26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee.
26 Give me my wives and children, for whom I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know how much work I've done for you."
26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, that I may go, for you know the service that I have given you."
26 Give me my wives and children for whom I've served you. You know how hard I've worked for you."
26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service which I have done for you."
26 Let me take my wives and children, for I have earned them by serving you, and let me be on my way. You certainly know how hard I have worked for you."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 30:26
Commentary on Genesis 30:25-43
(Read Genesis 30:25-43)
The fourteen years being gone, Jacob was willing to depart without any provision, except God's promise. But he had in many ways a just claim on Laban's substance, and it was the will of God that he should be provided for from it. He referred his cause to God, rather than agree for stated wages with Laban, whose selfishness was very great. And it would appear that he acted honestly, when none but those of the colours fixed upon should be found among his cattle. Laban selfishly thought that his cattle would produce few different in colour from their own. Jacob's course after this agreement has been considered an instance of his policy and management. But it was done by intimation from God, and as a token of his power. The Lord will one way or another plead the cause of the oppressed, and honour those who simply trust his providence. Neither could Laban complain of Jacob, for he had nothing more than was freely agreed that he should have; nor was he injured, but greatly benefitted by Jacob's services. May all our mercies be received with thanksgiving and prayer, that coming from his bounty, they may lead to his praise.