Rachel and the gods

It’s perhaps easy to forget that, although everyone in Jacob’s camp feels the injury of Laban’s dealings with Jacob, none feel it more acutely than Rachel. The beloved of Jacob was forced into a bitter competition with her sister for both the affection of her husband and for the making of children. She had not fared well. It was Laban’s doing.

The allure of the household gods is unclear. Perhaps they had market value or perhaps they were dear to Laban, or to Rachel. Whatever the case, it wasn’t enough to take what was actually due. Rachel somehow felt justified in the theft.

How often human grabbing binds itself to the revealed will of God.

Save me Lord, from self-deceit.