What does Genesis 30:36 Mean?

Context Summary

There is little in this story to the credit of Jacob, and nothing to choose between him and Laban. They are well matched one against another; and if anything, Jacob excelled in cunning. The heir of the promises deals with the child of this world on the principles of which men of honor would refuse to make use. We feel inclined to pity Laban, who had never seen the angel-ladder, or shared the great promises which had surrounded the path of his relative. He trusted this man of the chosen tribe, but was to be woefully deceived. But are there not many professing Christians who are playing Jacob's part today? While holding high positions in the religious world, they stoop to practices to which men of the world would be no parties. We hear but little more of Laban, but Jacob is destined to pass through the fire of trouble, by which the dross will be consumed and his soul made white and purified. [source]

Chapter Summary: Genesis 30

¹  Rachel, in grief for her barrenness, gives Bilhah her maid unto Jacob
⁵  Bilhah bears Dan and Naphtali
⁹  Leah gives Zilpah her maid, who bears Gad and Asher
¹⁴  Reuben finds mandrakes,
¹⁵  with which Leah buys her husband's company of Rachel
¹⁷  Leah bears Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah
²²  Rachel bears Joseph
²⁵  Jacob desires to depart
²⁷  Laban detains him on a new agreement
³⁷  Jacob's policy, whereby he becomes rich