how many years did jacob work for rachel

Soon after his arrival in Harran, Jacob fell in love with the beautiful and lovely Rachel, daughter of his cousin Laban (Genesis 29:17). And Yaquuv worked for Rakhyl seven years, and they were in his eyes as a few days, because he loved her. And Jacob served for Rachel seven years, and they were before him as a few days, by reason of his loving her. Jacob worked seven years for Laban, but the time seemed like only a few days, because he loved Rachel so much. As a result I've always tried to guesstimate the length of their marriage from the age difference between Benjamin and his older brothers, but unless some details are hiding in the original Hebrew that are lost in translation, it doesn't seem to me that there are enough details in Genesis to have any real idea. She did bear another son. When you get a chance, please take the, from your pastor, priest, or other trustworthy counselor, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. 14 YEARS! Conjunctive waw | Verb - Qal - Consecutive imperfect - third person masculine singular, Seven, seven times, a week, an indefinite number, Preposition-b | Noun - proper - feminine singular, Preposition-b | Noun - cdc | third person masculine singular, Preposition-b | Noun - feminine singular construct | third person masculine singular, Direct object marker | third person feminine singular, Untranslatable mark of the accusative case. But she named him Joseph, which means may he add. And she said, May the Lord give me another son (Gen. 30:24). Complete the bridal week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years (Gen. 29:27). She is also the editor of the South Carolina United Methodist Advocate, the oldest newspaper in Methodism. One, we can understand thatlike Jacobin spite of our sins and weaknesses, we can still be reconciled to God. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. Jacob scholars like william skinner and adam clarke have proposed 40 years for this span of time instead of 20. and Biblical Chronogical studies has provided evidence from Esau's chronology. When Joseph was 17 years old, he went to check on his brothers, and they sold him into slavery. The child lived. According to Gensis 29:16-18,He worked 7 years for Rachel, and was deceived and was given Leah. This isn't such a straightforward task, though, since the chronology of Genesis is confusing. Who didnt keep their promise? The Bibles original love triangle: Jacob, Leah, and Rachel Jacob and Rachel He spotted a well and stopped to rest. It was a long and lonely journey. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed to him but a few days, for the love he had to her. No matter what. But they buried Rachel by the side of the road leading from Bethlehem to Jerusalem. God, as a consolation to the unloved Leah, enabled Leah to become pregnant with four sons in quick successionReuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Jacob, the deceiver, had become the deceived. God wants wives to sense their husbands intense love for them even when they are acting like stinkers (Eph. So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her (Gen. 29:20). Jacob Laban had sent Leah in to lie with him (Genesis 29:23). Am I God? he flared. She named the child Naphtah, which means wrestling. She saw herself in a contest with her sister for first place in Jacobs estimation. Ellicott's Commentary for English Readers, Keil and Delitzsch Biblical Commentary on the Old Testament. (R) And he worked for Laban another seven years.(S). Forced to serve Rachels father, Laban, for seven years to win her, Jacob was tricked at the end of that time into marrying her sister, Leah. He was then allowed to marry Rachel as well, in return for seven more years of labour. At first childless, Rachel eventually gave birth to Joseph and died giving birth to Benjamin. But he prevented Rachel from conceiving. How many years did Jacob serve laban? Could it be that the loneliness in our lives or the conflicts in our relationships are the result of an underlying spirit of discontentment? How could Jacob not notice he married Leah instead of Rachel? And being the shrewd operator that he was, he got down to business immediately. What characteristics bother you the most? Then she died, leaving Jacob to the sister she envied so much in life. WebJacob offered to serve him seven years for Rachel, the younger of his two daughters, whom he loved because of her beauty; i.e., just as many years as the week has days, Finally, the Bible tells us God remembered Rachel (Genesis 30:22) and allowed her to conceive. One great test of true love, therefore, is the ability to wait. How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life A God-Centered Life: 10 Faith-Based Practices When Youre Feeling Anxious, Grumpy, or Stressed, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. 