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Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:15-30

Here is, I. The fair contract made between Laban and Jacob, during the month that Jacob spent there as a guest, Gen. 29:14. It seems he was not idle, nor did he spend his time in sport and pastime; but like a man of business, though he had no stock of his own, he applied himself to serve his uncle, as he had begun (Gen. 29:10) when he watered his flock. Note, Wherever we are, it is good to be employing ourselves in some useful business, which will turn to a good account to ourselves or others.... read more

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 29:31-35

We have here the birth of four of Jacob's sons, all by Leah. Observe, 1. That Leah, who was less beloved, was blessed with children, when Rachel was denied that blessing, Gen. 29:31. See how Providence, in dispensing its gifts, observes a proportion, to keep the balance even, setting crosses and comforts one over-against another, that none may be either too much elevated or too much depressed. Rachel wants children, but she is blessed with her husband's love; Leah wants that, but she is... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:30

And he went in also unto Rachel ,.... Cohabited with her as his wife: and he loved also Rachel more than Leah ; she was his first love, and he retained the same love for her he ever had; as appears by his willingness to agree to the same condition of seven years' servitude more for her sake, and which he performed as follows: and served with him, yet seven other years ; that is, Jacob served so many years with Laban after he had married his two daughters, and fulfilled the weeks of... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:31

And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated ,.... Not properly and simply hated by Jacob, as appears by his doing the duty of an husband to her, but comparatively; she was less loved than Rachel: and there are many things to be said for it; she was not beautiful as Rachel was; she was not Jacob's choice, as she was but imposed upon him through deceit, and he was forced to marry her, or he could not have Rachel his beloved wife: but the Lord had pity on her, and that she might have a share in... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 29:31

The Lord saw that Leah was hated - From this and the preceding verse we get the genuine meaning of the word שנא sane , to hate, in certain disputed places in the Scriptures. The word simply signifies a less degree of love; so it is said, Genesis 29:30 ; : "Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah," i.e., he loved Leah less than Rachel; and this is called hating in Genesis 29:31 ; : When the Lord saw that Leah was hated - that she had less affection shown to her than was her due, as one of... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 29:30

Verse 30 30.And he loved also Rachel more than Leah. No doubt Moses intended to exhibit the sins of Jacob, that we might learn to fear, and to conform all our actions to the sole rule of God’s word. For if the holy patriarch fell so grievously, who among us is secure from a similar fall, unless kept by the guardian care of God? At the same time, it appears how dangerous it is to imitate the fathers while we neglect the law of the Lord. And yet the foolish Papists so greatly delight themselves... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 29:31

Verse 31 31.And when the Lord saw. Moses here shows that Jacob’s extravagant love was corrected by the Lord; as the affections of the faithful, when they become inordinate, are wont to be tamed by the rod. Rachel is loved, not without wrong to her sister, to whom due honor is not given. The Lord, therefore, interposes as her vindicator, and, by a suitable remedy, turns the mind of Jacob into that direction, to which it had been most averse. This passage teaches us, that offspring is a special... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 29:1-35

Jacob among his mother's kindred. Taught by experience to be patient. His own craft reflected in Laban. Lessons to be learned. I. THE CONNECTION BETWEEN THE TEACHING OF GOD IN THE INNER MAN AND HIS LEADINGS IN PROVIDENCE . Jacob learned what he needed to learn—dependence, self-humiliation. Saw the evil of selfishness; understood that the Divine purposes must not be identified in our thought with our personal feelings and desires. We must wait on God to know what... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 29:15-30

Jacob and Laban, or the deceiver deceived. I. JACOB 'S CONTRACT WITH LABAN . The promised service —seven years of pastoral assistance. 2. The stipulated wages—Rachel in marriage as a wife. This part of the contract was— II. LABAN 'S DECEPTION OF JACOB . 1. The just request . "Give me my wife." "The laborer is worthy of his hire," and the servant is entitled to his wages. 2. The marriage festival . "Laban made a feast." Seemingly assenting to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 29:30

And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah (implying, however, that Leah had a place in his affections), and served with him yet seven other years . The seven years cunningly exacted for Leah was thus the second fraud practiced upon Jacob ( Genesis 30:26 ; Genesis 31:41 ; Hosea 12:12 ). read more

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