jacob labors for racheljacob labors for...

A Ministry for Hungry Saints, Series on the Book of Genesis, Lesson #49, Meeting #494– in its 20th year

JACOB LABORS FOR RACHELJACOB LABORS FOR RACHEL

INTRODUCTION

A BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE TEXTAt the conclusion of the seven

years Jacob agreed to serve inexchange for Rachel being his wife, heasks that his wife be given to him. Theyears had passed swiftly because of thestrong love he had for Rachel. Now, atlast, they were completed. However,his faith would be sorely tried again.

Laban gatghers together, andmakes a great feast for, “all the men ofthe place.”

It appears that it was a kind ofdiversionary tactic to hide what he wasabout to do. Without Jacob knowing it,brought Leah to Jacob instead ofRachel.

In the morning Jacob discovers hehad been given Leah, and registered hisobjections with Laban, charging thatLaban had beguiled him. Laban explainsthat it was their custom to first give theoldest daughter – something he had notmade known when the agreement hadbeen made between him and Jacob.Thus Jacob enters into another test.

TRANSLATION LEGEND: ABP=Apostolic Bible Polyglot m(1992); ALT=Analytical-Literal Translation (2005), AMPLIFIED=Amplified Bible (1965), ABP=Apostolic Bible Polygot with Greek Interlinear (2003); ASV=American Standard Version (1901), BBE=Biblein Basic English (1949), BRENT=Brenton’s English Septuagint; CEB =Common English Bible (2011); CEV=Contemporary English Version(1995); DRA=Douay-Rheims (1899), ERV =English Revised Version (1885), ESV=English Stand Version (2001), GENEVA=Geneva Bible(1599), GNB=Good News (1966), GSNT =Goodspeed (1923), GWN =God’s Word (1995), IE= International English (1973),ISV=International Standard Version (1967), JPS=Jewish Publication Society (1917), KJV=King James Version (1611), LITV= LiteralTranslation of the Bible (1976), LIVING=Living Bible (1971), MESSAGE=The Message (1993), MKJV= Modern KJV (1962),MONTGOMERY=Montgomery’s New Testament (2001), MRD=Peshitta-James Murdock Translation (1852), NAB=New American Bible(2002), NASB=New American Standard Bible (1977), NAU=New American Standard Bible (1995), NIB=New International Bible, NIV=NewInternational Version (1984), NJB=New Jerusalem Bible (1985), NKJV=New King James Version (1979), NLT=New Living Translation(1996), NRSV=New Revised Standard Version (1989), PHILLIPS=J B Phillips New Testament (1962), PNT=Bishop’s New Testament(1595), RSV=Revised Standard Version (1952), TNK=JPS Tanakj (1985), WEB=Webster Bible (1833),WEYMOUTH=Weymouth’s NewTestament (1903), WILLIAMS=William’s New Testament (1937), TYNDALE=Tyndale’s Bible (1526), WYCLIFFE=Wycliffe New Testament(1382), YLT =Young’s Literal Translation (1862)

---------- GREEK LEXICON LEGEND ----------- LEXICON LEGEND: FRIEBERG = Friberg Lexicon, UBS = Barclay-Newman, LOUW-NIDA = Louw-Nida Lexicon, LIDDELL SCOTT

Lesson Number 49

The Book of Genesis

A MINISTRY INITIATED INMAY 1993, AND DEDICATEDTO STRENGTHENING THOSEWHO ARE IN CHRIST, BYBUILDING THEIR FAITH,ENHANCING THEIR JOY, ANDSTABILIZING THEIR HOPE, ENABLING THEM TO WORKOUT THEIR SALVATION WITHFEAR AND TREMBLING.

THE INSPIRED RECORD OFTHE BEGINNING OF ALLTHINGS: THE HEAVENS ANDTHE EARTH, MANKIND, SIN,THE FIRST CHOSEN ANDBLESSED NATION, THE FIRSTCURSE, THE FIRST PROMISE,AND THE FIRST FAITH.

DISCLAIMER: The quoting of other translations is not to be taken as a condoning of them. My purpose is rather to show the remarkable diversity, and sometimes outrightcontradictions that exist among these various versions of Scripture. Our understanding of the Word of God ultimately depends upon our comprehension of the LordHimself and His eternal purpose. Where this understanding is not present, we are shut up to scholasticism and conjecture, both of which are of the world, not of God.

Gen 29:21 "And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her. 22 And Laban gathered together allthe men of the place, and made a feast. 23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; andhe went in unto her. 24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid for an handmaid. 25 And it came to pass, that in the morning,behold, it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hastthou beguiled me? 26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfil her week, andwe will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. 28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week:and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. 29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. 30 And hewent in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. 31 And when the LORD sawthat Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren. 32 And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben:for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me. 33 And she conceived again, and barea son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.34 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons:therefore was his name called Levi. 35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she calledhis name Judah; and left bearing." . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . (Genesis 29:21-35)

After fulfilling seven years of labor for Rachel, Jacob asks for his wife. Laban gave him Leah instead, setting the stage for some arresting circumstances. – Given O. BlakelyJacob Labors for Rachel - of 16


Laban then affirmed that he would, after the fulfillment of oneweek, also give Rachel to Jacob, butthat he would have to work seven yearsmore for her. This he did, also giving hisown handmaid Bilhah to be Rachel’shandmaid. Rachel, however, wasbarren. This appeared to be yet anotherinterference with the fulfillment of thepromise of God to Jacob: "And thyseed shall be as the dust of the earth,and thou shalt spread abroad to thewest, and to the east, and to the north,and to the south: and in thee and in thyseed shall all the families of the earthbe blessed" (Gen 28:14).

Leah bears Jacob four sons, andthen “left bearing,” or “stopped havingchildren.” NIV

This begins a series of events inwhich God was very present, yet thatare very mysterious – particularly inview of what has been made known inChrist Jesus.

A DIAGNOSIS OF THE TIMESAlthough I have mentioned this

before, it is necessary to again drawattention to the times during which allof these events took place. Thisnecessity is owing to the manner inwhich the events recorded during thesetimes have been assessed by men.Their reasoning has brought them tocertain conclusions which have requiredthem to sit in judgment upon Abraham,

Sarah, Isaac, Rebekah, and Jacob. Theparticular events to which I refer are asfollows. A brief explanation is given foreach item. The details of theexplanation are provided in our earlierlessons.

( Abram apparently not leavingimmediately when he was called byGod (Gen 11:31-12:1). The Holy Spiritwitnesses that Abram did leave when Godhad called him (ACTS 7l2-4; Heb 11:8). Healso affirms that God brought him out ofUr of the Chaldees (Gen 15:7; Neh 9:7).

( Abram taking Lot with him when heset out to go to Canaan (Gen 12:4).The Spirit does not criticize Abram fortaking Lot. In fact, Lot’s possessionsincreased while he was with Abram (Gen13:5). Later, when Abraham delivered Lot.Melchizedek told him God his enemies intohis hand (Gen 14:20).

( Abram telling Sarai to say she washis sister (Gen 12:13,19; 20:2).Technically, Sarai was Abram’s half sister(Gen 20:12). also, the Spirit never assessedthis matter as a transgression.

( Lot choosing the area of Sodom(Gen 13:10-11). Lot did not chooseSodom because of its depraved culture, butsought the land there for his flocks (Gen13:10). The Spirit testifies that Lot was arighteous man, and that he was vexed by thefilthy manner of living found in Sodom (2Pet 2:8-9).

( Abram inquiring, if Eliezer could becounted as his heir (Gen 15:2). At thetime, God had not yet revealed that Abramwould himself beget the promised heir.

Furthermore, he was impotent, andincapable of bearing children.

( Sarah giving her handmaid Hagar toAbram as his wife, to bear him achild (Gen 16:1-3). Although God hadpromised Abram “seed” three times, he hadnot yet revealed it would be through Sarai.She would not learn of her personalinvolvement in the promised birth until theyear before it took place (Gen 17:21;18:10).

( Abram consenting to beget a childthrough Hagar (Gen 16:2-3). Again,Abram did not know Sarah was to birth tothe promised heir. That had not yet beenrevealed. The Spirit did not write upAbraham and Sarah as having sinned in thismatter.

( Abram seeking for Ishmael’sprotection (Gen 17:18). Abram’srequest was not for Ishmael to be thepromised heir. God had now revealed hewould not be the heir. Isaac would be theheir (Gen 17:18-19). However, Godpromised to bless Ishmael because ofAbram’s request (Gen 17:20-21). Abrahamwas not rebuked for his request, nor didthe Spirit later declare it was a sign ofunbelief.

( Sarah laughing when she heard shewas to bear a child to Abraham inher old age (Gen 18:12). AlthoughSarah was gently rebuked for laughingwithin herself (Gen 18:15), she was notwritten up as an unbeliever because of it. Itis rather written that by faith she receivedstrength to conceive seed (Heb 11:11).

