At one point a decade passes between 2 verses (Genesis 33:17-18), then the narration continues forward without mentioning Joseph being sold by his brothers. He loved her to the end of his life. Is it well with him? he questioned. Laban was obliged to provide food and shelter. Webster's Bible Translation And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and Laban asked Jacob what amount he wanted to be paid for his work. He marries also Rachel, and serves for her seven years more. rev2023.5.1.43405. God always keeps His promises no matter what. How old was Jacob when he first saw Rachel? Laban had sent Leah in to lie with him (Genesis 29:23). One day years before she had screamed, Give me children, or else I die. And she died giving birth to her second son. Lets talk about what your wages should be., 16 Now Laban happened to have two daughters. Just like Jacob loved Rachel so much that he worked 14 years, God loves you even more and gave His son Jesus to die for you! For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? He was probably furious with the whole family for their double-dealing fraud. Well Jacob knew he loved Rachel so much and he wanted to do everything in his power to marry her. When the seven years were fulfilled at last, Jacob spent his wedding night only to discover at dawn that it wasnt Rachel, but her elder sister Leah whom Laban had delivered to Jacobs tent. Think of someone that you love so much. This newfound behavior may offer a clue to how these reptiles will respond to a warming planet. Three, we can see the love of Christ in the sacrifice Jacob made willingly to claim Rachel as his wife. 13:5). One month is hardly sufficient time for us to get to know someone well enough to make a lifelong commitment, and it surely is not enough time to learn whether or not we are in love. Is she feeling love, or is she feeling anger, hostility, and rejection? God made a wife with the need to rest secure in her husbands love at all times. He did not get very far before he learned that God was going with him. Again his heart must have leaped within him at the realization of Gods faithful direction. What characteristics bother you the most? Axolotls and capybaras are TikTok famousis that a problem? The uncertainty arises from the unknown time between Jacob leaving Paddan-aram and arriving in Ephrath which was presumably at least 2 years (with Bethel in between) and when Joseph was 17 years old. All rights reserved worldwide. God finally did give her a son of her own, and now we expect her to be satisfied. If we had a video livestream of a clock being sent to Mars, what would we see? But Jacob, a fugitive from Esau, was in no position to bargain. Laban had tricked Jacob and gave him his older daughter, Leah. Several factors would have contributed to Jacobs desire to leave. But archaeology is confirming that Persia's engineering triumph was real. What positional accuracy (ie, arc seconds) is necessary to view Saturn, Uranus, beyond? 4:11). We thought we knew turtles. God loves you so much that He would do anything to help you. What are the teraphim (household gods) Rachel stole from Laban? My best guess (that is all) is that they were married for about 18 years on the basis that it was about 5 years between Paddan-aram and Ephrath and about 6 years before Joseph's 17 birthday. Genesis: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Pentateuch by John Goldingay. Jacobs overt favoritism toward Rachel had prompted God to keep Rachels womb closed, but Rachels love was ultimately redeemed when she gave birth to a boy named Joseph, Jacobs favorite (Genesis 30:24-25). What's the cheapest way to buy out a sibling's share of our parents house if I have no cash and want to pay less than the appraised value? Although Jacob was tricked into it, there were alternatives. Why have you deceived me? Isnt this a crazy story??? Genesis 30:26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. Some women try to buy a man with sex, or trap him with a baby, or lure him with family fortune. It only takes a minute to sign up. Jacob waited, and his romantic love at first sight grew to become a deep bond of spirit and a total commitment of soul. But that is a guess. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. But Rachel was pregnant with another son, and as they journeyed south from Bethel and were a short distance from Bethlehem, Rachel went into labor. 8. Uncle Laban was the one who threw the monkey wrench into the machinery. Article Images Copyright , How Jacob and Rachels Bible Story Show's us God's Love in Action. FINALLY, Jacob decides to work ANOTHER 7 YEARS for the woman that he loves so much, Rachel. She could not fully enjoy his love. What is the significance that Jacob offered to work for Laban ,seven years for Rachel ? Stack Exchange network consists of 181 Q&A communities including Stack Overflow, the largest, most trusted online community for developers to learn, share their knowledge, and build their careers. (O) 29Laban gave his servant Bilhah(P) to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. How can you demonstrate love even in her bad moments? He worked the Leah was Labans oldest daughter, she had weak eyes and wasnt as beautiful as her younger sister Rachel. I am not suggesting that we totally ignore them and suffer in silence. But the end is not yet. