As time passed, bad feelings developed between Jacob and his uncle. So in Genesis 31 we are told that Jacob decided to return to the land of Canaan, choosing a moment when Laban was away on business. When Laban returned, his nephew, his daughters, and much of the property were gone. The household gods also were missing. Laban set out in pursuit. When he overtook the band that Jacob was leading, he chided Jacob for his action and accused him of having stolen the idols. A search was made, but the idols