Genesis 31:1-32:32

31:39 It was also called Mizpah, because he said, "May the Lord keep watch between you and me when we are away from each other."

A lot of misunderstanding lead to that verse up there.  Jacob was told to flee. Rachel stole her father's gods.  Laban got mad and chased them. God told him not to harm Jacob.  Jacob was bitter over the 20 years of labor for nothing. Laban was bitter over losing his daughters and livestock. 

So they talked. And made a covenant.  Laban won't kill Jacob, Jacob won't marry anyone else or atack Laban.

ok - I also find it funny that Rachel is sitting on her camel packs where her father's gods are and tells him she can't get up because of her period.    Just proves that everything - EVERYTHING - is mentioned in the bible!

Jacob made contact with his brother, yet was scared to hear he was coming with 400 men.  Wouldn't you be terrified?  Jacob was making plans and readying everything to meet his brother in a confrontational way.  Instead, he met God in a confrontational way.  He wrestled all night and wouldn't give up until he was blessed.  In another study - it was pointed out that God wants us to wrestle WITH him, not AGAINST him.  Jacob wrestled with him and was greatly blessed.