Genesis 29
Jacob picked up the same pattern from his home of origin. This is the story of Jacob and Rachel.
Verses 1-6. Jacob sees Rachel.
Verse 7. Narrowing the playing field.
Verses 8-10. Jacob notices Rachel and also the sheep. Moses wants them to remember that Laban is Rebekkah's brother. Laban - first noticed what Jacob has - all the jewels. Rich! Jacob is going to meet his match in Laban.
Verses 16-21. Laban has two daughters - Leah and Rachel. Leah's name means "wild cow." She also has "weak eyes." She is the oldest. Leah doesn't meet the cultural standards of being beautiful and desirable like Rachel. Rachel on the other hand means "ewe lamb" and is beautiful.
Verses 22-28. Jacob served Laban for 7 years to get Rachel but instead Laban gives him Leah. She was covered. Jacob's senses are compromised. Irony of Isaac being deceived by Jacob. He worked another 7 years for Rachel. Leah could not refuse her father.
What did we learn about marriage in chapter 2? One man, one woman, one flesh - but not here. God works through a bad situation for His glory.
Verses 31-36. Leah was hated! But produced male heirs. Rachel of course became jealous of Leah. Such a sad story. Theology getting worse in this story. Baby wars begin. Leah is saying "love me." She doesn't feel love from Jacob. The fourth child is Judah. It is through Leah that the seed will come. Laban cheating Jacob, but Jacob decides to do things his way with the sheep.
Chapter 30
The children who are born between Leah and Rachel. Every name has a meaning.
Chapter 31
Jacob returns home. Laban pursues Jacob. An oath is sworn between them.
Chapter 32
Esau and Jacob are to meet. Jacob finally prays "Oh God of Abraham and Isaac" but not yet "Jacob." Jacob wrestles with God. "What is your name?" A confession comes "Jacob" the deceiver. He renames him to Israel - he strives with God or so I strive.
Verse 29. Jacob asks, "what is your name?" God doesn't answer. God breaks, blesses and renames. For us as well. This occurs at the Lord's table - broken, blesses the communion and He is given a new name above all names.
Chapter 33
Jacob goes to Shecham. He names the altar "The God of Israel." Acknowledges God as his God. Jacob's name (Israel) waffles back and forth between those names in later chapters and so will his behavior. Why? Because being broken, blessed and renamed is an initial way of coming to God. Also, something we are reminded of repeatedly. We'll see that play out in the next several chapters.
Leah is pointed out as a type of Christ. A type is when you find a character that is pointing you toward what is more fully revealed later on in scripture.
What do we see in Leah? There was nothing in her appearance where she would be desired. The one who was rejected but given a place of honor being the one Jesus' line comes through.
Conclusion
What about us? Is there a hopelessness to our story? Leah is one who does not see her plot line resolved neatly in her lifetime, but it resolves beautifully in God's timeline.
Can you trust the Lord with your current circumstance? what is what you are enduring now, the uncertainty you face with the rejection you bare doesn't resolve in your lifetime but bears fruit in your children or in their children.
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