Using "We" Instead of "I"
As with much of Genesis, this is a foundational narrative for perspectives and values, with Jacob seen as an ideal worker and Laban's behavior as an example to be avoided.
What is Laban's response when he stands accused of deception? "We shall give you the other [daughter] also for the service you shall serve with me yet another seven years" (verse 27). Why is it that Laban did not honor his original dowry agreement? Laban spoke with guile. Notice the plural pronoun, "WE" rather than "I". He told Jacob that things were not done this way in our place, implying that the community would not let him act like that since it violated their conventions.
We should draw the lesson from here that "one of the characteristic signs of a wicked man standing in the way of reformation is the flight from personal responsibility…he regards himself as forced into it because the community or some vague body to which he belongs compelled him to act thus." There are implications for those who would make a distinction between taking personal responsibility and citing low community morals in defense of personal choices.
Created over 2 years ago
