“No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there.

But some time later, Abimelech, king of the Philistines, looked out his window and saw Isaac caressing Rebekah.

So listen carefully, my son. Get ready and flee to my brother, Laban, in Haran.

Jacob replied, “You know how hard I’ve worked for you, and how your flocks and herds have grown under my care.

But that very day Laban went out and removed the male goats that were streaked and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted or had white patches, and all the black sheep. He placed them in the care of his own sons,

who took them a three-days’ journey from where Jacob was. Meanwhile, Jacob stayed and cared for the rest of Laban’s flock.

The warden had no more worries, because Joseph took care of everything. The Lord was with him and caused everything he did to succeed.

My lord, I guaranteed to my father that I would take care of the boy. I told him, ‘If I don’t bring him back to you, I will bear the blame forever.’

I will take care of you there, for there are still five years of famine ahead of us. Otherwise you, your household, and all your animals will starve.’”

No, don’t be afraid. I will continue to take care of you and your children.” So he reassured them by speaking kindly to them.