If thou shalt afflict my daughters, or if thou shalt take other wives beside my daughters, no man is with us; see, God is witness betwixt me and thee.
If you mistreat my daughters or marry other women in addition to my daughters, remember that even though no one else is here with us, God sees everything and is our witness.
The writer is recording Laban's warning to Jacob that God will hold him accountable for how he treats his daughters, even when no one else is watching.
📚 Historical Context
In the biblical story of Genesis, Jacob had served his father-in-law Laban for many years, marrying Laban's daughters Leah and Rachel as part of their agreements. As Jacob prepares to leave with his family to return to his homeland, Laban confronts him and they make a covenant to maintain peace, with Laban warning Jacob not to mistreat his daughters or take additional wives. God is called upon as the ultimate witness to this pact, highlighting the seriousness of their mutual promises in a time when family alliances were crucial for survival and honor.
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