Jan 11 (Genesis 29-30)

Genesis 29

In those times, when a man didn't own land or have a home for himself, he would become a servant for someone who did have those things. The service was to last for seven years, and at the end of those seven years, the servant had the choice to stay with his master, or leave with a booty from the master.

Jacob loved Rachel very much, and to him, the seven years flew by. I like to point out that all three wives of the Patriarchs (Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel) were described as very beautiful:

Sarah ~Gen 12:11
Rebekah ~Gen 24:15-16
Rachel ~Gen 29:17

I also point out to my kids that Christ's church...His Bride...is very beautiful to behold in Psalm 45.

The first child between Leah and Jacob was Reuben, which in Hebrew means "the Lord has seen my misery." Leah really loved Jacob, and thought Jacob would love her more now that she bore him a son. But Jacob truly loved Rachel. Jacob didn't see Leah's misery, but God did.

Simeon means "God heard me" and was a tribute to Leah's faith and gratitude to God.

Levi was named for Leah's hope that Jacob would become finally attached to her.

Judah means "let Him be praised" Here we see Leah's genuine faith while suffering from a broken heart about Jacob.

Genesis 30

Since Rachel was barren and wanted to please Jacob, she did what Sarah did with Hagar.

Dan was named because Rachel felt "vindicated and judged" by God...but unlike Leah, God is not the focus.

Rachel again focused on her struggle with Leah, and named her next son from Bilhah as Naphtali, which means "fight or struggle."

Now Leah was done having children, but used the tactic of her maidserant to continue on with sons:

Gad means "troop or company" showing that Leah was really producing for Jacob.

Leah's glee continued, and she named the next son Asher, which means "happy blessing."

She then conceives herself, and has Issachar, which means "my hire" or that she earned her worth.

Leah's fortune continued with Zubulun, which means "honorable gift"

Leah then had a daughter who will be critical in the coming chapters. Her name was Dinah.

Then, "God remembered Rachel" and gave her two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Joseph means "The Lord shall add to me another son" showing that she was a prophetess. Later, Benjamin was born, and means "Son of my right hand."

We end this chapter with Jacob finally getting the better of Laban, and prospering with two wives and the best of the flock to start anew.

But Jacob was to get a taste of what he dealt to his brother Esau. I teach my kids that there are consequences for our actions, and I point out this verse:

Do not be deceived, God is not mocked; for whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. ~Gal 6:7