Genesis 30:25-36

After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Release me to go back home to my homeland. You know how hard I’ve worked for you these many years to finish paying for my two wives. Give them to me along with my children, and I’ll be on my way.” Laban countered, “If you please, I have learned by divine inquiry that I have become prosperous because of you and the blessing of YAHWEH that’s on your life. Just name your price, and I’ll give it to you.” Jacob replied, “You know how hard I’ve worked for you and how your livestock has increased under my care. The little you had before I came has multiplied greatly, for YAHWEH has blessed you wonderfully because I am here. But now, I need to provide for my own family, too.” So Laban asked, “What should I give you?” “Nothing,” Jacob replied, “You don’t need to give me a thing. If you will do but one thing for me, I will continue to care for your flocks: Just let me pass through all your flocks today and take out every speckled and spotted sheep or goat, and every black lamb. That’s all the payment I ask. And in the future, when you review my wages, the integrity of my dealings with you will be obvious. If you find any animal among mine that is not speckled, spotted, or black, then you will know that I stole it.” “Agreed!” Laban said. “We’ll do what you’ve suggested.” But that same day, Laban secretly removed all the male and female goats that were speckled or spotted (all that had white on them) and all the black lambs and left them under the care of his sons. He set a distance of a three-day journey between himself and Jacob, while Jacob continued to tend the rest of Laban’s flocks.