The answer is: Esau wanted to kill him

Gen 27:41-44

When Jacob fled to Laban's house, he was escaping the consequences of some pretty intense family drama skyrocketing the tension between him and his twin brother, Esau. Just picture this: not only did Jacob snag the family blessing meant for Esau through a clever ruse involving some goat meat and a bit of a costume made from animal skins, but it also ignited a furious desire for revenge in Esau’s heart. Knowing his brother's wrath, their mother Rebekah arranged for Jacob to hightail it to her brother’s place, which kept him out of harm’s way.

Laban, a character with his own share of complications including a few tricky bargaining techniques and more than one crafty deal, provides Jacob with a new life chapter. This snafu wasn’t just a departure; it turned into a transformative journey for Jacob. Along the way, he picked up some valuable lessons about trust, humility, and the true meaning of family. And let’s not forget the famous wrestling match with an angel in his return journey, a moment that symbolized his struggle for identity and divine approval!

Speaking of names, did you know that “Jacob” means “he grasps the heel”? Isn’t that such a playful nod to how he literally clung onto life changes? The story also cups a reflection of the multifaceted relationships between siblings and how blessings can often emerge from our most tumultuous moments. Don't you just love how these narratives weave through individual lives, shaping destinies in the most unforeseen ways?