Introduction
At the end of Genesis 28, Jacob, afraid that his twin brother, Esau, would kill him, was leaving home, and fleeing to Haran.
Questions
1. Why did Jacob love Rachel rather than Leah?
v 17 Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive.
2. Why did Jacob have to work another 7 years?
v 26 and 27 … “It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn ... we will give you the other (Rachel) also for the service which you will serve with me for seven more years.”
3. What do we learn about Leah’s hopes and concerns from the names she gives to her children?
v 32 ... the LORD has looked at my affliction; for now my husband will love me."
v 33 ... the LORD has heard that I am hated, ...
v 34 ... my husband will be joined to me, ...
v 35 ... “This time I will praise the LORD.” ...
Summary Points
- v 1 to 12 Jacob travels about 450 miles (725 km.) from Bethel to Haran, the area of his relatives. By a well he meets his cousin Rachel, Laban’s daughter looking after the sheep
- v 13 to 20 Jacob is taken into Laban's household and agrees to work for his uncle for seven years so that he can marry Rachel
- v 21 to 30 Laban deceives Jacob and gives him Rachel’s older sister Leah as a wife. A week later he is given Rachel, but must serve another seven years
- v 31 to 35 Jacob has four children by Leah