Genesis 29:31-30:43.  The Israelites in Moses’ day would look back upon today’s text and see how God orchestrated the events to produce Jacob’s family and prosperity.  Yet they would also see that their own existence was the result of human envy and manipulation.  Jacob’s wives battled with each other for sons so that they could win his affection.  Laban schemed to keep Jacob serving him so that God would continue prospering him.  In all of this, God’s sovereignty and his faithfulness to his covenant with Abraham is clear.  But also clear is the depravity of those with whom God is dealing.

LORD, forgive us for our envy of others and our schemes to get more by breaking the rules.