What have you done to me? he demanded of Laban. But when a man is enamored of a woman, he does not want to hear those things. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. 19 Its better that I give her to you than to another man, Laban replied, so stay with me. 20 Jacob served seven years for Rachel, but it seemed like only a few days because of his love for her. She was the most beautiful creature he had ever laid eyes on, and he felt life without her would be worthless. Their complicated union ultimately produced 12 sons who went on to be the 12 tribes of Israel, who God claimed as His own people. While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her fathers sheep, for she was a shepherdess. By clicking Accept all cookies, you agree Stack Exchange can store cookies on your device and disclose information in accordance with our Cookie Policy. They whine and scold because the men dont pay enough attention to them, dont spend enough time with the children, wont do little jobs around the house, stay out too late, or think more of their jobs, their cars, their hobbies, television, or sports than they think of them. Jacob worked a total of 20 years for Laban (Gen 31:38). 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. The child lived. 6:6). The Lord had brought him safely to his destination. If Rachel died just (say) two years before Joseph was 17, that is at the age of (say) 15, then Jacob and Rachel would have been married for 13 years in Paddan-aram plus another 9 years, a total of no more than 22 years. Jacob's flocks grazed as far south as Hebron, because. However, Laban agreed to give Jacob Rachel as well, provided Jacob finish the wedding week with Leah before taking Rachel as a wife, and then work another WebHow many years did Jacob work for Laban, and why did he serve all those years? WOW! Jacob suffered to win Rachel. Genesis: Baker Commentary on the Old Testament Pentateuch by John Goldingay. How old was Jacob when he first saw Rachel? Jacob was so upset. Later still, the moved to Ephrath (Gen 35:16). We know that a relationship based primarily on physical attraction rests on a shaky foundation. Her jealous malcontent was seen again a short time later. THAT IS INSANE GUYS! The message came in the form of a dream about a ladder that stretched from heaven to earth. Several factors would have contributed to Jacobs desire to leave. Copyright 2002-2023 Got Questions Ministries. 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. seventeen years When Rachel was near, his heart pounded faster and a wonderful feeling swept over him. There is an old saying that goes, True love never runs smoothly. Thats the way it was with Jacob and Rachel. We go on to read, Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted his voice and wept (Gen. 29:11). Unexpected uint64 behaviour 0xFFFF'FFFF'FFFF'FFFF - 1 = 0? 2. What should I follow, if two altimeters show different altitudes? Generating points along line with specifying the origin of point generation in QGIS. Leah was Labans oldest daughter, she had weak eyes and wasnt as beautiful as her younger sister Rachel. 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 Is there anything I'm missing? By talking in whispered tones in the darkened tent, she made it through the night. We also know that by the time Joseph was 17 years old (Gen 37:2) his mother had been dead for some unknown time before. And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Genesis 29:15-30, Jacob dreams about a ladder and angels at Bethel, Jacob marries Rachel the daughter of Laban, The Cup that held the wine for the King of Egypt, Josephs brothers first trip to Egypt for food, A silver cup belonging to Joseph was put in a Sack, 12 sons of Jacob whom he blesses before he dies, Death of Jacob at one hundred and forty-seven years old, Death of Joseph at one hundred and ten years old, Timeline for the book of Genesis parts one and two . Why the obscure but specific description of Jane Doe II in the original complaint for Westenbroek v. Kappa Kappa Gamma Fraternity? While traveling south, close to the Jabbok River, Jacob came upon a stranger who challenged him to a struggle. Browse other questions tagged, Start here for a quick overview of the site, Detailed answers to any questions you might have, Discuss the workings and policies of this site. 30 Jacob also married Rachel, since he loved her. Who buys lion bones? To Jacob, however, the seven years seemed but "a few days, because he loved Rachel." What is Wario dropping at the end of Super Mario Land 2 and why? The unloved Leah bore seven of Jacobs childrensix sons, Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun, as well as a daughter, Dinah. What do I do about calling a priest father at my Catholic University? Jacob did not have to wait seven more years for Rachel, only one week. What characteristics in your mate bring you the greatest contentment? Laban had sent Leah in to lie with him (Genesis 29:23). Except for the one time that Jacob got angry with her for blaming her childlessness on him, there is no indication that he ever loved her any less for her faults. But the shepherds had some sort of agreement that they would not roll the stone back from the mouth of the well until everybodys flocks were gathered (Gen. 29:7, 8). Seven years?! Start your free trial today! How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? How could Jacob wrestle with God if no one can see God and live? After some time of Jacob being with Laban, Laban asked him what Jacob would want in return for working for him. 