Repeated phrases
(1) working for v.15, 20 wages, 15, serving v.18
Jacob worked for Laban for Rachel
So Jacob worked for seven years to acquire Rachel. But they seemed like only a few days to him because his love for her was so great.
(NET) they seemed like only a few days to him. This need not mean that the time passed quickly. More likely it means that the price seemed insignificant when compared to what he was getting in the bargain.
Imagine the fierce love of Jacob for Rachel during that 7 years.
(2) wife v.21, 28; to have marital relations v.21, 23, 30
Why did Laban cheated Jacob and gave him Rachel instead of Leah? If he gave Rachel for Jacob right the way then he could only have Jacob to work for him for 7 years. Now he got 14 years. He used his daughters to gain double working time from Jacob (remember Jacob was a super strong man).
(3) Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah v.30, 31
Everything worked out fine for both Laban and probably ok with Jacob after Laban also gave him Rachel. Except 1 person, Leah. If you looked at this passage again. Only 1 person mentioned the name of God and who was Leah. She had to get stuck in a polygamy family relationship and she suffered a lot from that.
v. 31 When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to become pregnant while Rachel remained childless.
Her 4 sons' name:
#1 Reuben-“The LORD has looked with pity on my oppressed condition. Surely my husband will love me now.”
#2 Simeon-“Because the LORD heard that I was unloved, he gave me this one too.”
#3 Levi-“Now this time my husband will show me affection, because I have given birth to three sons for him.”
#4 Judah- “This time I will praise the LORD.”
From #1-3, she had higher and higher expectation for the attention of her husbands when she had more and more sons. I think she'd never got what she expected for the Scriptures never said Jacob loved her. Finally, she did not think that was the most important thing in her life. Lord had blessed her so many times and showed her the kindness and for #4 she decided to praise Him Who loves her very much!
Reflection: If Leah was the main character of this passage. Look from the beginning from her eyes. We can felt her feeling of being taken advantage of. Also, she was not loved by her husband. She had to give up on her expectation. However, she could give praise to God. How about you? Can we overcome the bad situation around you? Can we be satisfied just because we have God Who loves us? If you have a loving father/husband you can give thanks for them. Even if you dont you always have God Who loves you! Happy Father's Day!
Audrey
2026
Questions
1.
2. Laban seemed to be open for the wages v.15. And, when Jacob promised to work 7 years in exchange for the marriage of Rachel,
19 Laban replied, “I’d rather give her to you than to another man. Stay with me." However, he did not do what he said.
3. The name of the LORD was not mentioned in Jacob's life in ch 29 until v.31.
31 When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to become pregnant while Rachel remained childless.
4. He loved Rachel, but God did not enable her to become pregnant.
5. Being loved by human beings, family, or friends does not bring us blessings from God. Having the blessings from God is more important.
Comments