Genesis 29:15-35

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 29:15

And Laban said unto Jacob, because thou art my brother ,.... Or nephew, his sister's son; see Gill on Genesis 29:12 , shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought ? nearness of kin was no reason why he should serve him freely, or for nothing, but rather why he should be more kind to him than to a stranger, and give him better wages: tell me, what shall thy wages be ? by the day, or month, or year; signifying he was willing to give him anything that was just and reasonable,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:16

And Laban had two daughters ,.... Grown up and marriageable: and the name of the elder was Leah ; which signifies labour or weariness: and the name of the younger was Rachel ; before mentioned, whom Jacob met with at the well, Genesis 29:10 ; and whose name signifies a sheep, as before observed; see Gill on Genesis 29:9 . read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:17

Leah was tender eyed ,.... Blear eyed, had a moisture in them, which made them red, and so she was not so agreeable to look at; though Onkelos renders the words,"the eyes of Leah were beautiful,'as if her beauty lay in her eyes, and nowhere else: but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured ; in all parts, in the form of her countenance, in her shape and stature, and in her complexion, her hair black, her flesh white and ruddy, as Ben Melech observes. read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:18

And Jacob loved Rachel ,.... As he seems to have done from the moment he saw her at the well, being beautiful, modest, humble, affable, diligent, and industrious: and he said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter : signifying, that he desired no other wages for his service than that, that he might have her for his wife, at the end of seven years' servitude, which he was very willing to oblige himself to, on that condition; for having no money to give as a dowry,... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:19

And Laban said ,.... Deceitfully, as the Targum of Jonathan adds, pretending great respect for Jacob, and that what he had proposed was very agreeable to him, when he meant to impose upon him: it is better that I should give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man ; by which he not only intimates that he preferred him, a relation, to another man, a stranger; but as if he did not insist upon the servitude for her, but would give her to him; unless he means upon the terms... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:20

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel ,.... The whole term of time, diligently, faithfully, and patiently. Reference is had to this in Hosea 11:12 , and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her ; for though to lovers time seems long ere they enjoy the object beloved; yet Jacob here respects not so much the time as the toil and labour of service he endured in it; he thought that seven years' service was a trifle, like the service of so many days, in comparison... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:21

And Jacob said unto Laban, give me my wife ,.... Meaning Rachel, who was his wife by contract; the conditions of her being his wife were now fulfilled by him, and therefore he might challenge her as his wife: for my days are now fulfilled ; the seven years were up he agreed to serve him for his daughter; and therefore it was but just and right she should be given him: that I may go in unto her ; as his lawful wife, and it was high time Jacob had her; for he was now, as the Jewish... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 29:22

And Laban gathered together all the men of the place ,.... Of the city of Haran, which may be understood of the chief and principal of them, to make the marriage of his daughter public and authentic: and made a feast ; a marriage or marriage feast, as the Septuagint version, see Matthew 22:2 ; which was usual, when a marriage was solemnized, expressive of joy on that account. read more

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