In Chapter 29 I learn about Jacob's journey to his uncle Laban's land. There he meets his cousin Rachel, whom he falls in love with. Laban offers him work and asks what he can pay him for his service and Jacob asks for Rachel to be his wife. Laban agrees if Jacob does 7 years work.
Now 7 years pass and Jacob is ready to wed his bride so he approaches his uncle with that request. Laban agrees and prepares a feast for the wedding but on the night of the wedding he gives Jacob Leah, the older sister, instead. Jacob did not realize he was laying with Leah until morning. Whether it was because she had a veil on, as was the custom, or because he had too much wine, the Bible does not say, but Jacob did not know until morning that he lay with Leah.
Jacob became upset and questioned Laban. Laban explains that the custom in the land is to have the eldest daughter marry first. So they agree to a marriage week for Leah, then Jacob could marry Rachel and in turn Jacob had to give Laban another 7 years service.
Seems Jacob got tricked here. I am not sure, but out of this marriage to Leah came four sons.
God showed favor to Leah because she was not loved by Jacob. He gave her four sons and made Rachel barren. (for a time)
Leah named her four sons:
Reuben - 29:32 "....because the Lord has seen my misery..."
Simeon - 29:33 "...because the Lord heard that I am not loved......"
Levi - 29:34 "...Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons"
Judah - 29:35 "...This time I will praise the Lord"
Then she stopped having children..........for now
Chapter 30 continues the lineage of Jacob and the many sons of Jacob.
It seems that Jacob has met his match in deceitfulness with his uncle Laban. First tricking him with the wrong bride, and thus tricking him to work longer then he intended. And you find in the next chapter that it continues even longer.
God has control of things though. God sees to it that the tribes of Israel are starting to be established through Leah. God also shows Jacob that He has control Rachel's fertility.
It's about to get real interesting......
Here are two good images to remind us God is in Control
And no matter how hard we try to make things happen our way, according to our plans, God's plan will prevail! There may be a twist or a turn, but He has the last word!
Thanks for coming by, sorry it was posting late today. Almost didn't make it!
Have a blessed week,
Deb B
