To protect Jacob and ensure he doesn't marry a Canaanite woman, Rebekah persuades Isaac to send him to her brother Laban in Haran. Before leaving, Isaac blesses Jacob, reaffirming the covenantal blessings. On his journey, Jacob has a dream at a place he later names Bethel. In this dream, he sees a ladder set on earth reaching to heaven with angels traversing it. The Lord stands above it, reiterating the promises given to Abraham and Isaac. Awaking, Jacob is in awe, recognizing the place as God's dwelling. He sets up a stone pillar, vowing that if God protects and provides for him, he will dedicate a tenth of all he has to the Lord.

Arriving in Haran, Jacob encounters shepherds and Rachel at a well. Overwhelmed with emotion, he kisses Rachel and reveals his kinship. Welcomed by Laban, Jacob agrees to work for seven years in return for marrying Rachel. However, Laban deceitfully gives him Leah, his eldest daughter, on the wedding night. Jacob, feeling betrayed, confronts Laban, who justifies his actions based on local custom. Laban then proposes that Jacob work another seven years for Rachel, to which Jacob agrees. The chapter concludes with the births of Leah's four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, signifying God's compassion towards the less loved Leah.