The Mizpah Covenant can be see on bracelets, plaques, rings, etc. It i soften used when friends and loved one part to remind each other that God will be watching over each when they are apart. There is nothing wrong with that and it is good to be reminded that we can trust God to take care of us when we are separated from loved ones.
This was not quite the case with the original Mizpah covenant though. Laban and Jacob had been squabbling over lands, livestock, and possessions. When they get to this point they have both had enough. The covenanted together to set up a marker to divide themselves and their territory. The words that sealed the covenant were simple - “The Lord watch over us while we are apart.”
These men had the wisdom to part rather than to continue their disagreements. In verse 53 it becomes clear that there are leaving this all in God's hands as they part. Sometimes it is necessary for people to agree to disagree.
How do we act when we just cannot come to an agreement? Too often pride drives us to keep pushing our own agenda. Sometimes we feel like we just must get in the last word. Partings are far too often acrimonious and ugly. We would be far better off if he could resolve our differences, but if we cannot, may we learn to leave the matter in God's hands and trust God to watch over each other when we must agree to disagree.
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