The parting between Jacob and Laban finally takes place peacefully in the early hours of the morning. This quiet departure brings closure to a separation that had previously been blocked back in Haran [ביאור שטיינזלץ]. Before leaving, Laban kisses and blesses his family. The primary approach among commentators is that he is kissing his grandsons, as a person's grandchildren are often considered to be like his own children [אבן עזרא, הטור הארוך, ביאור יש״ר]. Alternatively, some suggest that he is specifically kissing Jacob's actual sons, alongside his own daughters [מחוקקי יהודה בשם תרגום יונתן]. Offering a blessing upon parting is a well-established custom for a father [ברכת אשר על התורה]. Interestingly, even though Laban is not a righteous man, his blessing holds real value. When a father blesses his children from the bottom of his heart, the blessing carries weight and influence simply because it stems from the image of God present within every human being [ספורנו].
After the farewell, Laban heads back to his home. His departure prompts deeper reflection on his ultimate fate and intentions. One view suggests that his journey back is actually a return to his previous financial standing. All the wealth and success Laban enjoyed over the years were entirely due to Jacob's presence. Once they separate, Laban reverts to his original state of poverty. This dynamic serves as a broader symbol: the nations of the world are blessed by the presence of the people of Israel living among them, and when Israel departs, that blessing disappears [העמק דבר].
Beyond his financial decline, Laban's return also reflects his spiritual condition. Despite witnessing direct communication from God and seeing Jacob's undeniable righteousness, Laban absorbs nothing from the experience. He refuses to recognize the truth and simply goes back to his wicked ways and low spiritual standing [צרור המור]. Furthermore, his journey home is only temporary. He returns merely to continue plotting against Jacob, quickly sending messengers to Esau to stir him up for war [הכתב והקבלה].
For Jacob, the separation from Laban brings a profound spiritual shift. As long as he was tied to such a wicked individual, the Divine Presence remained distant from him. The moment Laban leaves, the Divine Presence immediately returns to rest upon Jacob [צרור המור, אלשיך]. Breaking free from Laban and walking toward the Holy Land elevates Jacob to an extraordinary spiritual height. The angels who accompanied him outside the land depart, and in a state of full wakefulness, he earns the privilege of being greeted and escorted by the angels of the Land of Israel [מזרחי, מלבי״ם, יריעות שלמה].