( Isaac saying that Rebekah was hissister (Gen 26:7-9). Although thiswould be out of order for those who havereceived greater revelation, Isaac is not

criticized by the Spirit for this word.

( Jacob purchasing Esau’s birthrightfor some lentil stew (Gen 25:30-34).

Their reasoning has brought them to certainconclusions which have required them to sitin judgment upon Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, andJacob.

CONTENTSCONTENTS|| INTRODUCTION INTRODUCTION || GIVE ME MY WIFE! (29:21)GIVE ME MY WIFE! (29:21)|| LABAN GIVES JACOB LEAH (29:22-24)LABAN GIVES JACOB LEAH (29:22-24)|| BEHOLD, IT WAS LEAH (29:25-26)BEHOLD, IT WAS LEAH (29:25-26)|| SERVE ME YET SEVEN OTHER YEARSSERVE ME YET SEVEN OTHER YEARS

(29:27-30)(29:27-30)|| THE LORD SAW LEAH WAS HATEDTHE LORD SAW LEAH WAS HATED

(29:31)(29:31)|| REUBEN IS BORN (29:32)REUBEN IS BORN (29:32)|| SIMEON IS BORN (29:33)SIMEON IS BORN (29:33)|| LEVI IS BORN (29:34)LEVI IS BORN (29:34)|| JUDAH IS BORN (29:35)JUDAH IS BORN (29:35)|| CONCLUSIONCONCLUSION



Esau said that Jacob took away hisbirthright (Gen 27:36). The Spirit,however, charged the transgressionagainst Esau, saying he “despised hisbirthright” (Gen 25:34). The Spirit alsowitnesses that Esau was the “profaneperson,” or “godless person,” NASB notJacob (Heb 12:16).

( Rebekah disguising Jacob to appearas Esau, in order that he mightobtain the blessing of the firstborn(Gen 27:8-17). Although the details ofthis event are rather precise, there is nota syllable of criticism registered by theHoly Spirit because of the incident.

( Jacob saying that he was Esau (Gen17:19). Again, although this would not beacceptable during this day of greaterrevelation, the deed was not imputed toJacob for sin. Of course, for those whohave a penchant for technicality, “wherethere is no law, there is no transgression”(Rom 4:15).

( Jacob saying that God had broughtthe meat that he served Isaac to him(Gen 27:20). Once again, the absence ofa condemning word or the imputation of sinto Jacob on this matter is reason enoughfor no man to introduce condemnation here.

WHAT IS TO BE LEARNED FROMALL OF THIS?

It is exceedingly difficult for thoseliving in “the day of salvation” tocomprehend the restrictions placedupon a person’s thinking because ofignorance. To this point in the book ofGenesis, the only kind of Divine activitythat has been made known is what istaking place upon the earth. Even whenGod revealed to Jacob the involvementof heaven with earth, it was depictedas a ladder that had been set up on the

earth. Furthermore, all of the promisesrevealed to men had to do with thingsoccurring on the earth. Even in thesomewhat vague promise regarding thebruising of the serpent’s head (Gen3:15), the actual bruising took place onthe earth, when Jesus died upon thecross. It was there that His “heel” wasbruised when He crushed the head ofthe serpent.

Until this portion there has notbeen a syllable said concerning anythingextending beyond this world.

All of the comparativeweaknesses of those early saints was

owing to a lack of revelation, whichnecessarily imposed spiritual ignoranceupon the people. Those patriarchs didthe best they could under thecircumstances, believing every worddelivered to them, and acting upon itaccording.

With the solitary exception ofAdam and Eve, anywhere andeverywhere God made Himself knownto a person of His choice, His word wasbelieved and obeyed.

( God made Himself known to Noah,commanding him to build an ark, andhe did (Gen 6:14-19; Heb 11:7).

( He commanded Noah to bring ofevery living thing a pair into the ark,and he did (Gen 6:19-20,22).

( He commanded him to stock the arkwith food for the animals and hisfamily, and he did (Gen 7:21-22).

( He told Noah to enter the ark withall of his house, and he did (Gen7:1,7).

( He commanded Abram to leave Ur,and journey to Canaan, and he did(Gen 12:3; Heb 11:8).

( He commanded Abram to walkthrough the land, and he did (Gen13:17,18).

( God commanded Abram to take Hima heifer of three years old, a shegoat of three years old, a ram ofthree years old, a turtle, and a youngpigeon, and he did (Gen 15:9-11).

( He commanded Abram to circumciseall the males in his household, andhe did (Gen 17:11-14,24-27).

( He commanded Abraham to cast outthe bondwoman and her son, and hedid (Gen 21:12-14).

( He commanded Abraham to offer upIsaac as a burnt offering to him, andAbraham immediately set out to doso. Only an angel was able torestrain him, once his faith was seen(Gen 22:1-19).

( God commanded Isaac to not godown to Egypt, but remain in theland, and he did (Gen 26:2-6).

There is a clear consistency in theobedience of the patriarchs. Once theyknew what was required of them, theydid it. Once a revelation was received,they believed it. Any of their conductthat appears to have been unacceptablewas owing to a lack of revelation, nothardness of heart of unbelief.

The Impediment of IgnoranceIn all of this the impediment of

ignorance ought to be glaringlyapparent. It simply is not possible forone to conduct his life in wisdom if afundamental ignorance is present. Weknow from the way these patriarchsreacted to the truth they received, that,were they living in our time, they wouldbe premier saints. We know this is truebecause, "He that is faithful in thatwhich is least is faithful also in much"(Luke 16:10).

What are we to say of those who

In all of this the impediment of ignoranceought to be glaringly apparent. It simply isnot possible for one to conduct his life inwisdom if a fundamental ignorance ispresent.



are living in the brightness of Divinerevelation, yet remain in a state ofspiritual ignorance – unacquainted withthe ways of the Lord, and unable to livein an acceptable manner before theLord? Add to this the fact that God hasstrategically placed people in both placeand time in order that they might seekand find the Lord (Acts 17:26-27).

How do such people appear whenwe stand them next to the citizens ofNineveh who, after hearing a singlemessage of imminent doom, repented insackcloth and ashes (Jonah 3:5-10;Matt 12:41)?

However, God will not react to theignorance of this generation like He didto that of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob!

We have a situation amidst thechurches of this land that is most

fearful. With an “abundance” of “truth”(Jer 33:6) all about them, they areblind, following the blind, and headedfor the ditch of eternal ruin.Furthermore, the seriousness of theircondition is being withheld by theprofessional clergy of the land. Thesecharlatans have chosen to buildreligious empires rather than fortify thepeople of God. They havemisrepresented God in such a manneras to lead people to think He is lovinglytolerant of their condition. As a result,we have a people who are nowherenear the spiritual stature of Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob. God will visit thissituation on the day of judgment. Untilthen, and make no mistake about it,there is a lot of preaching and repentingthat needs to be done. Professedleaders will be held accountable.

Learn! Learn! Learn!

These patriarchs are a livingdemonstration of the effects of spiritualignorance. This condition was notowing to any unbelief of stubbornnesson their part. Rather, it was thenecessary consequence of sinseparating the people from God. This isprecisely the situation that Jesus cameto address, and He did so effectively.There is no acceptable excuse forignorance being prevalent within theprofessed church. There must be a warwaged against its presence.Imaginations must be cast down!

WE WILL NOW PROCEED WITHTHE TEXT

We Will now proceed with the anexposition of the text, doing so with anacute awareness that our spiritualintelligence is to be advanced by thisrecord. The urgency of a properresponse to God should be apparent.

GIVE ME MY WIFE

Gen 29:21 "And Jacob said unto Laban,Give me my wife, for my days arefulfilled, that I may go in unto her.”

GIVE ME MY WIFE"And Jacob said unto Laban, Give

me my wife . . .”

MY DAYS ARE FULFILLED“ . . . for my days are fulfilled. . .”

Other versions read, “My time iscompleted,” NASB “my time is finished.” CJB

and “I have fulfilled my contract.” LIVING

The “days,” or “time” were sevenyears – 2,520 days, and 60,480 hours.That was sufficient time to cause anordinary man to forget, or consider thathaving Rachel for his wife was notworth such an investment. However, allthrough this period of time Jacob wasthinking about Rachel, loving her, andliving in anticipation of the time theywould be married.

Jacob kept track of the time, sothat he knew the very day he wouldreceive Rachel as his wife. He did notforget to count the days, or allow

distractions to introduce confusionabout the matter.

The TypeHere is the secret to keeping the

faith, finishing the course, and being“faithful unto death” (Rev 2:10). It is

living in anticipation of being foreverwith the Lord! Faithfulness and duepreparation cannot be accomplished bymere human disciple, or only doingwhat we are commanded to do.Throughout the life of the believerJesus must grow more and moreprecious, and the anticipation of beingforever with Him must become adominating quest. Where this is

missing, time will wear out theindividual, and trouble will soon turn hisattention to other things.

