Introduction
Jacob’s family grows and he is prosperous.
Questions
1. What was Rachel's reaction to her sister when she had no children?
v 1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I will die.”
2. What does Rachel do as a result of her lack of children?
v 3 and 4 She said, “Behold, my maid Bilhah. Go in to her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain children by her.” She gave him Bilhah her servant as wife, and Jacob went in to her.
3. What did Jacob suggest to Laban should be his wages?
v 32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one amongst the sheep, and the spotted and speckled amongst the goats. This will be my hire.
Summary Points
- v 1 to 13 Rachel is frustrated by her infertility and gives her maid to Jacob who has two sons by her
- v 14 to 21 Rachel lets Leah sleep with Jacob after requesting her son's mandrakes. Leah has two more sons
- v 22 to 24 Finally Rachel conceives. The descendants of Jacob’s sons will eventually become the nation of Israel
- v 25 to 34 Jacob agrees with Laban that all the speckled and spotted sheep will be his and all the plain sheep will be Laban's
- v 35 to 43 Laban then removes all the speckled and spotted sheep from Jacob's flocks. Jacob becomes prosperous, despite Laban’s scheming. Jacob uses unusual methods to try and increase his flock