Genesis 29:2: “There he saw a well in the open country, with three flocks of sheep lying near it because the flocks were watered from that well. The stone over the mouth of the well was large.”
In the far distance Jacob could make out the city gates of Harran when he approached a well where a few shepherds stood in line waiting to gather water for their flocks and herds. Currently, a large stone covered the mouth of the well. It would be pushed aside once enough people showed up.
Jacob immediately felt in his element. Sheep and goats had been his family’s livelihood for generations and he grew up learning the shepherd’s trade. He approached the shepherds in friendly fashion and introduced himself: “Hello – good to see you brothers! I too am a shepherd by trade. My name is Jacob and I’m from Canaan. Where are you from?” The shepherds were friendly and responded cordially to his greeting: “Welcome Jacob – very nice to meet you! We’re shepherds from Harran.”
“Harran?” Jacob exclaimed, “You must be acquainted with Nahor’s family. Do you happen to know his grandson Laban?” The shepherds grinned. “Sure we do”, they responded in unison. “Who doesn’t know Laban and his beautiful daughters? He is the talk of the town.” Jacob smiled and said, “These are my relatives. I have come all the way from Canaan to see them.” He looked around and saw more shepherds arriving with their flocks and herds and added: “In Canaan we never end the day on the pasture early, unless there’s an emergency. Why the rush today? The sun is still high ….” And Jacob was interrupted by one of the shepherds exclaiming: “Here comes one of Jacob’s daughters. Her name is Rachel.”
And Jacob turned around to see the most beautiful woman he had ever laid eyes on. Rachel got in line with the other shepherds. Her figure was slender and her face lovely. Overcome by emotions Jacob acted instinctively. He ran to the well and pushed the heavy stone aside, normally a job of several men. Then he turned around and introduced himself to this beautiful creature who evidently was one of his relatives: “Hi, I’m Jacob, Abraham’s grandson – and Abraham is the brother of your ancestor Nahor.”
“What a coincidence!” Rachel exclaimed. Jacob smiled and acknowledged: “Well it’s more than a coincidence. I’m actually here to meet your family.” And so Rachel ran all the way home to share the surprising news with her father. Laban immediately went out to meet Jacob. “Welcome to Harran”, Laban said as he embraced him, “And welcome to our home!” He looked around to see if his relative had come with servants and whether or not he had animals to attend to. But Jacob was alone. “This is odd”, Laban thought to himself, “This man comes emptyhanded – something must have happened to Abraham’s family since the last time our families met.”
Seated around the dinner table, Jacob related the past family events, which included the sordid details of the competition he had with his twin brother. Jacob was being plain honest and did not hold anything back. “I tricked my blind father into thinking I was Esau; and so I received the firstborn’s blessing. I also tricked Esau earlier and he sold me his birthright for a bowl of lentil soup.” Laban broke out in laughter. He laughed until he cried and said while wiping off his tears: “Oh Jacob, we two are much alike. And of course we are. We are family. You are my sister’s son, flesh of my flesh, bone of my bone. What a delight to have you!” And then he spoke a toast: “L’Chaim – to life!” he said. “L’Chaim,” everybody responded and cheered.
Relieved Jacob raised his cup and tasted the wine. The family had accepted him – with all of his faults. He was so happy! God had given him a new home. Silently he breathed a prayer: “Thank you Lord!”