4. Never Satisfied! - The Story of Jacob and Rachel Look, finally, at love through deep sorrow. Yet he still kept on deceiving, until he ultimately repented and was welcomed and blessed by God. We can, however, follow the chronology and the geography to know within about a year how long Jacob and Rachel were married. And the events that follow should be evidence enough that bigamy was never part of Gods plan for the human race. 24And Laban gave his servant Zilpah(H) to his daughter as her attendant. Isaac was the son of Abraham, the miracle child borne of Sarah in their old age. The sin of discontentment has ruined countless relationships since Jacobs day. The median wage for a laborer is $14.47/hr. Review Activity BibleWise has a great activity to do with your kids to help them retain the Bible Story. He is the one who is responsible for your barrenness. May I suggest another alternative; Jacob could have accepted his marriage to Leah as the will of God for his life and learned to love her alone. What should I follow, if two altimeters show different altitudes? Two, God has a plan that He will fulfill despite our all-too-human orchestrations, manipulations, and petty jealousies. Jacobs overt favoritism toward Rachel had prompted God to keep Rachels womb closed, but Rachels love was ultimately redeemed when she gave birth to a boy named Joseph, Jacobs favorite (Genesis 30:24-25). But archaeology is confirming that Persia's engineering triumph was real. To subscribe to this RSS feed, copy and paste this URL into your RSS reader. Laban told Jacob that in their family customs, the older daughter gets married before the younger daughter. Jacob had two wives, they were the daughters of Laban, their names were rachel and Leah. Armed with that precious promise of Gods presence, Jacob headed for Haran, the land of his mothers family. But what good did it do her? WebJacob agreed to work seven years for Rachel. Laban was obliged to provide food and shelter. The "seven" years may have been more reflective of how much Jacobs ability to work was worth. And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him. More, more, more! Except for the one time that Jacob got angry with her for blaming her childlessness on him, there is no indication that he ever loved her any less for her faults. After the bridal feast, Jacob thought he was consummating the marriage with Rachel, but when morning came he realized hed been fooled. His death is recorded in Genesis 49roughly half of the Book of Genesis. WebNew International Version. But when a man is enamored of a woman, he does not want to hear those things. The history of book bansand their changing targetsin the U.S. Should you get tested for a BRCA gene mutation? Even the range of 15-22 years is pretty precise, all things given, and pins it down much more than I would have thought possible. God allowed Rachel to have her one last request. Stay here with me. 20So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel,(C) but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. Indeed, the Bible tells us those seven years of labor seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her (Genesis 29:20). However, Laban agreed to give Jacob Rachel as well, provided Jacob finish the wedding week with Leah before taking Rachel as a wife, and then work another Rachels older sister Leah was also unmarried, but their father, Laban, agreed to let Jacob work seven years for Rachels hand in marriage (Genesis 29:18-20). This lovely little Rachel seems to have been a shrew! What are the teraphim (household gods) Rachel stole from Laban? Jesus willingly sacrificed Himself, dying a brutal death on the cross to pay our sin-debt and thereby serve as the path to heaven for those of us who believe and follow Him. While traveling south, close to the Jabbok River, Jacob came upon a stranger who challenged him to a struggle. Judah left home, went to the area of Adullum, got married and had some kids (Genesis 38:1-5), Jacob, distraught beyond measure, packed up the family and they left their house in Succoth, arriving first in Shechem where he bought a plot of land to pitch his tent, This is where Dinah (17) was sexually violated, then her brothers killed all the men of the town and the family had to flee. The miracle of conception lies within the power of God. When the midwife told her she had given birth to a son, she gasped out his name with her last breathBen-oni, which means Son of my sorrow. Jacob later changed it to Benjamin, Son of my right hand. But isnt it ironic? 6. And her eyeswhat gorgeous eyes they were! I'm not sure if the exact value may be calculated today so that we may know if the value he was placing on Rachel was more than or equal to the standard rate that was expected for a bride. 8. And if he does not measure up to our mental image, then our so-called love turns to disillusionment and resentment, and sometimes to hatred. 10 Things You Need to Know about the Number 666, 10 Books of the Bible You Should Read Again and Again, 10 Most Encouraging Bible Verses That Will Uplift Your Heart and Soul, 5 Things That Hurt Relationships with Grandkids, 30 Morning Prayers to Start Each Day with God, How to Have Joy in Your Golden Years Despite These 10 Life Losses, 4 Things You Should Know about Big George Foreman, 8 Ways You Are Belittling Your Husband and What God Says about It, Maybe Money Can Buy Happiness, but Not Joy. Just like Jacob loved Rachel so much that he worked 14 years, God loves you even more and gave His son Jesus to die for you! It may not take any longer than the honeymoon for his wife to discover that she married a monster she never really knew. Some commentators insist that he should have rejected Leah since he did not take her willingly. We first meet Jacob in Genesis 25, when he is born as the second of twin boys who comes from the womb grasping his older brothers heel. (O) 29Laban gave his servant Bilhah(P) to his daughter Rachel as her attendant. God finally did give her a son of her own, and now we expect her to be satisfied. The message came in the form of a dream about a ladder that stretched from heaven to earth. Lets look at love under great stress. NIV, Biblical Theology Study Bible, Comfort Print: Follow Gods Redemptive Plan as It Unfolds throughout Scripture, NIV, Lucado Encouraging Word Bible, Comfort Print: Holy Bible, New International Version, NIV, Story of Jesus: Experience the Life of Jesus as One Seamless Story, NIV, Beautiful Word Bible Journal, Galatians, Paperback, Comfort Print, NIV, The Story: The Bible as One