This chapter takes place in Haran with Jacob meeting Rachel, his Uncle Laban’s daughter, at a well. Jacob’s journey to Haran occurred between 1760-1730 BC. Also, this chapter shows that the ancient customs of that time were very different from our modern customs today.
Verses 1-12
After his journey, Jacob stopped at a well of water near Haran. Jacob asked several shepherds if they knew Laban the son of Nahor and the brother of Abraham. They told him his daughter would be arriving shortly because she was a shepherdess of her father’s flock.
Rachel arrived and Jacob watered her sheep, kissed her and told her he was a relative.
Verses 13-20
Laban welcomed Jacob. After being there for one month Laban asked Jacob how he wanted to be paid for the work he was doing.
Jacob asked if he could serve Laban for 7 years in exchange for his daughter in marriage. He worked for Laban 7 years.
Verses 21-30
Laban prepared a feast for Jacob and Rachel’s wedding but Laban sent his daughter Leah instead.
Jacob did not realize he had married Leah until the next morning and he confronted Laban. Leah was pushed into a marriage by her father with a man that did not love her.
Laban explained that it was their custom for the older daughter to marry first. Jacob married Rachel a week later for 7 more years of working for Laban.
Jacob was the deceiver in the last chapter but he was being deceived in this chapter. What he did to his father Isaac and his brother Esau was now being done to him.
Jacob learns the lessons of sowing and reaping. Whatever a man soweth that shall he also reap. Galatians 6:7-9
Both deceptions involved the rights of the firstborn (Esau & Leah) Both deceptions were planned by a parent. (Rebekah & Laban) God takes the fruit of this deception and turns it into a blessing but it’s not going to be without problems.
Verses 31-35
God saw that Leah was loved less and blessed her with sons.
Leah bore Reuben, Simeon, Levi hoping Jacob would fall in love with her. She bore a fourth son Judah she then became satisfied with the Lord loving her instead.
Rachel couldn’t have any children.
Jacob was all about Rachel but God used Leah’s fourth son Judah to birth the seed of the Messiah.
God does not leave us nor forsake us according to Deuteronomy 31:6
God selects what man rejects. He chooses the unchosen.
The Lord has made everything for its own purpose. Proverbs 16:4
Rejection is often redirection in our own lives!
