Families tend to exhibit similarities. It’s expected. It’s unavoidable. They spend more time with one another than anyone else. They have common roots and common interests. It’s not surprising when they enjoy the same foods, hobbies, and habits. They can share hangups, too.
Isaac had lied about his relationship with his wife, saying she was his sister. His father Abraham had done the same. Sarah worried she would not have children, so she gave Abraham her servant. Rachel grew jealous of her sister’s being able to have children, so she gave her servant to Jacob. When jealousy of others or doubt in God motivates a decision, there is little chance that decision is good. There is little chance it will end well.
Rachel was pleased she had a son borne by her servant, but it made Leah jealous. The blessings of God are not to become a competition, but these ladies could not enjoy them. They wanted to outdo the other.
Laban admitted how Yahweh had blessed him by having Jacob work for him (30:27), but Laban’s sons were jealous of Jacob’s success and blessing. They were incapable of being content with how Yahweh had blessed. They insisted on comparing and being discontent (31:1). The jealousy drove the families apart. Rather than being amazed at how Yahweh had worked and blessed, they had to separate forever.
Knowing the destructiveness of jealousy, Jacob made plans to restore the relationship between himself and his brother Esau. Praise God for the peace and courage that come from being content in Him.