Continuing Story of God and His People, NIV, Verse Mapping Bible, Comfort Print: Find Connections in Scripture Using a Unique 5-Step Process. (L) 27Finish this daughters bridal week;(M) then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work. Jacob suffered to win Rachel. Could he have been showing off just a little? All rights reserved, history of the Bible and the search for sacred texts, Who's Who in the Bible: Unforgettable People and Timeless Stories from Genesis to Revelation, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Genesis 29:20 Commentaries: So Jacob served seven years This must have been at least 1 year later.) Little Reuben, Leahs firstborn, who may have been about four years old at the time, was out in the field following the reapers around picking some plants called mandrakes or love apples, as any little boy of that time might do. Rachel was never completely happy with what she had. From the start, Jacob in his youth is portrayed as a deceiver, which is what his name means. Then we shall be able to receive with gratitude what He gives us, and at the same time thank Him for what He denies us, being confident that His ways are perfect. If Jacob wanted to marry Rachel as well, he would owe Laban another seven years of labor. She always seemed to want what somebody else had. The older one was named Leah and the younger was named Rachel. So she peddled Jacobs affections to Leah for the night for a couple of those love apples (Gen. 30:14, 15). Three, we can see the love of Christ in the sacrifice Jacob made willingly to claim Rachel as his wife. Jacob worked a total of 20 years for Laban (Gen 31:38). At the end of this, Joseph is 6 years old. At the end of 20 years, Jacob had to deceive Laban (Gen 31:20) and flee for his life and left to return to Beersheba but actually settled in Shechem (Gen 33:18). At the end of this, Joseph is 6 years old. Laban had tricked Jacob and gave him his older daughter, Leah. It was at the end of the second seven year period that Joseph was born (Gen 30:25ff) and that Jacob wanted to leave but was persuaded to stay longer. To learn more, see our tips on writing great answers. And it came about, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mothers brother, and the sheep of Laban his mothers brother, that Jacob went up, and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well, and watered the flock of Laban his mothers brother (Gen. 29:9, 10). 107:9). That was not exactly the happiest way for Leah to start her married life, was it? But that is a guess. Why did you give me Leah? I specifically asked for Rachel! Why have you tricked me? Jacob was not happy at all. How Can I Recognize and Understand the Holy Spirit Better? What is the significance that Jacob offered to work for Now Jacob had two wives, Leah and Rachel, both sisters, one he loved and one he did not. Jacobs work for Laban wasnt easyit was hard, grueling labor. Jacob and Joseph Timeline - Bible Study Likewise, in spite of our own sin that has the potential to forever separate us from God, God loves us deeply and so passionately that He chases us down in love to win us back to Him and all the good He has in store for us. He was made to work for seven years for Rachel and another seven years for Leah. If God set the maximum age to 120, then how could Jacob be 130 years old? So Laban gave his daughter to Jacob and they got married. To Jacob, however, the seven years seemed but "a few days, because he loved Rachel." Too many couples marry in haste and repent at leisure. It says, I feel good when I am with you, so I want to hurry up and get you to the altar before I lose you and lose these good feelings. Love says, Your happiness is what I want most of all, and I am willing to wait, if need be, to be sure this is what is best for you. And if it is real, it will stand the test of time. Jacobs father accepted the consequences of his deceit when he impersonated his brother Esau and stole the family blessing, and Isaac was commended for it in the New Testament. Jacob promised to work 7 years in order to get his wife. Im ready to consummate my marriage. Laban invited everyone around and threw a big feast. Genesis 30 TLB - Rachel, realizing she was barren, - Bible Gateway Eventually, his mother helps him steal Esaus birthright and blessing, and Jacob flees his brothers wrath. That is such a long time! 18 Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, Ill work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.. Jacob offered to serve him seven years for Rachel, the younger of his two daughters, whom he loved because of her beauty; i.e., just as many years as the week has days, that he might bind himself to a complete and sufficient number of years of service. Jacob loved Rachel so much that he requested to work ANOTHER 7 YEARS in order to have Rachel to be his wife. Rachel's death (shortly after giving birth to Benjamin) is record in Genesis 35:16-18. rev2023.5.1.43405. The week refers to the week of wedding festivities. Glenn ::Yes, it is an awful lot of money, he was in love. Seven-year engagements may be a little excessive, but time is needed to learn someones desirable and undesirable traits, so that we can decide whether we can give of ourselves unselfishly for the other persons good in spite of his unappealing characteristics. First off, Jacob worked for 7 years before he was able to get Rachel as his wife. Site design / logo 2023 Stack Exchange Inc; user contributions licensed under CC BY-SA. Why did Jacob insist that Joseph's sons were his? Are these the stolen gods/idols of Laban in Genesis 35:2? Jacob never got over Rachel. But can you imagine Jacobs utter consternation when the morning light exposed Labans chicanery? