Rachel was the beloved. Jacob’s desire for her gave him reason to work seven years before he could have her as his wife.
And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. (Genesis 29:18 KJV)
Finally the seven years were over. Jacob requested his bride, but that was not what Laban had in mind.
And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? (Genesis 29:23-25 KJV)
Jacob didn’t pay attention to what was given to him. He didn’t take time to gaze into the eyes of the woman he loved and worked for. We often do the same. Not keeping track of our goals, accepting second place. Jacob also reaped what he had sown, deception. Remember how he had cheated his brother, Esau.
Called on his manipulation, Laban offered Jacob a deal:
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. (Genesis 29:26-27 KJV)
Jacob did not ignore Leah.
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. (Genesis 29:32 KJV)
It would appear he didn’t show that love, through a total of six sons and a daughter.
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. (Genesis 29:33-35 KJV)
To this marriage was born Judah. Not the son of the loved wife, not even the first born of the father. Yet from this union would be born a line of sons that lead to Jesus, son of Joseph and Son of God. Through some women we would not choose for our own sons, the promise to Adam, to Abraham, was brought forward.
I am amazed at the stories of Christ’s ancestors. They are so much as we are today, making mistakes that lasted past lifetimes. Yet God’s plan continued through the birth of His Son at the place prophesied, and continues today in spite of our shortcomings.
He has experience dealing with people who live outside His commandments. How much greater our lives would be if His love was included.
And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. (Genesis 29:18 KJV)
Finally the seven years were over. Jacob requested his bride, but that was not what Laban had in mind.
And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her. And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. And it came to pass, that in the morning, behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thou beguiled me? (Genesis 29:23-25 KJV)
Jacob didn’t pay attention to what was given to him. He didn’t take time to gaze into the eyes of the woman he loved and worked for. We often do the same. Not keeping track of our goals, accepting second place. Jacob also reaped what he had sown, deception. Remember how he had cheated his brother, Esau.
Called on his manipulation, Laban offered Jacob a deal:
And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. (Genesis 29:26-27 KJV)
Jacob did not ignore Leah.
And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. (Genesis 29:32 KJV)
It would appear he didn’t show that love, through a total of six sons and a daughter.
And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon. And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi. And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing. (Genesis 29:33-35 KJV)
To this marriage was born Judah. Not the son of the loved wife, not even the first born of the father. Yet from this union would be born a line of sons that lead to Jesus, son of Joseph and Son of God. Through some women we would not choose for our own sons, the promise to Adam, to Abraham, was brought forward.
I am amazed at the stories of Christ’s ancestors. They are so much as we are today, making mistakes that lasted past lifetimes. Yet God’s plan continued through the birth of His Son at the place prophesied, and continues today in spite of our shortcomings.
He has experience dealing with people who live outside His commandments. How much greater our lives would be if His love was included.
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