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. 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. Ultimately, Jacob makes peace with his older brother, Esau. So Jacob said to Laban, What is this you have done to me? Let us leave aside the age of Jacob, it is possible to deduce the a number of other facts about his chronology. When she realized that Leah was bearing Jacob children and she was not, she became intensely jealous of her sister and said to Jacob, Give me children, or else I die (Gen. 30:1). Hollywood has given us some good evidence for that thesis. 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. Joseph at this point must have been at least 8 years old. When the midwife told her she had given birth to a son, she gasped out his name with her last breathBen-oni, which means Son of my sorrow. Jacob later changed it to Benjamin, Son of my right hand. But isnt it ironic? Maybe Jacob would have been commended for accepting these consequences from the sovereign hand of God had he exercised that degree of faith. 14 YEARS! He had marital relations with her. And we shall be able to change what can be changed, while joyfully accepting what cannot be changed, being assured that it is part of His perfect plan to bring us to maturity in Christ. Jacob worked for his uncle Laban 7 years, then married Leah & Rachel He worked another 7 years for Rachel Now they've been married 7 years. Thanks for contributing an answer to Biblical Hermeneutics Stack Exchange! What are the teraphim (household gods) Rachel stole from Laban? What is the significance that Jacob offered to work for Laban ,seven years for Rachel ? She said, With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and I have indeed prevailed (Gen. 30:8). The Cross And Our Response to Trials (1 Peter 4:12-19), 8. He worked 7 years to marry Rachel, but he was tricked into marrying Leah. Is "I didn't think it was serious" usually a good defence against "duty to rescue"? We first meet Jacob in Genesis 25, when he is born as the second of twin boys who comes from the womb grasping his older brothers heel. The median wage for a laborer is $14.47/hr. From the start, Jacob in his youth is portrayed as a deceiver, which is what his name means. When we last saw Jacob he was running from Beersheba for his life, fleeing the vengeance of his brother Esau. This is where we meet Rachel, the beautiful second daughter of Laban, Jacobs relative in another land (Genesis 29). Knowing they arrived in Succoth when Joseph was 6 and that they left when he (and Dinah) was 17, we can say they were married about 25 years when she died. Even though Laban didnt set a good example of keeping a promise, God does. It was a long and lonely journey. Well Jacob knew he loved Rachel so much and he wanted to do everything in his power to marry her. Her labor was severe, and it became evident that she was going to die in childbirth. Richard, was a 1954 graduate of Wheaton College, and received his Th.M. Dinah is also 17). But tensions within the clan, particularly between Jacob and Labans sons, compelled Jacob to return to Canaan with his wives and handmaidens, who also served as Jacobs concubines. FINALLY, Jacob decides to work ANOTHER 7 YEARS for the woman that he loves so much, Rachel. Sly, deceitful old trickster that he was, he substituted Leah for Rachel on Jacobs wedding night. How this animal can survive is a mystery. Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he replied: "I am will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel." Jacob continued to prefer Rachel. Throughout Scripture, we hear God often described as the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (Deuteronomy 9:5, Matthew 22:32, Acts 3:13), in honor of Gods covenantal promise that He would make their children numerous and give them land and other great blessings. The assent on the part of Laban cannot be accounted for from the custom of selling daughters to husbands, for it cannot be shown that the purchase of wives was a general custom at that time; but is to be explained solely on the ground of Laban's selfishness and avarice, which came out still more plainly afterwards. Have your kids tell God how much they love Him for all that He is! The possessor of those images was accepted as the principal heir of the family, even if he was only a son-in-law. He promises to take care of you and protect you in all circumstances. And being the shrewd operator that he was, he got down to business immediately. Jacob never got over Rachel. All rights reserved, National Geographic explores notable biblical figures in our ongoing series People in the Bible, as part of our coverage of the. rev2023.5.1.43405. More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! A man may also trap a woman by promising wealth, or trick a woman by pretending to be something he is not, masking his faults until after the ceremony. Let them ask God to continue to keep His promises. 