How did Lavan respond to Yakov's explanation?
Rashi: He pointed out that, since Yakov was unable to pay anything, he was under no obligation 1 to take him in. 2 Only, since he was family, he would kindly invite him for one month - not free of charge, but on condition that he tended to his sheep. 3
Rashbam: He told him that since he was his own flesh and blood, coming to him was a wise choice.
Seforno: He told him that, even though he did not need him for Parnasah, nevertheless, since he was his own flesh and blood, it was only correct that he stay with him.
Riva: We learn from "Ach", which is an exclusion.
(Tosfos ha'Shalem (3, citing Sefer ha'Gan): It is proper that I distance you, like you were distanced from your family for swindling your brother twice. However, I will not do so.
According to the Seforno, "Vayeishev Imo" implies that he worked for him (as we find in Shmos, 2:21).
Why did Yakov enter Lavan's house without insisting that Lavan remove the idolatry?
Moshav Zekenim: He wanted to see whether Rachel and Leah 1 served idolatry. After a month, he separated from Lavan.
Why did Lavan say "you are my bone and flesh?"
Kol Eliyahu, Divrei Eliyahu: A baby's bones are due to his father; his flesh is due to his mother. You are my bone and flesh, for both your father (our grandfathers were brothers) and mother are related to me. 3
Oznayim la'Torah: Intrigued after having heard how Yakov had tricked Eisav and wrested the Bechorah from himv in such a cunning way, he declared 'You are my flesh and blood - a trickster just like me!' 4 and invited him to stay for a month.
Tosfos ha'Shalem (4, from Bereishis Rabah): Lavan recognized that Yakov is Tam (pure, simple). He could not trick a stranger like he could trick Yakov.
Yakov had nothing now! Perhaps he intended for what Yakov will acquire or inherit. (PF)