THAT I MAY GO IN UNTO HER“ . . . that I may go in unto her.”

Other versions read, “I want to lie with

her,” NIV “that I may sleep with her,” CEB

“I want to sleep with her,” CSB “that Imay cohabit with her,” TNK “so as toenter to her,” ABP “I want to marryRachel now!” CEV “so that I can marryher,” ERV “I'm ready to consummate mymarriage,” MESSAGE and “so that I maytake her to me.” AMPLIFIED

Here, I prefer the more modest

Jacob kept track of the time, so that heknew the very day he would receive Rachel ashis wife. He did not forget to count the days,or allow distractions to introduce confusionabout the matter.



language. The literal rendering of thetext is, “I shall come to her.” INTERLINEAR TheHebrew word translated “go in” is“bow,” which means “to go in, enter, come,go, come in.” STRONG’S This is referring toentering her tent as Rachel’s husband.The versions that speak more vividlyare supplying an interpretation of thetext, not a translation of it. Further, it isnot the Spirit’s manner to speak in sucha way of things related to marriage.

The Purpose of MarriageUltimately, the purpose of

marriage is realized in intimacy – thetwo becoming “one flesh.” This alsotranslates into mindfulness of oneanother, and even having the same

mind. Marriage without personalinvolvement with one another is nomarriage at all.

The TypePresently we are betrothed to

Christ. During this interim, before themarriage, Jesus is serving the Father,administrating the Kingdom, mediating,interceding, and teaching His people,orienting them for the coming marriage. He is with us, even as Jacob was withRachel, but not yet in the fullest sense.

The purpose for union with Christis productivity, or fruit. As it is written,"Wherefore, my brethren, ye also arebecome dead to the law by the body of

Christ; that ye should be married toanother, even to him who is raised fromthe dead, that we should bring forthfruit unto God" (Rom 7:4). While it istrue that this begins while we remain inthis world, the majority of the fruit thatwill be brought to God will be producedin the world to come.

I do not believe this is generallyunderstood by professing believers.They do not think of themselves as,through Jesus, producing fruit untoGod. Some have been taught that“fruit” is confined to, what is referredto as “winning souls.” Notwithstanding,bringing forth fruit unto God is thepurpose for our affiliation with Jesus,and we will be judged on the last daywith that in mind. Those who lackunderstanding in this matter shoulddiligently seek to obtain it. If GodHimself receives nothing from ouraffiliation with Jesus, it has no God-honoring purpose. In such a case, it isnot possible that it could bring any realadvantage to us. The truth of thematter is that such religion is pretense.

LABAN GIVES LEAH TO JACOB

“ 22 And Laban gathered togetherall the men of the place, and made afeast. 23 And it came to pass in theevening, that he took Leah hisdaughter, and brought her to him; andhe went in unto her. 24 And Laban gaveunto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maidfor an handmaid.”

LABAN MADE A FEAST

“And Laban gathered together all

the men of the place, and made afeast...”

It is generally understood that thiswas a traditional marriage feast,common in the East.

( SAMSON’S SEVEN DAY WEDDING FEAST:"So his father went down unto thewoman: and Samson made there afeast; for so used the young men todo. And it came to pass, when theysaw him, that they brought thirtycompanions to be with him. AndSamson said unto them, I will nowput forth a riddle unto you: if ye cancertainly declare it me within theseven days of the feast, and find itout, then I will give you thirty sheetsand thirty change of garments"(Judg 14:10-12).

( ESTHER’S FEAST: "And the king lovedEsther above all the women, and she

obtained grace and favor in his sightmore than all the virgins; so that heset the royal crown upon her head,and made her queen instead ofVashti. Then the king made a greatfeast unto all his princes and hisservants, even Esther's feast; and hemade a release to the provinces, andgave gifts, according to the state ofthe king." (Est 2:17-18).

( THE PARABLE OF THE WEDDING FEAST."The kingdom of heaven is like untoa certain king, which made amarriage for his son, And sent forthhis servants to call them that werebidden to the wedding: and theywould not come. Again, he sentforth other servants, saying, Tellthem which are bidden, Behold, Ihave prepared my dinner: my oxenand my fatlings are killed, and allthings are ready: come unto themarriage" (Matt 22:2-4).

If God Himself receives nothing from ouraffiliation with Jesus, it has no God-honoringpurpose. In such a case, it is not possiblethat it could bring any real advantage to us.



( THE MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB."And he saith unto me, Write,Blessed are they which are calledunto the marriage supper of theLamb. And he saith unto me, Theseare the true sayings of God" (Rev19:9).

I therefore conclude that this wasthe kind of feast Laban prepared – amarriage feast. Furthermore, it wasunderstood to be in honor of Rachel.

LABAN BROUGHT LEAH TO HIM“ . . . And it came to pass in the

evening, that he took Leah hisdaughter, and brought her to him; andhe went in unto her. . . .”

Fully convinced he was receivingRachel as his wife, Laban now deceivedJacob, bringing him Leah as his wifeinstead. He would not recognize it wasLeah because of darkness, and herbeing veiled as well.

Although there is no word againstJacob for presenting himself as Esau,

and although the circumstances hereare by no means identical, I do notdoubt that at some point, Jacobrecalled how Isaac had blessed him,thinking he was blessing Esau. I saythis because of the sensitivity of Jacob.

LABAN GAVE HIS DAUGHTERZILPAH

“ . . . And Laban gave unto hisdaughter Leah Zilpah his maid for anhandmaid.”

It was customary for the wife tohave a special handmaid – a femaleslave who attended to the needs of thewife, serving her. For Rebekah, it was

the same woman who was her “nurse”when she was young – Deborah (Gen24:59; 35:8). Sarah’s handmaid wasHagar (Gen 16:1), who is also referredto as a “bondwoman,” or “slavewoman” NIV (Gen 21:10).

In this case, Zilpah was Laban’sown “maid” – “his maid.” Jewishwritings say of her, “and Laban gave her Zilpahhis daughter, whom his concubine bore unto him.”TARGUM OF JONATHAN I do not place a lot of stockin Jewish uninspired writings. Suffice itto say, Zilpah was one of Laban’sslaves. She will play a significant role inthe formation of the nation of Israel.

BEHOLD, IT WAS LEAH

“ 25 And it came to pass, that inthe morning, behold, it was Leah: andhe said to Laban, What is this thou hastdone unto me? did not I serve with theefor Rachel? wherefore then hast thoubeguiled me? 26 And Laban said, It mustnot be so done in our country, to givethe younger before the firstborn.”

IT WAS LEAH“And it came to pass, that in the

morning, behold, it was Leah . . .” Otherversions read, “there was Leah,” NIV“there she was--Leah," CEB "he was withLeah," CJB "he realized it was Leah," GWN

and “in the morning [Jacob saw hiswife, and behold, it was Leah!” AMPLIFIED

There is a sense in which thisworld is the realm of delusion, oftenyielding things we did not expect. Oftenthis kind of disappointment is realizedevery day – we receive something wedid not order, buy, or in some way think

we have procured. However, who canimagine a greater disappointment thanawakening to find your wife is not theperson you thought it would be!

Part of the reign of mortality is theelement of surprise, – the unexpected;and of ten i t y ie lds g reatdisappointment. The unexpected, beingdisconcertment, bewilderment, andbeing startled – it is all part of theenvironment of death. In the glory,none of this will occur, and to thedegree that we ,live by faith, suchoccurrences are reduced significantly.More and more those in Christ learnwhat to expect, even though they willnot be totally free from the unexpecteduntil they put off the mortal coil of theflesh.

WHAT HAST THOU DONE UNTOME?

“ . . . and he said to Laban, What

is this thou hast done unto me? did notI serve with thee for Rachel? whereforethen hast thou beguiled me? . . .”

Jacob immediately knew this wasthe work of Laban. He did not blameLeah, as though she had supplanted hersister. Laban had brought Leah to Jacobunder the pretense that it was Rachel.

What Hast Thou Done Unto Me?This was a personal offence.

L:aban had done something unjust toJacob. It may have been similar to whatJacob did to Isaac, but it was by nomeans identical. God had chosen andloved Jacob, while he had hated Esau(Mal 1:2-3; Rom 9:13). He had revealedto Rebekah that the elder would servethe younger, which meant the birthrighthad to pass from Esau to Jacob. Also,Esau was a fornicator and a profane, orgodless, person. This situation differsvastly from Jacob’s.

Although there is no word against Jacob forpresenting himself as Esau, and although thecircumstances here are by no means identical, I donot doubt that at some point, Jacob recalled howIsaac had blessed him, thinking he was blessingEsau.



In this case a clear agreement hadbeen made to serve Laban for sevenyears in order to obtain Rachel as hiswife. Laban had made the stipulation,and Jacob had agreed to it – to workseven years for Rachel. After theagreement was made, Labandetermined to do something else, towhich Jacob had not consented.

