*Genesis 29:14-30
Jacob works seven years for Laban to marry Rachel, but is deceived into marrying Leah first and then works another seven years for Rachel.
- Jacob’s Commitment to Laban:
- After Jacob stays with his uncle Laban for a month, Laban offers to compensate him for his work, recognizing that Jacob should not work for free just because they are relatives.
- Jacob, in love with Laban’s younger daughter Rachel, offers to work for Laban for seven years in exchange for her hand in marriage.
- Laban’s Agreement:
- Laban agrees to this arrangement, noting that it’s better for Rachel to marry Jacob than another man, indicating his approval of the match.
- Seven Years of Service:
- Jacob works for Laban for seven years to earn Rachel’s hand in marriage. His love for her makes these years seem like only a few days.
- Wedding Deception:
- At the end of the seven years, Jacob asks Laban to fulfill the marriage agreement. Laban organizes a feast, but deceitfully gives his older daughter Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel.
- Jacob, not realizing the switch due to the wedding customs and possibly because the bride’s face was veiled, discovers only in the morning that he has married Leah.
- Laban’s Justification:
- When Jacob confronts Laban about the deception, Laban explains that it is not customary in their region to marry off the younger daughter before the older one.
- Laban offers Jacob a solution: complete the bridal week with Leah, and then he can also marry Rachel if he agrees to work another seven years.
- Jacob’s Second Marriage:
- Jacob agrees to Laban’s terms. He completes the week with Leah and then marries Rachel.
- Laban gives Rachel a servant, Bilhah, to be her maid.
- Continued Service and Family Dynamics:
- Jacob works an additional seven years for Laban as agreed, marrying Rachel after the bridal week with Leah.
Genesis 29:14-30 teaches us about patience, perseverance, and trusting God even when life seems unfair. Jacob worked hard for seven years to marry Rachel, only to be tricked into marrying Leah first. Instead of giving up, he remained committed and worked another seven years. This reminds us that life doesn’t always go as planned, but patience and perseverance are important. When we face disappointments or setbacks, we should keep doing what is right and trust that God is working things out for our good. This passage encourages us to stay faithful, work diligently, and trust in God’s timing.
Genesis 29:14-30 (WEB)
29:14 Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh.” Jacob stayed with him for a month. 15 Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what will your wages be?”16 Laban had two daughters. The name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive. 18 Jacob loved Rachel. He said, “I will serve you seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.”19 Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you, than that I should give her to another man. Stay with me.”20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel. They seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had for her.21 Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.”22 Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23 In the evening, he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to Jacob. He went in to her. 24 Laban gave Zilpah his servant to his daughter Leah for a servant. 25 In the morning, behold, it was Leah! He said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Didn’t I serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?”26 Laban said, “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfill the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you will serve with me for seven more years.”28 Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week. He gave him Rachel his daughter as wife. 29 Laban gave Bilhah, his servant, to his daughter Rachel to be her servant. 30 He went in also to Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him seven more years.