*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.
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.