Did Not I Serve For Rachel?The clear arrangement was that

Jacob was laboring for Rachel: “I willserve thee seven years for Rachel thyyounger daughter" (Gen 29:18). Therewas nothing ambiguous about theproposal, and Laban agreed that it wasthe best thing to do: "It is better that Igive her to thee, than that I should giveher to another man: abide with me"(Gen 29:19). No mention was made ofLeah, and there was no reason forJacob to expect for her to be broughtinto the consideration.

Why Have You Beguiled Me?Ordinarily, this would be

considered a difficult question toanswer. Precisely how do you explainbegu i l emen t , decep t i on , o rmisrepresentation?

The flesh will think of a way toanswer this question, for Laban is atype of the flesh. The answer will notbe thoroughly honest, for honesty hasno part in beguilement.

IT MUST BE DONE SO IN OURCOUNTRY

“ . . . And Laban said, It must notbe so done in our country, to give theyounger before the firstborn.”

Bible students have disputedabout the legitimacy of Laban’sstatement. Some say he told the truthabout the custom, yet are unable toprovide adequate substantiation for thatclaim. I choose to view Laban’s claimas a deliberate lie. Following are myreasons for doing so.

( If his statement was legitimate, thenwhy was there no objection topreparing a feast for the men whichwas to accompany giving Rachel toJacob. If the practice did, in fact,

violate what was done among thosepeople, then surely someone wouldhave spoken up.

( At the time Jacob said he wouldlabor for Rachel for seven years,why was not this custom cited atthat time?

( Laban agreed to the arrangementJacob put forward – to serve Laban“for seven years for Rachel,” his“younger daughter” (Gen 29:18).

( The Holy Spirit provides no editorialremark that would justify whatLaban did.

I therefore conclude that Jacob’ss remark was true: Laban had beguiled

him.

I also conclude that this was aform of reaping what Jacob had sownwhen he presented himself as Esau.Even though the record does not imputethat to Jacob for sin, it is still God’smanner to render a harvest for certainthings, even though He was workingthrough them. Allow me to cite oneexample of this.

When David numbered Israel, thehigher view of the matter is stated inthis way: “And again the anger of theLORD was kindled against Israel, andHe moved David against them to say,Go, number Israel and Judah" (2 Sam24:1). Yet, when David numbered Israelas he was moved by God to do,“David's heart smote him after that hehad numbered the people. And Davidsaid unto the LORD, I have sinnedgreatly in that I have done: and now, Ibeseech thee, O LORD, take away theiniquity of thy servant; for I have donevery foolishly" (2 Sam 24:10). It iswritten, "For when David was up in themorning, the word of the LORD cameunto the prophet Gad, David's seer,saying, Go and say unto David, Thussaith the LORD, I offer thee threethings; choose thee one of them, that Imay do it unto thee" (2 Sam 24:11-12).David was required to choose one ofthe following options: "Shall sevenyears of famine come unto thee in thyland? or wilt thou flee three monthsbefore thine enemies, while they pursuethee? or that there be three days'pestilence in thy land? now advise, andsee what answer I shall return to Himthat sent me" (2 Sam 24:13).

David actually confessed this wasa most difficult decision to make, andtherefore cast himself upon the mercyof the Lord, because His mercies weregreat. He only requested, “Let me notfall into the hand of man” (2 Sam24:14). He trusted the Lord to make thedecision, and reconciled himself toreceiving that choice.

Indeed, God did make the choice.As it is written, "So the LORD sent apestilence upon Israel from the morningeven to the time appointed: and there

“It is still the custom not to give the younger inmarriage before the older, unless the latter bedeformed or in some way defective.” ALBERT BARNES

“The same custom exists among the Indians(Rosenmüller; cf. Roberts, ‘OrientalIllustrations,’ p. 34), Egyptians (Lane), and otherOriental countries (Delitzsch).” PULPIT COMMENTARY

“ . . . but it does not appear there was any suchcustom, and it was a mere evasion; orotherwise, why did not he inform him of thiswhen he asked for Rachel? and why did he enterinto a contract with him, contrary to such aknown custom? and besides; how could he havethe nerve to call the men of the city, and makea feast for the marriage of his younger daughter,if this was the case?” JOHN GILL

“Yet we see him pretending that he has anhonorable defense for his conduct, because itwas not the custom of the country to prefer theyounger to the elder.” JOHN CALVIN

“This was a custom at Mesopotamia; but Labantook care to conceal it from Jacob till after hehad given him Leah. The words of Laban areliterally what a Hindoo would say on such asubject.” ADAM CLARKE

“A perfectly worthless excuse; for if this hadreally been the custom in Haran as in ancientIndia and elsewhere, he ought to have toldJacob of it before.” KEIL & ELITZSCH

“We have reason to think there was no suchcustom of his country as he pretends; only hebanters Jacob with it, and laughs at his mistake. . . But if there had been such a custom, and hehad resolved to observe it, he should have toldJacob so when he undertook to serve him for hisyounger daughter.” MATTHEW HENRY

WHAT OTHERS HAVE SAID



died of the people from Dan even toBeersheba seventy thousand men" (2Sam 24:15). At that point, the Lord’smercy burst forth. It is written, "Andwhen the angel stretched out his handupon Jerusalem to destroy it, the LORDrepented him of the evil, and said to theangel that destroyed the people, It is

enough: stay now thine hand. And theangel of the LORD was by thethreshingplace of Araunah the Jebusite" (2 Sam 24:16).

There you have it. God movedDavid to do something that was inconcert with His will, then sent a

judgment because it was done. None ofthis was unjust, for God is righteous. Igather that a similar thing happened inthe deception Laban perpetrated uponJacob. It is not appropriate to pursuethis subject further, for that wouldrequire us to extend ourselves beyondrevelation–and that would not be right.

SERVE ME YET SEVEN OTHER YEARS

“ 27 Fulfil her week, and we willgive thee this also for the service whichthou shalt serve with me yet sevenother years. 28 And Jacob did so, andfulfilled her week: and he gave himRachel his daughter to wife also. 29 AndLaban gave to Rachel his daughterBilhah his handmaid to be her maid. 30

And he went in also unto Rachel, andhe loved also Rachel more than Leah,and served with him yet seven otheryears.”

FULFILL HER WEEK“Fulfil her week . . .” This is

thought to refer to the feast Laban hadprepared, which is considered to beseven days in length. This is based on amarriage feast prepared for Samson,which was seven days in length(Judges 14:10-12). I see no reason whythis explanation is not satisfactory.

YET SEVEN OTHER YEARS“ . . . and we will give thee this

also for the service which thou shaltserve with me yet seven other years...”Other versions read, “you will serve mestill another seven years,” NKJV “anotherseven years of work,” NIV “you shallwork for me yet seven more years inreturn.” AMPLIFIED

Thus, after agreeing to workseven years for Rachel, now Jacob isinformed fourteen years of labor will berequired. He only has one alternative:complete the seven days with Leah,keep her, and receive Rachel, workingseven more years in order to keep her. The measure of the love that he has forRachel will determine what he does.

JACOB DID SO

“ . . . And Jacob did so, andfulfilled her week . . .” Other versionsread, “So Jacob complied and fulfilled[Leah’s] week.” AMPLIFIED

Compelled by his love for Rachel,and his willingness to go through anenormous amount of inconvenience,and even injustice, Jacob fulfilled theappointed week with Leah.

Something to LearnIt is still true that love – real love

– is compelling. God’s love compelledHim to give His Son (John 3:16). TheLord Jesus loved His church so muchHe gave His life for it (Eph 5:25). Thosewho love the Lord (James 2:5; 1 John4:19), will do anything that is requiredto maintain fellowship with Him.

On the other hand, those who donot have a proper love for Jesus willbalk at what He requires, and refuse togo through any inconvenience orhardship that results from attentivenessto Him.

HE GAVE HIM RACHEL“ . . . and he gave him Rachel his

daughter to wife also . . .” “And hegave him Rachel his daughter to be his

wife.” NIV

Thus, Jacob did receive Rachel ashis wife – but he could not return to hishomeland until he had served Laban forseven more years in Haran ofMesopotamia.

A TypeIn a sense, the marriage of Jesus

to the church is similar to that of Jacobbeing married to Leah and Rachel. I amcareful as I approach this matter,seeking to avoid any despising of Leah.Yet, there is something to be seen here,hidden beneath the shroud of ancientcircumstance. As is true of all types,the likeness to reality is not thorough,but only introductory.

