Jacob would have left his crafty kinsman long before but for the fear of encountering Esau. Now he felt that he was in danger from the sons of Laban, who, looking upon his wealth as their own, might endeavor to secure it by violence. He was in great perplexity and distress, not knowing which way to turn. But mindful of the gracious Bethel promise, he carried his case to God, and sought direction from Him. In a dream his prayer was answered: "Return unto the land of thy fathers, and to thy kindred; and I will be with thee."

Da Jakob var blevet træt af at være i Labans tjeneste og havde i sinde at rejse tilbage til Kanaan, sagde han til sin svigerfader: "Lad mig fare, at jeg kan drage til min hjemstavn og mit land; giv mig mine hustruer og mine børn, som jeg har tjent dig for, og lad mig drage bort; du ved jo selv, hvordan jeg har tjent dig!" Men Laban nødte ham til at blive og sagde: "Jeg har udfundet, at Herren har velsignet mig for din skyld." Han så, at hans ejendom forøgedes under hans svigersøns omsorg.