Thus there were born to Ja'cob eleven sons while he was in Mes-o-po-ta'mia, and after his return to Ca'naan Ra'chel gave birth to Ben'ja-min, making twelve in all. Each one of these sons became a prince, and was the founder of a tribe in the nation that was later known as Is'ra-el.
After Ja'cob had served La'ban seven years in return for the hand of Ra'chel in marriage, making a total of fourteen years of service, he told La'ban that he would like to go back to his native land with his wives and children. La'ban did not want Ja'cob to leave, for his services had been worth a great deal. He therefore asked Ja'cob to stay with him as a partner, promising him a certain share in the increase of the sheep and cattle.
Under this agreement Ja'cob soon gained in property much faster than did his father-in-law. The terms of the agreement were changed several times by La'ban, who had become very jealous of Ja'cob's success, but each time the LORD blessed Ja'cob more than He did La'ban.
For six years Ja'cob and La'ban remained partners, but they became less and less friendly as time went on. There were bitter quarrels over the share that each was to have in the increased flocks and herds, and many times each felt that the other was cheating him. At last Ja'cob made up his mind that he would live no longer in such an unhappy household.
Rather than have another quarrel with La'ban, Ja'cob decided to leave without telling him. He gathered his sheep and cattle, packed up all his goods that were easily movable, and took his wives and children on the journey back to Ca'naan. La'ban pursued him, trying to force him to return. He was then warned by the LORD in a dream not to harm Ja'cob in any way, and after a covenant of peace had been made between La'ban and his son-in-law, Ja'cob was allowed to continue his journey to Ca'naan.
The solemn covenant of peace that was made between La'ban and Ja'cob on the east side of Jor'dan at a place later called Gil'e-ad was binding upon all generations, and there was never war between the descendants of La'ban and Ja'cob. The final parting was friendly enough for men who had been enemies until the LORD put peace in their hearts. Ja'cob said " The LORD watch between me and thee, when we are absent one from another." These words are now called "The Miz'pah Benediction."
