*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.
Daily Prayer
Heavenly Father,
Thank You for being with us in every season of life, even when things don’t go as we hope or expect. Just as Jacob faced challenges and disappointment, help us to trust in Your presence and purpose during difficult times.
Lord, teach us to persevere with patience and faith, knowing that You see our struggles and care about our hearts. Help us to respond to others with honesty and love, even when relationships are complicated.
We are grateful for Your guidance and grace. Strengthen us to walk faithfully with You each day.
Amen.
Genesis 29:14-30 (KJV)
29:14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.
29:15 And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? 29:16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
29:17 Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
29:18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
29:19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
29:20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
29:21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
29:22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
29:23 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.
29:24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid.
29:25 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? 29:26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn.
29:27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
29:28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
29:29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.
29:30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.