BACKGROUND: Jacob and his father-in-law, Laban, have been involved in some personal disputes with Jacob no longer able to live with his father-in-law who has deceived him in the past. It is clear that God is blessing Jacob, even with his goats and sheep, and Laban is not happy about it. It is at this time that God tells Jacob to return to Canaan, the land of his fathers. Verse 3 gives God's confirmation for this significant move by Jacob and his large family.
COMMENTARY from David Guzik (blueletterbible.org): "Return to the land of your fathers:" Even if Jacob never knew it, God prepared him for this time. First, God gave him the desire to go back home (Genesis 30:25). Then his present circumstances became unbearable. Finally, the LORD gave personal direction to Jacob. God often leads us in the same pattern. "And I will be with you:" This confirmed the direction of God in Jacob's life.
PERSONAL APPLICATION: During those times when we are unsure what direction to take in our lives, we should never doubt that God is working behind the scenes to direct us in the way which we should go. He is always guiding us with His eye and when we need His confirmation of what direction to take, He will provide it -- through circumstances or through people. This verse also doesn't say "Fear not," but I can clearly hear God say just that -- FEAR NOT, JACOB -- when God says, "I will be with you." Those 2 phrases will always go hand in hand: When God says "Fear not," it means He will be with us. When He says, "I will be with you," you can be sure that He is telling us to FEAR NOT!!
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