30 For it was little indeed you had before I came, Real satisfaction can only be found in the Lord. God is love. Entries in this series are excerpts from the National Geographic special issue, The little-known history of the Florida panther. It may not take any longer than the honeymoon for his wife to discover that she married a monster she never really knew. Are there any canonical examples of the Prime Directive being broken that aren't shown on screen? Parabolic, suborbital and ballistic trajectories all follow elliptic paths. (Q) 30Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. He was going to have what he wanted in spite of Gods will. Jacob was one of two twin sons born to Isaac and Rebekah. Jacob did not refuse for a very important reason. Laban warmly welcomed him to his family, but asked a steep price for Rachels hand in marriage: Jacob would first have to work as a shepherd for seven years, tending Labans flocks. That is a remarkable statement. Jacob may have been a homebody, but he was no weakling. She could not fully enjoy his love. The sin of discontentment has ruined countless relationships since Jacobs day. Is what Laban said in Genesis 29:26 true? Didnt I serve you for seven years in order to marry Rachel? 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). But Laban told Jacob hed give Rachel, too, as his wife if Jacob agree to seven more years of labor. The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. "Signpost" puzzle from Tatham's collection, Passing negative parameters to a wolframscript. Some husbands are discontented with their wives. 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). But he had to work seven more years without pay after marrying her. Seven-year engagements may be a little excessive, but time is needed to learn someones desirable and undesirable traits, so that we can decide whether we can give of ourselves unselfishly for the other persons good in spite of his unappealing characteristics. Jacob called the name of the place Bethel, meaning house of God.. It was only one month after Jacob arrived in Haran that Uncle Laban approached him to see if they could work out a mutually acceptable wage arrangement. (O) 29Laban gave his servant Bilhah(P) to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. He went straight to Laban and started asking him so many questions. 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. Artist William Dyce captures this fateful moment in his mid-19th-century painting The Meeting of Jacob and Rachel., Photograph by Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany/Bridgeman Images. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 5. Jacob turned his head, took one fateful look, and it was without a doubt love at first sight. And they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. Was Jacob so Sexually driven that He mistook Leah for Rachel? He was probably furious with the whole family for their double-dealing fraud. As our knowledge of Him increases through the study of His Word and through prayerful periods in His presence, we shall find a settled peace and contentment growing within us. That was not exactly the happiest way for Leah to start her married life, was it? Some of these things are important and need to be talked out. Your email address will not be published. We know this because Benjamin was a father when they went into Egypt 22 years after leaving Succoth (Joseph 17 years old - 39 years old). 1 Corinthians 13:7 Beareth all things, believeth all things, hopeth all things, endureth all things. (J) I served you for Rachel, didnt I? Jacob agreed to work for Laban for as long as you have been alive! WebJacob agreed to work seven years for Rachel. One night, he dreamed of a ladder going up into heaven. She had a beautiful face and gorgeous long hair. 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). Jacob was so upset. 24 Laban also gave his servant woman Zilpah to Leah to be her maidservant. The neighborhood beauty and the new boy in town had found each other. You're right, we're never given Benjamin's age so we can't link him to his brothers that way. 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. 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). But what good did it do her? Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself, dying a brutal death on the cross to pay our sin-debt and thereby serve as the path to heaven for those of us who believe and follow Him. What positional accuracy (ie, arc seconds) is necessary to view Saturn, Uranus, beyond? It only takes a minute to sign up. Tricked by his father-in-law into marrying his true loves sister, Jacob waited 14 years before he could be with Rachel. 29 Laban also gave his woman servant Bilhah to his daughter He reminded the shepherds that grazing time was being lost and that they should water their flocks and get them back out to pasture while it was still light, probably a ploy to get rid of them so he could talk to Rachel alone. Part boulder, part myth, part treasure, one of Europes most enigmatic artifacts will return to the global stage May 6. Oh my goodness, guys! To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. She did bear another son. Big-hearted Laban offered to give Rachel to Jacob as well if he would work for seven more years. If God set the maximum age to 120, then how could Jacob be 130 years old? In the end, we cannot be certain of why Jacob failed to notice that he had Think of someone that you love so much. 20 So Jacob worked seven years for Rachel. Jacob, by now humbled after his treachery and desperate for family ties and a place to call home, falls madly in love with Rachel. God always keeps His promises no matter what. Again, Rachels greed was showing. Laban was obliged to provide food and shelter. 