This chapter begins with two revelations. First, Jacob learns that Laban's sons are dangerously angry with him for taking such a large portion of Laban's profits, their future inheritance. Worse, Jacob hears that he has lost the favor of Laban himself. Second, God speaks to Jacob once more and commands him to return to his own people in Canaan. God promises to be with him (Genesis 31:1–3).

Jacob knows he must leave. He is afraid, though. What if his wives, Laban's daughters, don't want to go? What if Laban won't let him go? He immediately sends for his wives to see if they will support the move. He makes his case: Laban no longer favors him. Even after twenty years of faithful service, Laban continually cheats him. Rachel and Leah agree, despite their longstanding rivalry. They describe their decision bitterly, in financial terms. They won't get any inheritance from Laban, anyway. They'll go with Jacob (Genesis 31:4–16).

Next, Jacob decides to skip any confrontation with Laban. In the past, Laban has talked Jacob into seemingly terrible agreements, though God has blessed Jacob even in those circumstances. Worse, Jacob is concerned that Laban may forbid Jacob to leave with all the people and property that he sees as ultimately belonging to him. Jacob doesn't give Laban the chance to object. He just packs and leaves in a hurry (Genesis 31:17–21).

Three days later, Laban hears that Jacob is gone. He saddles up with his kinsman and gives chase, catching up with Jacob's large company in the hill country of Gilead. The confrontation will happen after all. Unexpectedly warned by God not to "say anything to Jacob, either good or bad," Laban may have moderated his words to Jacob. Instead of expressing his wrath, Laban sounds hurt. If Jacob had only told him he was leaving, Laban would have thrown him a party, or so he says. Laban speaks as if Jacob tried to steal Laban's chance to kiss his daughters and grandchildren goodbye. He understands that Jacob longed for his father's household, but why did Jacob steal Laban's house gods (Genesis 31:22–30)?

Jacob answers Laban honestly. He thought Laban would take his daughters, Jacob's wives, away by force. He also insists he did not take Laban's idols, not knowing that Rachel did exactly that. Jacob foolishly promises that anyone found with the idols will die. This puts his beloved wife's life at risk (Genesis 31:31–32).

Jacob allows Laban to search the camp. Due to Rachel's quick thinking, and deception, Laban finds nothing. Feeling righteously indignant, Jacob finally expresses all of his fury to Laban, not just about the idol search, but also about twenty years of shabby treatment in spite of Jacob's faithful service. Only God's protection and blessing has kept Jacob from leaving empty-handed to return to his own people (Genesis 31:33–42).

Laban disagrees. He still believes his daughters and their children and all that Jacob possesses belongs to him. Because Jacob's God has warned Laban, though, Laban won't fight for them. Instead, he offers an alternative both to protect himself in the future and to take control of the situation. He proposes a covenant that both men will swear never to cross over the point where they stand in order to do the other harm (Genesis 31:43–50).

Jacob agrees. The covenant is made and recognized with the building of a heap of stones, a sacrifice upon an altar, and the sharing of a meal. Finally, Laban rides off and Jacob turns to face his homeland as a free man (Genesis 31:51–55).

Still, this won't be the end of Jacob's worries as he heads home. When he fled, twenty years prior, it was to escape the murderous wrath of Esau, the older twin brother Jacob had cheated (Genesis 27:36; 27:41). Jacob might be free, but he's also heading towards a man who might still be looking for revenge. The next two chapters will show how this eventual meeting plays out.