Page:A Jewish Interpretation of the Book of Genesis (Morgenstern, 1919, jewishinterpreta00morg).pdf/271

Rh loyally. Apparently he was well on his way toward complete purification and regeneration. And with this peace and happiness and quiet contentment were his during the first fourteen years of his service for Leah and Rachel. He discharged his obligations to Laban faithfully and loyally; and always there is the peace and joy of a satisfied. and approving conscience in the knowledge that a task is well done. During these years, too, children were born to him, and all in all he had ample proof that God was with him, as He had promised, and was watching over him and providing for his needs, was indeed giving him "food to eat, and raiment to put on", even as Jacob had prayed. But with the end of these fourteen years of faithful service, and the beginning of the third period of his sojourn with Laban, a change took place in Jacob. Continued success had tended to make him self-centered once more. Gradually the consciousness of God's blessing, and reliance upon God's help and providence gave way to reliance upon self and desire for material gain. As his family increased, the necessity of making proper provision for them pressed upon him. "When shall I provide for mine own house?" became his cry toward Laban. More and more his thoughts dealt with material things, and sought material rewards. And more and more he came to resent Laban's deceit and treachery, and to seek revenge in kind.

When the fourteen years of service for his two wives had passed, and it became necessary for Laban to negotiate other terms for Jacob's services, Jacob's opportunity had. He knew that Laban realized that only through Jacob had he prospered so exceedingly, and therefore could not dispense with his services. He would make a cunning bargain with his uncle, and would show himself the shrewder of the two. He would offer terms which would seem to Laban's advantage, and which his grasping uncle would ac- cept eagerly. But he knew many shepherd's tricks, by which \n