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. Unexpected uint64 behaviour 0xFFFF'FFFF'FFFF'FFFF - 1 = 0? Why did you give me Leah? I specifically asked for Rachel! Why have you tricked me? Jacob was not happy at all. (D), 21Then Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife. Jacob had stayed and worked for Laban for a month. But they buried Rachel by the side of the road leading from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. Why does Acts not mention the deaths of Peter and Paul? He had prospered to such an extent that Laban no longer felt very kindly toward him. Jacob tore his clothes and refused to be consoled and said, Judah did not approve of his brothers' dealings with Joseph, and lying to their father letting him think Joseph was dead. 2 Jacob flew into a rage. One of these men kept their promise and the other didnt. Together with the sons of Joseph, Manasseh and Ephraim, these 12 men would become the forefathers of the 12 tribes of Israel, sealing Gods covenant. Jacob did not have to wait seven more years for Rachel, only one week. But more so he could have refused. Genesis 29:18 Jacob loved Rachel. WebRachel Jacobs (October 3, 1975 May 12, 2015) [1] [2] was an American businesswoman and social entrepreneur. For various reasons, I've always wondered how long Jacob and Rachel were married before her death. All this means that Jacob was married to Rachel for some time between about 15 years and 22 years. Who were Jacob and Rachel, and what can we learn from their story? Gen 30 describes the birth of the first 11 sons (and 1 daughter, Dinah) of Jacob born in the that second 7 year period. 7. Now imagine having to work 7 years before being able to be with them. (1958 More. So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and indeed he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with Laban for another seven years (Gen. 29:30). To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. Seven years is a long time to wait, and I think Jacob really did grow to love Rachel during those years. Shes also produced a free eBook, A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When Youre Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed. So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her (Gen. 29:20). While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her fathers sheep, for she was a shepherdess. Yet he still kept on deceiving, until he ultimately repented and was welcomed and blessed by God. To approach a question 400 million years in the making, researchers turned to mudskippers, blinking fish that live partially out of water. How should we view/interpret Jacob's initiative involving the rolling of the stone from the mouth of the well? He arrived in the general vicinity of the city weary, footsore, homesick, and not exactly sure where to go. Dickering over the value of a bride may have been an insult to the bride. Technically, the children of that union would be Rachels children in their culture. Glen : It is a very good answer +1, Seven years wages and most likely a 12 hour day, the then wages amounted to 50 shekels of silver. Joseph reveals himself to his brothers, why the elaborate ruse? The older one was named Leah and the younger was named Rachel. He loves us so much He gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life (John 3:16). Real satisfaction can only be found in the Lord. 1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. One, we can understand thatlike Jacobin spite of our sins and weaknesses, we can still be reconciled to God. What we can learn from Chernobyl's strays. How to subdivide triangles into four triangles with Geometry Nodes? Who didnt keep their promise? Some wives are discontented with their husbands. Jacob continued to prefer Rachel. Perhaps you can research and find todays values for a worker. Pray with your kids and have them thank God for His love for them. So she peddled Jacobs affections to Leah for the night for a couple of those love apples (Gen. 30:14, 15). Only the conclusion of the bargaining is recorded. Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. Isaac was the son of Abraham, the miracle child borne of Sarah in their old age. Jacob had two wives, they were the daughters of Laban, their names were rachel and Leah. Why did God wrestle with Jacob and why did this appearance not become a "big deal"? To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. We can, however, follow the chronology and the geography to know within about a year how long Jacob and Rachel were married. This isn't such a straightforward task, though, since the chronology of Genesis is confusing. What ensued was a love triangle that expanded to include the sisters maidservants and many years of bitter jealousy and competition. The emotion of the moment overwhelmed him. Finally, after 7 long years, the time had come for Jacob to marry Rachel. She gave her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob so that he could have a son by her, and she did it twice (30:3-8). He is going to have her, and nothing else matters. He continued, Do you know Laban the son of Nahor? We know him, they said. Why Does God Compare Our Relationship with Him to That of a Bride and Groom? What are the arguments for/against anonymous authorship of the Gospels. 27 Fulfill the week for this daughter, then well give you the other one in exchange for serving me another seven years., 28 So Jacob completed another seven years work, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. Then he worked Jacob called the name of the place Bethel, meaning house of God.. Among the many love stories in the Bible is that of Jacob and Rachel, a tale of love at first sight and trickery, of enduring passion and jealous aim. Christianity Stack Exchange is a question and answer site for committed Christians, experts in Christianity and those interested in learning more. Despite Rachel and Leahs sisterly squabbles and the addition of two more wives into their already crowded marriage, God produced Gods people through what looked like a mess. But we get another glimpse into Rachels selfish nature when Bilhahs second son is born. He was pastor of Emmanuel Faith Community Church in Escondido, CA from 1972 to 1993 when the Lord called him home. The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. Then a few chapters later (Genesis 37) it goes back to that point (at the end of the fast-forwarded decade) and picks up the narrative from a Joseph's perspective and shows the events that led to Jacob abandoning his house in Succoth. That is such a long time! As we are reminded in Romans 8:28, And we know that in all things God works for the goodof those who love him, who have been calledaccording to his purpose.. So Jacob said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? (g) Meaning after the years were accomplished. All rights reserved, National Geographic explores notable biblical figures in our ongoing series People in the Bible, as part of our coverage of the. That gnawing discontentment kept her from enjoying anything totally, and it kept others from enjoying her. Later, God blessed him again, reiterating Jacobs new name as Israel and renewing the same covenant God had made with Isaac and Abraham, Jacobs father and grandfather. (This must have been at least 1 year later.). Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic SocietyCopyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. But he had to work seven more years without pay after marrying her. But she named him Joseph, which means may he add. And she said, May the Lord give me another son (Gen. 30:24). Little Reuben, Leahs firstborn, who may have been about four years old at the time, was out in the field following the reapers around picking some plants called mandrakes or love apples, as any little boy of that time might do. By this time, these women had borne him 11 sons and a daughter. There were some shepherds sitting around the well, so Jacob started a conversation with them: My brothers, where are you from? They answered, We are from Haran. Jacob probably heaved a sigh of relief. The week refers to the week of wedding festivities. Jacob was far from perfect, but he is an example to us of how a husband ought to treat his wife when she isnt all that she ought to be. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. And it came about, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mothers brother, and the sheep of Laban his mothers brother, that Jacob went up, and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mothers brother (Gen. 29:9, 10). (F) 23But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah(G) and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. scholars like william skinner and adam clarke have proposed 40 years for this span of time instead of 20. and Biblical Chronogical studies has provided evidence from Esau's chronology. 30 Jacob also married Rachel, since he loved her. In desperation over her barrenness, Rachel begged Jacob to lie with her servant, Bilhah, and thereby give her sons through this union (Genesis 30). "Signpost" puzzle from Tatham's collection, Passing negative parameters to a wolframscript. How could Jacob not notice he married Leah instead of Rachel? Where does the version of Hamapil that is different from the Gemara come from? NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. We go on to read, Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted his voice and wept (Gen. 29:11). She named the child Naphtah, which means wrestling. She saw herself in a contest with her sister for first place in Jacobs estimation. Jacobs concubine Bilhah gave birth to Dan and Naphtali (Genesis 30:3-8), while another slave, Zilpah, gave him Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:9-13). If God set the maximum age to 120, then how could Jacob be 130 years old? Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. I suspect that she loved Jacob from the start and longed for him to return her affection. It says, I feel good when I am with you, so I want to hurry up and get you to the altar before I lose you and lose these good feelings. Love says, Your happiness is what I want most of all, and I am willing to wait, if need be, to be sure this is what is best for you. And if it is real, it will stand the test of time. Hollywood has given us some good evidence for that thesis. This is where we meet Rachel, the beautiful second daughter of Laban, Jacobs relative in another land (Genesis 29). (N), 28And Jacob did so. Can corresponding author withdraw a paper after it has accepted without permission/acceptance of first author. Finding the distance from a corner of a cube to the midpoint of an edge, What are the arguments for/against anonymous authorship of the Gospels. Jacob's proposal may be explained, partly on the ground that he was not then in a condition to give the customary dowry, or the usual presents to relations, and partly also from the fact that his situation with regard to Esau compelled him to remain some time with Laban. [That is Joseph was about 11 years old when Rachel died??] But when a man is enamored of a woman, he does not want to hear those things. 2124 Then Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife; Ive completed what we agreed Id do. And even in death, she was alone. Indeed, the Bible tells us those seven years of labor seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her (Genesis 29:20). Laban agreed with Jacobs wages and told Jacob if he worked for 7 years, Laban would give Rachel to Jacob. Why does the narrative change back and forth between "Isabella" and "Mrs. John Knightley" to refer to Emma's sister? This is what happened with Jacob, he had to work 7 years before being with the love of his life but then found out he had to work another 7 years before his deal was up with Laban. We get the idea that he was so fascinated by Rachels beauty, and so enchanted by her charm, that he failed to recognize her shortcomings or even to consider the will of God in his relationship with her. But Jacob was not willing to believe that God was in control of these circumstances. What differentiates living as mere roommates from living in a marriage-like relationship? 