The answer is: Rachel

Gen 31:19

In the fascinating tale of Rachel sneaking away with her father's household gods, we uncover layers of personal conflict and cultural significance. Jacob, her husband, was fleeing from Laban, her father and a shrewd figure in the narratives of Genesis. The household gods, or "teraphim," grabbed Rachel's attention — not just because they symbolize her heritage, but they held power and significance within her father's household.

But why would Rachel take these idols? It hints at a mix of rebellion and protection — perhaps a means to claim her identity as she struck out with Jacob. Underneath that seemingly bold theft lay the desperation of a woman in a precarious situation, caught between familial loyalty and the desire for a different life.

Delving deeper, the practice of keeping household gods was not unique to Rachel; such idols pervaded ancient Near Eastern customs. They were believed to protect the household and ensure prosperity. Interestingly, some scholars suggest these objects could stir intrigue in Jacob's experience of family and culture. This echoes in various biblical accounts, like Deborah’s story, where such gods symbolize connections to family lineage and hopes for blessings.

So, there’s much going on beneath the surface of Rachel’s actions beyond mere mischief. Her decision reflects larger themes of personal struggle, identity, and family dynamics that resonate throughout the biblical narrative, speaking to the age-old quest for belonging and agency within cultural history. Rachel's story remains a powerful reflection on how personal identity and societal expectations profoundly intersect.