What does Genesis 31:7 Mean?

Context Summary

Jacob was a remarkable mixture. He had an eminently religious nature, and had intimate dealings with God. Note Genesis 31:3; Genesis 31:5; Genesis 31:7; Genesis 31:18. But he grossly misrepresented God's dealings with him when he gave his wives the reasons on which he proposed flight. Note Genesis 31:9; Genesis 31:13. So the flesh and spirit struggle for mastery within us all, and only as the grace of God enters our hearts can we come into the absolute supremacy of the spiritual and divine, Galatians 5:17. The secret departure was very undignified and unworthy of the heir of the promises. The command to return was of God, and what He commands He becomes responsible for. Besides, had not the Almighty promised to keep him in all places? See Genesis 28:15. When we are on God's plan, we may reckon on Him absolutely. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 31

¹  Jacob, displeased with the envy of Laban and his sons, departs secretly
¹⁹  Rachel steals her father's household gods
²²  Laban pursues after him, and complains of the wrong
³⁴  Rachel's plan to hide the images
³⁶  Jacob's complaint of Laban
⁴³  The covenant of Laban and Jacob at Galeed