Read the story in Genesis 29 now

What happens?

This is a tricky one…

Jacob, son of Rebecca, was sent to take solace and find a wife with his Uncle Laban in a distant land. Here, he met his cousin Rachel who he considered beautiful in form and appearance. Such was his love for Rachel that he pledged to work for his Uncle Laban for seven years in return for her hand in marriage, but this labour felt like days to him such was his love for his cousin Rachel – the soppy blighter!

After seven years of hard labour, the day came when he could finally marry the love of his life, Rachel. With the bride concealed under a veil, the wedding went without a problem and the marriage was consecrated that night! The following morning, however, wasn’t quite as good. It turns out Laban had actually put ‘tender eyes’ Leah under the veil and deceived Jacob because, apparently, it should always be the older child that marries first. Jacob was rightly angry, and vowed that after his wedding week was finished, he’d take Rachel for his wife as well! (Although he did have to work a further seven years…)

After that, it became like a competition for the two sisters to see who could give Jacob the most children – Leah taking the lead by giving Jacob four boys. The sisters even threw their respective servants at Jacob to up their tally (surrogates were well within the rules). In the end, God blessed Rachel and she produced Joseph, who became Jacob’s favourite. One nil to Rachel, I say.

What does this show us about love?

Although the story is relatively complicated, the message is clear: work for the one you want, and in the end you’ll be rewarded with something incredible.

Ruth and Boaz

10 Bible verses about love

Bible Book Club

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