In the end, Jesus will receive thechurch as His bride. Until that time,there is a part of us that is a member ofChrist that, like Leah, is not thepreferred. It is our bodies. While theyare “vile” (Phil 3:21), and appropriatelycalled “the body of this death” (Rom7:24), nevertheless they do have aclose relation with Jesus, theBridegroom. The bodies of the elect aresanctified by virtue their redemptionpurchase (Eph 1:14), and the Holy Spirit

On the other hand, those who do not have aproper love for Jesus will balk at what Herequires, and refuse to go through anyinconvenience or hardship that results fromattentiveness to Him.



who uses them as His temple (1 Cor6:19). In view of this it is written,"Know ye not that your bodies are themembers of Christ? shall I then take themembers of Christ, and make them themembers of an harlot? God forbid" (1Cor 6:15). We are to possess ourbodies with that in mind. They are likeLeah being Jacob’s wife. They cannotbe given to anyone else outside thebounds of marriage.

Admittedly, the figure has itslimitations, and cannot be paralleled inan extensive way. Yet, there is a figurehere that merits some consideration.

HE GAVE HER BILHAH“ . . . And Laban gave to Rachel

his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to beher maid . . .”

As with Leah, Rachel was given ahandmaid – an attendant to assist inmeeting her needs. Both the handmaidof Leah and the handmaid of Rachel willplay a prominent part in the formationof the “twelve tribes of Israel.”

Again, multiple wives and bearingchildren through handmaids werecustomary in those ancient times, eventhough, technically, as Jesus put it,“but from the beginning it was not so”(Matt 19:8)–i.e. God always intendedfor there to be one husband and onewife. Some now inquire why Godtolerated these conditions, and allowedthe nation of Israel to form under suchconditions. In Christ, they would not beacceptable. Why, then, were they everacceptable?

Here again, we see the limitation

brought on by an ignorance of God, theways of God, and the purpose of God.Jacob, together with Abraham andIsaac, knew absolutely nothing aboutthe “eternal purpose of God,” theextent of the work of the coming“Seed,” or of life beyond the grave.They only knew of the work and will ofGod within the context of this presentevil world: a flesh-and-blood people, aland, and the nations of the earth being

blessed. Further the Law, which definedmorality, had not yet been given. Thatis why the conditions to which we arebeing exposed existed.

We would not consent to havingtwo wives, under any circumstances,and certainly not to bearing childrenthrough the handmaid of a wife.However, the only reason we think insuch a way is because we have greaterknowledge on the matter. In manyforeign countries, where suchknowledge is still withheld from thepeople, they continue to have multiplewives and children through concubines.

The glorious thing about all of thisis that God did not abandon His workbecause of human ignorance. Instead,He continued to develop His purpose,working with imperfect people who hadimperfect knowledge.

The Modern SituationOur modern situation is more

related to the times of Jacob than thoseof the reign of Messiah – and it isowing to pervasive spiritual ignorance.However, this ignorance is no longeracceptable, for greater revelation hasbeen given. God no longer “winks” at

ignorance, for there is no longer anacceptable excuse for it. Paul once saidto some Grecian philosophers, who alsowere in a state of spiritual ignorance,"And the times of this ignorance Godwinked at; but now commandeth allmen every where to repent: Because hehath appointed a day, in the which hewill judge the world in righteousness bythat man whom he hath ordained;whereof he hath given assurance untoall men, in that he hath raised him fromthe dead." (Acts 17:30-31). That hassome alarming implications for ourtimes, and the churches in them.

JACOB LOVED RACHEL MORE“ . . . And he went in also unto

Rachel, and he loved also Rachel morethan Leah, and served with him yetseven other years.”

The text does not say that Jacobhad no love for Leah, but that he hadmore love for Rachel. From thebeginning, she had been his choice,while Leah was foisted upon himagainst his will. He was willing to workseven more years for Rachel (fourteenyears in all), but he apparently wouldnot have done this for Leah.

However, as we will find, this wasnot as simplistic as it may appear. GodHimself had a certain reaction to thiscircumstance. I will leave to you toconsider this matter more deeply.

Jesus Is to be Our First LoveRachel was Jacob’s “first love” –

not merely “first” in time, but “first” inpriority. Likewise, Jesus Christ is to beour “first love,” with no one elsecompeting for the first position. TheLord Jesus Himself is clear about this:"He that loveth father or mother morethan Me is not worthy of me: and hethat loveth son or daughter more thanMe is not worthy of me" (Matt 10:37).Whatever argument may be put forthconcerning having an equal level of lovefor everyone to whom a person isrelated, Jesus will not accept secondplace or even an equal place withanyone else. I am not sure this is acommon persuasion with many. Yet, itis a matter that has been made crystalclear by the Lord Jesus.

Jacob, together with Abraham and Isaac, knewabsolutely nothing about the “eternal purpose ofGod,” the extent of the work of the coming “Seed,”or of life beyond the grave. They only knew of thework and will of God within the context of thispresent evil world: a flesh-and-blood people, a land,and the nations of the earth being blessed.



THE LORD SAW LEAH WAS HATED

“ 31 And when the LORD saw thatLeah was hated, he opened her womb:but Rachel was barren.”

THE LORD SAW“And when the LORD saw that

Leah was hated . . .” Other versionsread, “unloved,” NKJV “not loved,” NIV “despised,” DOUAY/GENEVA “was slighting,”LIVING “detested,” ABP “Jacob loved Rachelmore than he did Leah,” CEV/ERV “Leahwas loved less than Rachel,” GNB “beingneglected,” ISV and “the hated one.” YLT

The meaning of the word “hate”has long been debated. Some affirmthat God loves everyone, and does not“hate” anyone. This is not an intelligentstatement, for it is affirmed there arepeople whom God does hate.

( God hated Esau (Mal 1:2-3; Rom9:13).

( Because they cried out against Him,God hated Israel, His own heritage(Jer 12:8).

( Among the things the Lord hates,the following are specified: “a falsewitness that speaketh lies,” and “hethat soweth discord among

brethren” (Prov 6:16-19).

( All workers of iniquity are hated byGod (Psa 5:5).

The question is, what does “hate”mean. Is “love less” an accuratedefinition? I think not. As used inScripture Divine hatred is exhibited inthe withholding of benefits that arereserved for those He loves. Forexample, God has gone on record thatHe hated Esau (Mal 1:3; Rom 9:13).Yet, Esau’s descendants (which are thesubject of Malachi 1:3), were protectedby Divine command, even though theywere hated. It is written, "Andcommand thou the people, saying, Yeare to pass through the coast of yourbrethren the children of Esau, whichdwell in Seir; and they shall be afraid ofyou: take ye good heed unto yourselvestherefore: Meddle not with them; for Iwill not give you of their land, no, notso much as a foot breadth; because Ihave given mount Seir unto Esau for apossession. Ye shall buy meat of themfor money, that ye may eat; and yeshall also buy water of them for money,that ye may drink. For the LORD thyGod hath blessed thee in all the worksof thy hand: he knoweth thy walkingthrough this great wilderness: theseforty years the LORD thy God hathbeen with thee; thou hast lackednothing. And when we passed by fromour brethren the children of Esau, whichdwelt in Seir, through the way of theplain from Elath, and from Eziongaber,we turned and passed by the way ofthe wilderness of Moab" (Deut 2:4-8).

Thus, the distinction betweenEsau and Jacob was seen in theextensive blessing of God toward thechildren of Israel (Jacob), while thatkind of blessing was withheld from theEdomites (Esau).

Therefore, when the text statesthat the Lord saw Leah was hated, itdoes not mean that she was “unloved,”but that the benefits and affection givento Rachel were not given to her. I

suppose a number of reasons could becited to justify this circumstance.Rachel was Jacob’s choice. He had, infact, labored for seven years for her,and that by a joint agreement. Leah hadbeen foisted upon him without any hintthat this would happen.

Notwithstanding, this was not apleasing condition to the Lord, eventhough men can present some palatableexplanations for its existence. The Lord,seeing this condition, gave a specialbenefit to Leah that was not, at thetime, given to Rachel.

HE OPENED HER WOMB“ . . . he opened her womb . . .”

Other versions read, “made her fertile,”CJB “made her fruitful,” GENEVA “made itpossible for her to have children,” GWN

“enabled her to become pregnant,” NET

“enabled her to have children,” NLT

“gave her a child,” BBE “Gave childrento,” CEV “made it possible for her to havechildren,” GNB and “made her able tobear children.” AMPLIFIED

When the Lord saw thatappropriate love had been withheldfrom Leah, He enabled her to havechildren. This would give her somecompensating joy, and bring her intothe purpose, of God as, well.

The Lord is the One who closesthe womb – and until the He took thisaction, opening Leah’s womb, it was“closed” – like “the wombs of thehouse of Abimelech” (Gen 20:18).Other woman whose wombs wereopened by the Lord include thefollowing:

( The wife and handmaids ofAbimelech (Gen 20:17-18).

( Sarah, Abraham’s wife (Gen 21:1-2).

( Rebekah, Isaac’s wife (Gen 25:21-22).

( Rachel, Jacob’s wife (Gen 30:22).

