Jacob Leaves Mesopotamia

5th century, with medieval and modern restorations
Mosaic
Nave, Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

In the upper image, God (in the upper right corner) tells Jacob to leave his uncle Laban and return home to his father Isaac. See Genesis 31:1-3 (cached). In the lower image, Jacob tells his wives Rachel and Leah that he will be leaving. See Genesis 31:4-18 (cached).

This is part of the extensive series of Old Testament scenes portrayed in mosaics along the two walls of the nave. Click here for links to several of the others.

More of Jacob

Photographed at the site by Richard Stracke