Genesis 31:16
“For all the riches which God has taken away from our father, that is ours and our children’s. Now then, whatever God has said to you, do.””
What does Genesis 31:16 mean?
Rachel and Leah are affirming their husband Jacob's decision to leave their father Laban and return to his homeland. They're saying that since God has blessed Jacob by transferring wealth from Laban to him, this prosperity rightfully belongs to them and their future children, not to their father. Their agreement matters here because in their culture, married women were under male guardianship, so Jacob needed the support of his wives to make such a major move. What they're really expressing is trust: if God is directing Jacob to go, then they're ready to follow, because they can see God's hand already working in their favor.