“When the Hebrews compared a strongeraffection with a weaker one, they called thefirst love, and the other hatred, meaning tolove in a less degree — “Jacob have I loved,and Esau have I hated” (Romans 9:13); i.e.on Jacob have I bestowed privileges andblessings such as are the proofs ofaffection; I have treated him as one treats afriend whom he loves; but from Esau have Iwithheld these privileges and blessings, andtherefore treated him as one is wont totreat those whom he dislikes. That thisrefers to the bestowment of temporalblessings, and the withholding of them, isclear, not only from this passage, but fromcomparing Malachi 1:2,3; Genesis 25:23;27:27-29, 37-40.” McCLINTOK & STRONG’S

NOTE: I do not care for the explanation “toa lesser degree.” To me the word “hate”involves withholding from the one what isgiven to the other. That appears to be themore accurate way of looking at the word. –Given O. Blakely

ON THE WORD “HATE”



( Manoah’s wife, Samson’s mother(Judges 13:2-3).

( Hannah, whose womb the Lord had“shut” (1 Sam 1:5,20,27).

( Elizabeth, mother of John theBaptist (Lk 1:7,13).

RACHEL WAS BARREN“ . . . but Rachel was barren.”

This was a state of nature, but notmerely a state of nature, for GodHimself governs all of nature. This iswhy holy men and woman have soughtfor God to remove the state ofbarrenness, enabling the woman toconceive (Gen 25:21; 1 Sam 1:9-12; Lk1:13). Just as the Lord opened Leah’swomb, He had shut Rachel’s womb.

NOT OF WORKSHere, then, is a demonstration of

what is meant by the expression “not ofworks” (Rom 9:11; Eph 2:9). God hadpromised “the fathers” (Abraham,Isaac, and Jacob) multitudinousoffspring (Gen 16:10; 26:4; 28:14). Butthis would not be by the works andwisdom of men. Thus far, the wives ofthe patriarchs have been barren (Sarah,Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel). If GodHimself did not intervene, there wouldbe no twelve tribes – no Jewish nation.That is a sterling example of what “notof works” means!

The same is true of the salvationof God. Its obtainment requires Divineenablement, just as surely as bearingthe progenitors of the twelve tribesrequired the working of the Lord. In thematter of appropriating salvation, thefollowing Divine involvements areessential.

( The preservation of the individualuntil they are experientially an heir ofsalvation (Heb 1:13-14; Jude 1:1).

( The conviction of sin, righteousness,and judgment (John 16:8-11).

( Repentance being “given” (Acts5:31), or “granted” (Acts 11:18).

( Being “given” to believe (Phil 1:29),

with faith being “obtained” (2 Pet1:1).

( Being “chosen to salvation throughthe sanctification of the Holy Spiritand the belief of the truth” (1 Thess2:13).

( Being "Elect according to theforeknowledge of God the Father,through sanctification of the Spirit,unto obedience and sprinkling of theblood of Jesus Christ" (1 Pet 1:2)

( Being “begotten again” (I Pet 1:3),“born again . . . by the Word ofGod” (1 Pet 1:23).

( Being ”quickened,” or raised fromdeath in trespasses and sins (Eph2:1-2).

( Being put into Christ (1 Cor 1:30).

( Having the flesh cut away in “thecircumcision of Christ” (Col 2:11-12).

( Being “added” to the church (Acts2:47).

( Being placed in the body of Christwhere it pleased God (1 Cor 12:18).

( Having the Law of God written inour hearts and out into our minds(Heb 8:10; 10:16).

( Being “justified from all things”(Acts 13:39).

( The “new creation” wrought byGod: “created in Christ Jesus” (2Cor 5:17; Eph 2:10).

These, and other similar realities,are what cause salvation to be

effective. What WE are required to doIS necessary, for Jesus is “the Authorof eternal salvation unto all them thatobey Him” (Heb 5:32). However,although it is essential, obedience hasno power of its own. It cannot cause re-c r ea t i on , r e conc i l i a t i on , o rsanctification. It cannot cause one toraise from death in trespasses and sins.It cannot of itself put us into Christ, orcause “the circumcision of Christ.”Those are all things accomplished byDeity, and Deity alone.

That is but the hem of thegarment of what it means to “saved notby works of righteousness which we

have done” (Tit 3:5; Eph 2:9). If“works,” as used in those texts, werein any way the foundation of cause ofsalvation, then men would appear tohave a just cause for boasting (Eph2:9). However, even then, it would notbe before God. As it is written, “For ifAbraham were justified by works, hehath whereof to glory; but not beforeGod" (Rom 4:2).

In spite of this great plainness,many of the Jews did boast of theirstatus and their circumcision, as thoughthis was the result of their doing. Withthis in mind, Paul wrote to some of theJews in the Roman church: “Behold,thou art called a Jew, and restest in thelaw, and makest thy boast of God, Andknowest His will, and approvest thethings that are more excellent, beinginstructed out of the law; And artconfident that thou thyself art a guideof the blind, a light of them which are indarkness, An instructor of the foolish, ateacher of babes, which hast the formof knowledge and of the truth in thelaw" (Rom 2:17-20). However, theirboast was wrong in every sense of the

In spite of this great plainness, many of theJews did boast of their status and theircircumcision, as though this was the result oftheir doing.



word, for essentially they were nodifferent than the ones against whomthey boasted. “Thou therefore whichteachest another, teachest thou notthyself? thou that preachest a manshould not steal, dost thou steal?" Thouthat sayest a man should not commitadultery, dost thou commit adultery?thou that abhorrest idols, dost thoucommit sacrilege? Thou that makest thyboast of the law, through breaking thelaw dishonorest thou God? For thename of God is blasphemed among theGentiles through you, as it is written.For circumcision verily profiteth, if thoukeep the law: but if thou be a breakerof the law, thy circumcision is madeuncircumcision. Therefore if theuncircumcision keep the righteousnessof the law, shall not his uncircumcisionbe counted for circumcision?" (Rom2:21-26),

The only legitimate boast is in theLord Himself, who has wrought thethings that has made any legitimatedifference. Therefore, it is written, "But

by His doing you are in Christ Jesus,who became to us wisdom from God,and righteousness and sanctification, andredemption, that, just as it is written,"LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST INTHE LORD" NASB (1 Cor 1:30-31).

A MODERN COUNTERPARTI have come from a religious

background that precisely reflects thescenario Paul paints in the secondchapter of Romans. It was common tohear people quoting James on thesubject of works: "Ye see then howthat by works a man is justified, andnot by faith only" (James 2:24).However, they were completelyignorant of the fact that James waswriting about the EVIDENCE ofsalvation, NOT its cause. He waswriting to people who had traits ofbeing friends of the world, and thuswere the enemies of God (James 4:4).The group with which I was identifiedboasted of being the “true NewTestament Church,” knowing whatthey perceived to be “the plan of

salvation.“ Without taking intoconsideration the due effects ofbaptism, they had a proper view of theessentiality of baptism, and the way itwas to be performed – and they gloriedin it, just like the Jew gloried in the Lawtrue.

However, there was this littleglitch: they were really notdistinguished in their conduct andmanner of life. In their movement therewere glaring and warring divisions.Their people were woefully ignorant ofthe Scriptures, and moral infractionswere plentiful among them. Such thingsas ignorance, indifference, andlukewarmness were common amongthem. Their spiritual appetite was, forthe most part, meager, and theirperspectives infantile. Yet, they daredto boast of their heritage. Even thoughthey placed a great deal of stress upon“works,” they were by no means notedfor godly works. Their theology andtheir lives were woefully out of synch,and most people knew it.

Such people are, in fact , similarto a Leah who could not bear children,and Rachel, who was barren. God couldno more save them upon the basis oftheir works than He could build aJewish nation with Leah and Rachelwhile they were in a state of fleshlybarrenness. Admittedly, this is adifficult lesson for many to learn.

REUBEN IS BORN

“ 32 And Leah conceived, and barea son, and she called his name Reuben:for she said, Surely the LORD hathlooked upon my affliction; nowtherefore my husband will love me.”

LEAH BARES REUBEN“And Leah conceived, and bare a

son, and she called his name Reuben...”

This is Jacob’s firstborn son, andis mentioned seventy-four times inScripture. His tribe is listed in thesealing of Israel in the book of theRevelation, which gives a symbolic

account of the conversion of Israel (Rev 7:5). Because he had an incestuousaffair with Bilhah, Leah’s handmaid,Jacob disqualified him from thebirthright and preeminence of thefirstborn, giving it to Judah instead(Gen 49:3-4,8-10).

“Reuben” means “He who sees theson,” HITCHCOCK “Behold the son!” EASTON “Behold ye ason,” FAUSSET (“Reu”=Behold, “Ben”=son), “see, ason.” McCLINTOK & STRONG’S

SURELY!“ . . . for she said, Surely the

LORD hath looked upon my affliction;now therefore my husband will loveme.”

