Moses recorded the births of Leah’s first four sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. When the clause "the LORD saw" occurs (Genesis 29:31), His acting decisively, often for the weak and oppressed, follows soon (cf. Genesis 6:5; Genesis 7:1; Genesis 18:21; Genesis 31:12; Exodus 2:25; Exodus 4:31). read more
Jacob in Mesopotamia with LabanThe divine care and blessing promised to Jacob at Bethel (Genesis 28:15) are illustrated in the narrative of the sojourn of the patriarch at Haran, which apparently lasted for twenty years (Genesis 31:41), after which he returned to the land of promise, blessed with a numerous family, and rich in goods. But equally marked is the severe discipline to which he was subjected in order that the darker features in his character might be purified, and that he might learn... read more
THE TÔLDÔTH ISAAC (Genesis 25:19 to Genesis 35:29). THE BIRTH OF ISAAC’S SONS.Abraham begat Isaac—The Tôldôth in its original form gave probably a complete genealogy of Isaac, tracing up his descent to Shem, and showing thereby that the right of primogeniture belonged to him; but the inspired historian uses only so much of this as is necessary for tracing the development of the Divine plan of human redemption.The Syrian.—Really, the Aramean, or descendant of Aram. (See Genesis 10:22-23.) The... read more
(32-35) She called his name Reuben.—There is something very touching in the history of these four births. When the first child is born, Leah joyfully calls him “Reuben,” that is, See, a son! and fondly hopes that now she is a mother her husband will love her. And the mention of her “affliction” shows that, while she loved Jacob tenderly, he was to her more than unloving. Her second son she calls” Simeon,” that is hearing, and, disappointed in her first hope, regards the child as a gift of... read more
Rachel the Placid Genesis 29:0 You will meet her type continually in the modern world. Do you not know women who seem to go through life easily? I. When Rachel is keeping her father's sheep at the Well of Haran she sees advancing a young man. It is her cousin Jacob. He has come as a fugitive, flying from his brother's vengeance. Jacob breaks into the red heat of love. He is dazzled by Rachel's beauty. He makes an offer to Laban for the hand of his younger daughter. He promises to serve him for... read more
CHAPTER 29 Jacob with Laban 1. Jacob’s arrival at Padan-aram (Genesis 29:1-14 ) 2. His service for Rachel (Genesis 29:15-20 ) 3. Laban’s deception (Genesis 29:21-25 ) 4. Jacob receives Rachel (Genesis 29:26-31 ) 5. Leah’s sons (Genesis 29:32-35 ) The Lord brought him to Padan-aram, where he was to dwell as an exile for twenty years. During these twenty years Jehovah did not manifest Himself to him, even as Israel dispersed among the nations has no communications from the Lord. His... read more
JACOB MEETS RACHEL AND LABAN After many days of travel Jacob came to the land of his relatives. He could not phone to find his directions to their home, nor did he have any street and house number, but it did not take long for him to contact them. A well was of course the most likely place to meet people. Three flocks of sheep were nearby, waiting to be watered, which they could not until a huge stone was removed from the mouth of the well (v.2). The stone was evidently necessary to prevent... read more
JACOB AND LABAN THEIR FIRST MEETING (Genesis 29:1-14 ) Jacob’s journey to Haran, his mother’s country, was first to the north and then the east, re-traversing the original course of his grandfather Abraham. As he nears its termination; his attention is attracted by the shepherds with their flocks around a well, whose mouth is covered with a stone. Inquiry reveals that they belong to Haran, and are acquainted with his uncle Laban. Rachel, his daughter and the keeper of his sheep, will be... read more
In the Service of Laban Genesis 29-31 The story occupied by Genesis 29-31 represents one of the oft-recurring mysteries of human life. That is to say, in view of what has just taken place, that story seems to be an anti-climax, and is felt to be, in some serious sense, even a disappointment. It is almost impossible to bring the mind from the contemplations upon which it has just been fixed to read such an incident as that which spreads itself over these three chapters. When a man has seen... read more
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Thomas Coke Commentary on the Holy Bible - Genesis 29:35
Genesis 29:35. And left bearing— Heb. stood from bearing. So the LXX u949?στη του τικτειν . She ceased from bearing for a time; not wholly left off bearing, as our version seems to express; for she had children afterwards. See ch. Genesis 30:17, &c. REFLECTIONS.—A forced match must needs be unhappy. It is shocking to be obliged to call her "wife" who is the object of our dislike. God, however, relieved Leah's affliction in giving her four sons. Note; 1. God usually so disposes his gifts,... read more