GENESIS 31:43-49

This passage of Scripture is often used as a covenant of fellowship or a benediction. However, the
context clearly indicates that it was not a covenant of fellowship but a covenant of separation.
Laban said to Jacob, “This heap be witness, and this pillar be witness, that I will not pass over
this heap to thee, and that thou shalt not pass over this heap and this pillar unto me, for harm”
(Gen. 31:52).
This was the end result when two powerful schemers clashed with each other. They could not
trust each other, so they had to make a covenant and set up a pillar of stones to mark the spot over
which neither of them would cross for the purpose of harming the other.
Each was really saying, “I cannot trust you out of my sight. The Lord must watch between us if
we and our goods are to be safe from each other.” Visiting between the families was not
prohibited, but Jacob and Laban agreed never to cross the line for the purpose of harming the
other.
How sad it is when there is deep-seated conflict between two individuals. May we live Christlike
lives so we will not need to take such measures against our fellowman.
If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peaceably with all men (Rom. 12:18).

Theodore Epp
www.backtothebible.in