Especially note the consciousnessof God that existed in Leah. We haveno record of any special revelationbeing given to her, as there was toRebekah (Gen 25:23). Yet she hadlearned some valuable things aboutGod. She knew He was aware of hergrievous situation, and could dosomething about it.

If this was true of Leah, what

Such things as ignorance, indifference, andlukewarmness were common among them.Their spiritual appetite was, for the mostpart, meager, and their perspectives infantile.



possible excuse can be offered for aperson being ignorant of God in this“day of salvation” (2 Cor 6:2)? Leahhad apparently taken advantage of thelimited knowledge of God her fatherLaban possessed, as well as what shemust have learned from Jacob. There isa sterling example of taking advantageof what is available, and realizing some

profitable increase in personalunderstanding. We know that the Lord“looks” upon people because ofextensive revelation (Psa 11:4; 14:2;33:13; 102:19-20; Heb 4:13). Now,with far less revelation, Leah reasonsthat the Lord has seen her situation.

Now, she thought, Jacob would

love her–i.e. in a more satisfactoryway. I think this is probably stated verymodestly. To be married, and yet notrealize the level of love that is to beexpected would not be a burden easilyborne. Yet, she thought, having a sonwould surely change that situation. Shereasoned that delivering a son to Jacobwould move him to love her more.

SIMEON IS BORN

“ 33 And she conceived again, andbare a son; and said, Because the LORDhath heard that I was hated, he haththerefore given me this son also: andshe called his name Simeon.”

SHE CONCEIVED AGAIN“And she conceived again, and

bare a son . . .”

This is the lower view of thematter. From the higher perspective,God was beginning to fulfill His promiseto Jacob: "And thy seed shall be as thedust of the earth, and thou shalt spreadabroad to the west, and to the east,and to the north, and to the south: andin thee and in thy seed shall all thefamilies of the earth be blessed" (Gen28:14).

Beginnings and TimesThe events of which we are now

reading were beginnings, and they werewrought during inferior times, when theknowledge of God was not yetdeveloped, and the effects of sin hadnot been duly neutralized byregeneration.

The circumstances of our text areby no means ideal: namely, a manhaving two wives. Also the fact thatchildren are being begotten by the wifethat is not preferred can introducedifficulties for some. Yet, they were notintended to set the pattern for thefuture.

Our text took place during thebeginning of the working out of God’spurpose. So far as understanding wasconcerned, it was a time of relativedarkness. That darkness, or the

absence of revelation, did have animpact on the way people lived, andhow God worked out His purpose.

During those beginnings, moraland spiritual darkness was at a highlevel. Divine tutelage was veryelementary, as men had to be taughtabout the Lord, His character, and Hisways. This could not simply beproclaimed, for men only had limitedexposure to God. Furthermore, His“eternal power and Godhead” werelargely a mystery. Although they weredisplayed in nature, no one had seenthem with any degree of clarity.Therefore, at that time, all of thepromises had to do with what wouldtake place on the earth in the realm oftime: blessing, making great,multiplying offspring, inhabiting a land,possessions increasing, etc.

In that kind of context, it should

be obvious we have no reason toexpect the kind of insight andunderstanding that is available underthe administration of Jesus – a timewhen sin has been put away (Heb9:26), Satan destroyed (Heb 2:14), andprincipalities and powers plundered (Col2:15).

As time progressed, and morerevelation was given, more wasexpected of the people. This is why it isso wrong for parallels to be drawnbetween those in Christ Jesus andthose living in those spiritually primitivetimes. The conduct now reported is notowing to rebellion in the people, but isowing to the relative smallness of theirunderstanding, which, in turn, wasstrictly owing to the brevity ofrevelation.

With that in mind, the manner ofreasoning that is now reported in Leahis rather arresting. She reasoned in amanner that is vastly superior to thereasoning of many who profess to be inChrist Jesus.

THE LORD HATH HEARD“ . . . and said, Because the LORD

hath heard that I was hated, he haththerefore given me this son also: andshe called his name Simeon.”

The name “Simeon” means, “ahearing.” McCLINTOK & STRONG’S Leah sees God as acompensating God – balancing thescales of propriety. What was withheldby Jacob was given by God, and she isgrateful for it.

The Lord Hath Heard



Other versions read, “heard that I amunloved,” NKJV “it has come to the Lord'sears that I am not loved," BBE and “the Lordheard that I was despised." DOUAY

When Reuben was born, Leah saidthe Lord had looked on her situation.Now she say the Lord has heard – nodoubt referring to her inward groaningand sorrow. Later, when morerevelation has been given, the Psalmistexclaimed, "The righteous cry, and theLORD heareth, and delivereth them out

of all their troubles” (Psa 34:17). Andagain, "For the LORD heareth the poor,and despiseth not his prisoners" (Psa69:33). And yet again, "The eyes of theLORD are upon the righteous, and hisears are open unto their cry" (Psa34:15). Peter affirms, "For the eyes ofthe Lord are over the righteous, and hisears are open unto their prayers: butthe face of the Lord is against themthat do evil" (1 Pet 3:12).

Again, considering the spiritually

primitive nature of the times, this is amost remarkable observation. Manyprofessing Christians of our time – atime of unparalleled revelation – can notyet reason in this manner. This islargely owing to fundamentally flawedteaching.

And what of you? When you arewounded by in just ices andinconsideration, are you persuaded thatthe Lord hears your groans, and will dosomething about it?

LEVI IS BORN

“34 And she conceived again, andbare a son; and said, Now this time willmy husband be joined unto me, becauseI have born him three sons: thereforewas his name called Levi.”

THIS TIME“And she conceived again, and

bare a son; and said, Now this time willmy husband be joined unto me, becauseI have born him three sons . . .” Otherversions read, “my husband willbecome attached to me,” NKJV “will beunited with me,” BBE “keep mecompany,” GENEVA “will be with me,”SEPTUAGINT “will show me affection,” NET

“feel affection for me,” NLT “will loveme,” RWB “adhere to me,” WEB “will hold

me close,” CEV “will be bound moretightly to me,” GNB “will connect withme,” MESSAGE and “will be a companion tome.” AMPLIFIED

HIS NAME WAS LEVI“ . . . therefore was his name

called Levi.”

The name Levi means, “Associated orjoined,” PULPIT COMMENTARY “twine or adhere,” McCLINTOK &

STRONG’S “adhere, be joined to.” ISBE

This is the progenitor of the tribeof Levi, which was set aside for theservice of God (Ex 38:21; Num 1:47-50). Moses and Aaron were of the tribeof Levi (Ex 2:1-10; 4:14). The tribe of

Levi was not numbered in the census ofIsrael because they belongedexclusively to the Lord (Num 1:49).

These births, therefore, are beingorchestrated by the Lord, as he beginsto build the only Divinely exclusivenation in the flesh that the world hasever known.

Notice that each birth is a kind ofepoch, with the child being named instrict accord with a particularperception of God. We are seeingpeople shaping their lives by what theyperceive God to have wrought. Thevery existence of their children will be acontinual reminder of that working.

JUDAH IS BORN

" 35 And she conceived again, andbare a son: and she said, Now will Ipraise the LORD: therefore she calledhis name Judah; and left bearing."

SHE CONCEIVED AGAIN"And she conceived again, and

bare a son: and she said . . .”

Although the record does notspecify the times when Leah’s sonswere born, some are of the opinion herfirst four sons were born in the firstfour years of her marriage to Jacob.This may very well be the case.

NOW WILL I PRAISE THE LORD“...Now will I praise the LORD...”

While some mothers would havelamented for having so many childrenso soon, Leah declared she would“praise the Lord” who had opened herwomb to have children.

Commencing with Sarah, andcontinuing with Rebekah and Leah,there was an association of births withthe promises of God. In the case ofSarah, it had to do with the immediateheir of Abraham, through whose lineage

the promised Messiah would come. Inthe case of Rebekah, a Divine choicewas made between the twins Jacoband Esau. Jacob was the one throughwhom the lineage of the Messiah wouldbe established.

Now, Leah has given birth to herfourth son. Unlike the sons birthed byRebekah, all of these sons are presentlycounted as part of the promised seed:Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. All ofthem are mentioned in the prophesy ofthe conversion of “all the tribes ofIsrael” in the Revelation: Reuben (Rev



7:5), Simeon (Rev 7:7), Levi (Rev 7:7),and Judah (Rev 7:5).

SHE CALLED HIS NAME JUDAH“...therefore she called his name

Judah...”

The name “Judah” means, “thepraise of the Lord,” HITCHCOCK “praise,” EASTON “PraiseJah,” SMITH’S “celebrated,” McCLINTOK & STRONG’S

Judah is the tribe through whichJesus came, and with whom He isidentified. As it is written, "For it isevident that our Lord sprang out ofJudah; of which tribe Moses spake

nothing concerning priesthood" (Heb7:14). Jacob prophesied of the Messiahwhen he said, “The scepter shall notdepart from Judah, nor a lawgiver frombetween his feet, until Shiloh come;and unto him shall the gathering of thepeople be" (Gen 49:10).

