Genesis — Chapter 31

AND THE LORD SAID TO JACOB: RETURN TO THE LAND OF THY FATHERS AND TO THY KINDRED, AND I WILL BE WITH THEE. — God commands Jacob to leave Mesopotamia and return to Canaan after 20 years. Jacob obeys immediately (v. 18: \"he made haste\"). The divine promise \"I will be with thee\" is the perennial assurance that accompanies those who obey God's commands even at personal risk. Jacob departs secretly, carrying Rachel and Leah and all his household and property.