The television series Different Strokes aired for 8 seasons: running from 1978-1986. This popular comedy starring Gary Coleman and Todd Bridges was cancelled before I began my senior year of high school. One of the most quoted lines from this show was Coleman’s response to his brother, “What are you talkin about Willis?” These words were relived in my mind as I studied a heated conversation between Laban and Jacob.
Then Laban overtook Jacob. Now Jacob had pitched his tent on the hill, and Laban coming with his kinsmen pitched [his tents] on the same hill of Gilead. 26 And Laban said to Jacob, What do you mean stealing away and leaving like this without my knowing it, and carrying off my daughters as if captives of the sword? 27 Why did you flee secretly and cheat me and did not tell me, so that I might have sent you away with joy and gladness and with singing, with tambourine and lyre? 28 And why did you not permit me to kiss my sons [grandchildren] and my daughters good-bye? Now you have done foolishly [in behaving like this]. 29 It is in my power to do you harm; but the God of your father spoke to me last night, saying, Be careful that you do not speak from good to bad to Jacob [peaceably, then violently]. 30 And now you felt you must go because you were homesick for your father’s house, but why did you steal my [household] [c]gods? – Genesis 31:25-30
During his 20 years of working for his father-in-law, Jacob’s wages were changed 10 different times. Based upon Moses’ description of this dispute, Jacob seems to have gotten his wage cut multiple times. Subsequently, as Laban hunts Jacob and his family down like a band of criminals, he reaches a breaking point. Although Jacob doesn’t literally use the expression, “what are you talkin’ about Laban,” this tone can be detected Jacob is staring at the real thief.
Then Jacob became angry and reproached and argued with Laban. And Jacob said to Laban, What is my fault? What is my sin, that you so hotly pursued me? 37 Although you have searched and felt through all my household possessions, what have you found of all your household goods? Put it here before my brethren and yours, that they may judge and decide between us. 38 These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your she-goats have not lost their young, and the rams of your flock have not been eaten by me. 39 I did not bring you [the carcasses of the animals] torn by wild beasts; I bore the loss of it; you required of me [to make good] all that was stolen, whether it occurred by day or by night, Genesis 31:36-39.
From a modern perspective, Jacob could have responded, “are you done yet?” If Jacob allowed his human nature to get the best of him, a few choice words might have been exchanged in the heat of the moment. Perhaps years of being the whipping boy in his family triggered Jacob to finally snap, venting all of his frustrations built up over 2 decades of working in an unhealthy environment. If Jacob had an opportunity to learn from Jesus or the apostle Paul in 2 Timothy 4:2, what you talkin’ about Laban would be replaced by remove the plank from your own life before judging others, Matthew 7:1-5.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 