As Jacob was traveling he saw three droves of sheep waiting near a well with a large stone covering the mouth of the well. Many shepherds came and rolled the stone away to water the sheep and he asked them if they had heard of his kinsmen, Laban. They advised him that not only did they know Laban, but his daughter Rachel was coming with their flock. When he saw her he burst into tears and kissed her. After he told her that her father was his uncle she rushed home to tell him and Jacob came along to talk to Laban.
Jacob offered to serve him 7 years for the privilege of marrying Rachel as he had fallen in love with her. She was beautiful and shapely. Her older sister Leah, the Bible says, had lovely eyes. Laban agreed that he could and Jacob began his labor of love. After the term was completed Jacob asked for his bride.
Laban invited all the neighbors and family and a wedding ceremony and feast were held. Once it became dark, Laban switched daughters and in the morning Jacob found that he had consummated his wedding night with the older sister, Leah. He confronted Laban about the trick and his uncle explained that it was customary that the older sister married first so if he still wanted to marry the younger one he must work another 7 years. The bridal week was completed with Leah and then he was given Rachel in marriage and had to begin his next seven years of labor.
Because the Lord saw that Leah was unloved he opened her womb and allowed her to bare children, but not Rachel. Leah had 4 sons for Jacob; Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah.
Thank you so much for visiting me today. May God richly bless you and the reading of His word.
Oh my gosh, I can't believe it. Back then sisters and brothers were just numbers to the parents. It's crazy. I like the story though, love back then seemed to deep- or not. Lust is deeper I would have to say.
ReplyDelete