SHE LEFT BEARING“ . . .and left bearing." Other

versions read, “stopped bearing,” NKJV

“stopped having children,” NIV “ceasedbearing,” NRSV and “had no more childrenfor a time." BBE

The idea here is not that Leah had

no more children, but that she ceasedfor a season to have children. We knowthis is the case because she will havetwo more children (sons): Issachar andZebulun (Gen 30:18,20). Thus Leah willbear six sons to Jacob, four of whichhave been born to this point.

All of this was managed by theLord, who alone can cause life to bebegotten. “Children are the heritage ofthe Lord, and the fruit of the womb” is,in a very real sense, “His reward” (Psa127:3). Her womb was shut when shewas married. God opened it, and nowfor a season, it is shut again.

CONCLUSION

As God develops the nation ofIsrael, He goes about it in such as wayas accents His own will, power, andglory. Has not the Lord made clear thatwe are to walk by faith, and not bysight (2 Cor 5:7)? Can you not see thatHe works in such a manner as topromote such faith? As seen in thosetimes of relative spiritual darkness, Godworked in such a way as to unveil Hispower and faithfulness to His purpose.Even though the circumstances seemedto suggest the promises of God couldnot be fulfilled, God worked in such away as to highlight His ability, notman’s disability. Ponder what we haveseen to this point. I am beginning withthe initial promise of God to Abraham: "And I will make of thee a great nation,and I will bless thee, and make thyname great; and thou shalt be ablessing: And I will bless them thatbless thee, and curse him that curseththee: and in thee shall all families of theearth be blessed" (Gen 12:2-3)

( GOD’S WILL CANNOT BE FULFILLED BYFLESHLY MEANS. He begins with animpotent husband and a barren wife(Gen 11:20; Rom 4:19; Heb 11:11-12).

( HUMAN THOUGHT CANNOT COM PREHENDDIVINE MANNERS. It appeared asthough the only way Abraham couldhave an heir was through Sarah’s

handmaid, and God did not interferewith making such an attempt (Gen16).

( GOD’S PROMISES ARE PRECISE. Thepromised heir is born at the precisetime God determined, whenAbraham is one hundred years old(Gen 21:5).

( FLESH AND SPIRIT CANNOT CO-MINGLE.In time, it became apparent that thechild of the flesh could not live withthe child of promise (Gen 21:10-12)

( GOD WILL NOT RECOGNIZE THE FLESH.So far as His blessing and thecoming Savior is concerned, Heignores Abraham’s first child(Ishmael, Gen 21:10-12), as well ashis last six sons (Zimran, Jokshan,Medan, Midian, Ishbak, and Shuah,Gen 25:2).

( IN THIS WORLD, GOD DOES HAVE MERCYON THE UNJUST. Both Ishmael and thesons of Keturah received secondaryblessings, but were omitted from theprimary blessing (Gen 21:13; 25:5).

( CHOOSING THE RIGHT IS NOTNECESSARILY ACCOMPANIED BYFRUITFULNESS. Isaac marriesRebekah, but she is barren, andunable to have children (Gen 25:21).

( GOD ANSWERS THE PRAYER OF THERIGHTEOUS. In answer to Isaac’sprayer, God enabled Rebekah to bearchildren (Gen 25:21).

( GOD IS THE ONE WHO MAKES THECHOICE. Rebekah has twins, withGod rejecting one and choosing theother (Mal 1:2-3; Rom 9:13).

( GOD REJECTS WHAT IS RIGHT BY HUMANSTANDARDS. The son that is rejectedis the one, to whom the birthrightbelongs (Gen 25:23; Rom 9:12).

( GOD FULFILLS HIS WILL IN MYSTERIOUSWAYS. The chosen son, Jacob,obtains the birthright throughunusual means (Gen 25:31;36).

( WHAT GOD HAS DETERMINED TRIUMPHS.Jacob obtains the blessing of hisfather through unusual means (Gen27:6-29).

( INVOLVEMENT IN GOD’S WILL INVOLVESEFFORT. Jacob chooses to marryRachel, and agrees to work sevenyears in order to have her (Gen29:18-19).

( SOMETIMES THE ONES CLOSEST TO USCAUSE THE GREATEST DIFFICULTY.Although Laban was Rebekah’sbrother, he treated Jacob, hisnephew, with disrespect (Gen



29:22-24).

( ONLY THOSE WHO ASK RECEIVE. Whenthe seven years are complete, Jacobasks Laban to give him his wife (Gen29:21).

( SOMETIMES WE GET WHAT WE DO NOTWANT, AND HAVE TO WORK THROUGH IT.Through deceit, Rachel’s fathergives his older daughter Leah toJacob, with Jacob thinking he isgetting Rachel (Gen 29:23-24).

( WHAT WE EXPECT MAY NOT BE WHAT WEGET. Jacob discovers he has beengiven Leah, and confronts Labanwith the deception (Gen 29:26).

( SOMETIMES GOD’S WILL MUST BE DONEUNDER UNFAIR CIRCUMSTANCES. Jacobfinds that he must work seven moreyears for Rachel (Gen 29:27).

( DOING GOD’S WILL OFTEN REQUIRES AFUNDAMENTAL CHANGE. At the first,Leah’s womb is closed, and Rachelis found to be barren (Gen 29:31).

( GOD CAN RESOLVE INEQUITIES. Whenthe Lord saw that Leah was hated,He opened her womb (Gen 29:31).

( OFTEN THE MOST FRUIT IS BORN BY THELEAST APPRECIATED. To theconclusion of this text, Leah bearsfour sons, and Rachel remains barren(Gen 29:32-35).

(

WHO BUT GOD?Who but God could cause

anything good to come out of suchcircumstances? But then, that is the

whole point, that this is the meansthrough which God fulfilled Hispromises. However, to the flesh, thereis no detectable pattern in all of this.There is no way any man could look atwhat was happening, and predict withany degree of certainty what was goingto happen next. Looking at the eventsfrom the human point of view, thereappeared to be no design in what wastaking place. It is like the Lord’s “way”being “in the sea,” and “His path ingreat waters” (Psa 77:19; Isa 43:16).

In the flesh, it rather appeared to

be nothing more than God again andagain overturning what men attemptedto do. And, indeed, this is preciselywhat many people think. However, hasGod ever presented the fulfillment ofHis purpose as the result of overturningwhat men did? Is that the manner inwhich God speaks about His purpose? Does He not rather say, “I have spokenit, I will also bring it to pass; I havepurposed it, I will also do it"(Isa 46:11;Jer 4:28).

Who would dare to affirm that thepromises God made were fulfilled bysomeone other than Himself? And, whowould sit in judgment upon the mannerin which God chose to bring Hispromises to fulfillment?

If these things are difficult tocomprehend, let the saints stand backand exclaim with Paul, "O the depth ofthe riches both of the wisdom andknowledge of God! how unsearchableare his judgments, and his ways pastfinding out! For who hath known themind of the Lord? or who hath been hiscounselor? Or who hath first given tohim, and it shall be recompensed untohim again? For of him, and through him,and to him, are all things: to whom beglory for ever. Amen." (Rom 11:33-36).

Why should men expect theabsence of mystery in their life, or insiston everything being very apparent andeasy to understand? What has Goddone to lead men to expect suchthings? Living by faith involves theabsence or foolish questions andspeculations. Our focus must be on thefulfillment of God’s promises.

Our next Hungry Saints Meeting will be held on Friday, 1/11/13. We will continue our series oflessons in the book of Genesis. The fiftieth lesson will cover verses 1 through 21 of chapter thirty:“LEAH BEARS CHILDREN BY JACOB,” Rachel is envious of her sister Leah, who has born four sons toJacob. She gives Jacob her handmaid Bilhah to bear children in her stead, and she gave Jacob twosons. Leah, who had stopped bearing, sought to have more children, and birthed two more sons toJacob – now six sons in all. She also gave birth to a daughter for Jacob. The meeting will begin at7:00 P.M. You are invited to bring your family and friends for fellowship around the Word of God.Refreshments are served afterward, with a time of extended fellowship for everyone.

PROGENITORS OF THETWELVE TRIBES OF ISRAEL

MOTHER NAME REFERENCE

Leah Reuben Gen 29:32

Leah Simeon Gen 29:33

Leah Levi Gen 29:34

Leah Judah Gen 29:35

Bilhah Dan Gen 30:6

Bilhah Naphtali Gen 30:8

Zilpah Gad Gen 30:11

Zilpah Asher Gen 30:13

Leah Issachar Gen 30:18

Leah Zebulun Gen 30:20

Rachel Joseph Gen 30:24

Rachel Benjamin Gen 35:18


jacob labors for racheljacob labors for...

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