 tribes) and great wealth. In Egypt, the Israelites suffered under their oppressors, but they also flourished, becoming a great nation of 12 large tribes and escaping with great riches.

Theme notes and profiles

Genesis 30:36
Then he put a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob was shepherding the rest of Laban’s flocks.
Job 5:12–13
He thwarts the schemes of the crafty, so that their hands find no success.
Exodus 14:5–31
When the king of Egypt was told that the people had fled, Pharaoh and his officials changed their minds about them and said, “What have we done? We have released Israel from serving us.”

Israel: Patriarch, son of Isaac, father of twelve tribes Laban: Brother of Rebekah; father of Leah and Rachel