25 Jacob had set up camp in the hill country of Gilead, when Laban and his relatives came and set up camp in another part of the hill country. Laban went to Jacob
26 and said:Look what you've done! You've tricked me and run off with my daughters like a kidnapper.
27 Why did you sneak away without telling me? I would have given you a going-away party with singing and with music on tambourines and harps.
28 You didn't even give me a chance to kiss my own grandchildren and daughters goodbye. That was really foolish.
29 I could easily hurt you, but the God your father worshipped has warned me not to make any threats or promises.
30 I can understand why you were eager to return to your father, but why did you have to steal my idols?
31 Jacob answered, “I left secretly because I was afraid you would take your daughters from me by force.