Jacob was a remarkable mixture. He had an eminently religious nature, and had intimate dealings with God. Note vs. 3, 5, 7,18. But he grossly misrepresented God’s dealings with him when he gave his wives the reasons on which he proposed flight. Note vs. 9, 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, Gal. 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 28:15. When we are on God’s plan, we may reckon on him absolutely. :