(During the next few years, Jacob’s children included: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, Joseph, and Benjamin.)
Soon after Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Please release me so I can go home to my own country. 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.”
“Please listen to me, ” Laban replied. “I have become wealthy, for the Lord has blessed me because of you. Tell me how much I owe you. Whatever it is, I’ll pay it.”
Jacob replied, “You know how I’ve worked hard for you, and how your flocks and herds have grown from under my care. You had little indeed before I came, but your wealth has increased enormously. The Lord blessed you through everything I’ve done. But ow what about me? When can I start providing for my family.”
“What wages do you want?” Laban asked again.
Jacob replied, “Don’t give me anything, just do this one thing, and I’ll continue to tend and watch over your flocks. Let me inspect your flocks today and remove all of the sheep and goats that are speckled or spotted, along with all the black sheep. Give me these as my wages. In the future, when, you check on your animals you have give me as my wages, you’ll see that I have been honest. You will find in my flock any goats without speckles or spots, or any of the sheep that are not black, you will know that I have stolen them from you.” (vv. 25-33, NLT)