ACE #30: Scandal Time - Why Eli Pope is Like Laban

"We're family...we're never done!" Yep, that's what Eli Pope said to his daughter, Olivia.  It was more sinister than loving, don't you think?

It was Olivia this time who reminded me of Jacob.  She was willing to make whatever deal she needed to with her father in order to protect the people she loves.

When Jacob meets Rachel, it is pretty much love at first sight.  He makes a deal with Rachel's father, Laban, who is also his mother's brother.  In Jacob's first encounter with Laban, he says to Jacob, "You are my own flesh and blood" (Genesis 29:14) and you want to actually believe Laban would love Jacob just like a son. After all, Jacob was his nephew, so that's almost like a son.  In the very next verse after Jacob has been there one month, Laban basically tells Jacob (in the most crafty way), just because you are my relative doesn't mean that you get to kick it here for free - eat my food, live under my tent, and marry my daughter. (You will have to read it yourself to see if you interpret it that way). Jacob agrees to work for Laban for seven years for Rachel's hand in marriage.

Here's the catch, Laban promises Jacob his daughter, Rachel, who Jacob truly loves.  Laban "pulls the wool" over Jacob's eyes and switches out Rachel for Leah.  The trickster got tricked!  Jacob agrees to work for Laban another seven years for Rachel's hand in marriage by tending Laban's flocks.  After all, Laban is a businessman.  As the story goes, Jacob wants to be free from Laban completely so he agrees to work for him a few more years with Laban changing the condition of Jacob's employment several times.  In all - it's 20 years of service!  That's the deal Jacob is willing to make to protect the people he loves (spiritually) and for his and his family's freedom.

Isn't Eli Pope/Command a businessman, too?  A shady businessman, no doubt, much like Laban.  Ole Eli gave Huck and Jake their freedom (actually their lives), but for a huge price for Olivia.  Nonetheless, Sunday dinners are back on the table! 

I ask myself the question, why would anyone, including Laban, want to fight a man who wrestled with an angel and "won"? Yeah, Jacob's hip was knocked out of joint, but Jacob got his blessing...and, eventually, his freedom! 

Poor Olivia.  She has to break bread every Sunday with someone she despises.  I guess that's what happens when you "make a deal with the devil".  No - Olivia is not an angel, but she does wear white...

Study Link:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Genesis+29&version=NIV

 

The Vision After the Sermon by Paul Gauguin (1888)

 

 

Photo credit scandal.wikia.com