23 That night Laban took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob. Did the drapes in old theatres actually say "ASBESTOS" on them? It depends. And may I remind you that Leah, not Rachel, was the mother of Judah, through whom the Savior would ultimately come (Gen. 29:35). That was enough for him. Later still, the moved to Ephrath (Gen 35:16). Jacob did not refuse for a very important reason. Look, finally, at love through deep sorrow. There are a few key lessons in this story. Jacob did not have to wait seven more years for Rachel, only one week. Rachel proved that. Copyright 1996-2015 National Geographic Society, Copyright 2015-2023 National Geographic Partners, LLC. God wants us to be content with what we have. 20 So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel. Jacob loved Rachel so much that he requested to work ANOTHER 7 YEARS in order to have Rachel to be his wife. Both Jacob and Laban, Rachels father, were sheepherders. 4. He served Laban another full seven years work for Rachel. He spotted a well and stopped to rest. seventeen years He had just worked 7 years for Rachel, who he loved so much and then he wakes up to realize that he married Leah instead! From the start, Jacob in his youth is portrayed as a deceiver, which is what his name means. He wrestles with God one night and endures, and God renames him Israel, because as God said, You have struggled with God and with humans and have overcome (Genesis 32:28). Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 6. There are Christians who are dissatisfied with the places where they live, the jobs they have, the money they make, and the houses they live in. Jacob promised to work 7 years in order to get his wife. Just as Jacob had struggled with God, so too would the nation of Israel wrestle for centuries with its obedience to the Lord. After he had completed his 7 years, he demanded that his father-in-law, Laben, give him Rachel in marriage. What is the difference between a blessing and a birthright (Genesis 25)? But a spirit of discontent that causes us to fuss, nag, bicker, quarrel, and complain is a great hindrance to happy marital relationships. That is a remarkable statement. Jacob was impressedprobably too impressed. Song of Solomon 8:6,7 Set me as a seal upon thine heart, as a seal upon thine arm: for love is strong as death; jealousy is cruel as the grave: the coals thereof are coals of fire, which hath a most vehement flame. Then Leah became pregnant again and bore Issachar, Zebulun, and a daughter, Dinah. Why the obscure but specific description of Jane Doe II in the original complaint for Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity? For example, he put her in the favored position to the rear of the company when they went to meet Esau and their lives may have been in danger (Gen. 33:2). (K), 26Laban replied, It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. But he had to work seven more years without pay after marrying her. When they came to Bethel, God said to Jacob, Joseph was Jacob's only child with Rachel, and he was presumed dead. Laban was somewhat avarice and bargained. 18:18; 1 Tim. Is it safe to publish research papers in cooperation with Russian academics? More, more, more! Who buys lion bones? Some husbands are discontented with their wives. Jacob agreed, and Bilhah went on to have two sons, Dan and Naphtali. Discuss some of the values of a lengthy and close acquaintance before marriage. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. What should I follow, if two altimeters show different altitudes? This was 11 years after leaving Paddan-aram. I'm not sure if the exact value may be calculated today so that we may know if the value he was placing on Rachel was more than or equal to the standard rate that was expected for a bride. That's great, thanks! What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? 29:15 Later, Laban asked Jacob, Should you serve me for free, just because youre my nephew? It seems as though this romance was off to a blazing start. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had to her. In fact, Jesus said, There will be more rejoicing in heaven over one sinner who repents than over ninety-nine righteous persons who do not need to repent (Luke 15:7). The next morning when he woke up and saw the woman he married, he realized that is was LEAH!!!! Joseph and Dinah are 6 years old. But do you know what? It will not change as long as we think satisfaction can be found in any material possession or improved circumstance. She had a beautiful face and gorgeous long hair. When Laban finally overtook them and searched their belongings for his terephim, Rachel lied to him and deceived him to keep him from finding them (Gen. 31:33-35). And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Jacob was so upset. The best answers are voted up and rise to the top, Not the answer you're looking for? Did Jacob placing branches in front of his flock really result in the offspring being speckled and spotted? 18 "Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, I will serve you seven years The Cross And Christs Suffering For Sins (1 Peter 3:18-22), 6. Since they are contrasted with her older sister Leahs, which had no brightness or sparkle, they must have been dark and lustrous, captivatingly beautiful. She gave birth to Joseph. Are these the stolen gods/idols of Laban in Genesis 35:2? Complete the bridal week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years (Gen. 29:27). When he brought them home and presented them to his mother, Rachel saw them and decided she wanted some too. Their story comprises a large portion of the Old Testament, and while on the surface it might not be easy to understand the deeper truth behind their complicated romance, it teaches us much about the vast and merciful love God has for each of us. Access 50+ premium resources. 18Jacob was in love with Rachel(A) and said, Ill work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.(B), 19Laban said, Its better that I give her to you than to some other man. What is Wario dropping at the end of Super Mario Land 2 and why? Likewise, in spite of our own sin that has the potential to forever separate us from God, God loves us deeply and so passionately that He chases us down in love to win us back to Him and all the good He has in store for us.