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. Gen 30 describes the birth of the first 11 sons (and 1 daughter, Dinah) of Jacob born in the that second 7 year period. It only takes a minute to sign up. That's great, thanks! By clicking Post Your Answer, you agree to our terms of service, privacy policy and cookie policy. Give me children or Ill die, she exclaimed to Jacob. God told them to go to Bethel (Genesis 35:1,5), The family repented, buried their idols and moved to Bethel. NIV Reverse Interlinear Bible: English to Hebrew and English to Greek. But Jacob thought he was in love. You might find out by asking her. All rights reserved. But Laban told Jacob hed give Rachel, too, as his wife if Jacob agree to seven more years of labor. So now they've been married 24 years. Is it well with him? he questioned. Following his deception of Esau, Jacob left Beersheba (Gen 28:9) and went to Paddan-aram (Gen 29) and worked for his uncle Laban for 7 years (Gen 29:20) for the hand of Rachel but ended up having to marry Leah as well as Rachel (v27). Jacob was impressedprobably too impressed. Similarly, we know God loves us so much He is willing to go to any lengths to win our hearts and souls for His kingdom. 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). But we get another glimpse into Rachels selfish nature when Bilhahs second son is born. Why did you give me Leah? I specifically asked for Rachel! Why have you tricked me? Jacob was How does God want you to handle those feelings? 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. Who were Jacob and Rachel, and what can we learn from their story? 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. I suspect that she loved Jacob from the start and longed for him to return her affection. 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. 24And Laban gave his servant Zilpah(H) to his daughter as her attendant. This stone has a mysterious past beyond British coronations, Ultimate Italy: 14 ways to see the country in a new light, 6 unforgettable Italy hotels, from Lake Como to Rome, A taste of Rioja, from crispy croquettas to piquillo peppers, Trek through this stunning European wilderness, Land of the lemurs: the race to save Madagascar's sacred forests, When Jacob met Rachel he kissed her and lifted up his voice, and wept (Genesis 29:11). WebJacob served seven years for Rachel, and it seemed only a few days to him because of his love for her. 18 Jacob loved Rachel, so he made this offer to Laban: Ill serve you for seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.. They get upset because they sleep too late, eat too much, waste too much time, or spend too much money. 1. WebJacob offered to serve him seven years for Rachel, the younger of his two daughters, whom he loved because of her beauty; i.e., just as many years as the week has days, Why did you give me Leah? I specifically asked for Rachel! Why have you tricked me? Jacob was not happy at all. We can, however, follow the chronology and the geography to know within about a year how long Jacob and Rachel were married. Two, God has a plan that He will fulfill despite our all-too-human orchestrations, manipulations, and petty jealousies. Passing negative parameters to a wolframscript, A boy can regenerate, so demons eat him for years. In time, Jacob was able to acquire a flock of sheep, camels, and goats of his own. What differentiates living as mere roommates from living in a marriage-like relationship? In desperation over her barrenness, Rachel begged Jacob to lie with her servant, Bilhah, and thereby give her sons through this union (Genesis 30). Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. When Joseph was 17 years old, he went to check on his brothers, and they sold him into slavery. For some long COVID patients, exercise is bad medicine, Radioactive dogs? Why did you deceive me?, 26 But Laban responded, Its not the practice of our place to give the younger one in marriage before the firstborn. 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.. All rights reserved, history of the Bible and the search for sacred texts, Who's Who in the Bible: Unforgettable People and Timeless Stories from Genesis to Revelation, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Jacob offered to serve him seven years for Rachel, the younger of his two daughters, whom he loved because of her beauty; i.e., just as many years as the week has days, that he might bind himself to a complete and sufficient number of years of service. She was envious, selfish, peevish, fretful, discontented, and demanding. Jacob buried her in a tomb near Bethlehem and set up a pillar that reportedly still remains (Genesis 35:16-20). Could it be that the loneliness in our lives or the conflicts in our relationships are the result of an underlying spirit of discontentment? How can you demonstrate love even in her bad moments? Infatuation is usually in a hurry because it is self-centered. Rachels discontentment led her to the same kind of fleshly scheme Sarah tried. 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. Thats right! It's now been 11 years since they left Haran (Joseph was 6, now is 17. 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! Can corresponding author withdraw a paper after it has accepted without permission/acceptance of first author. 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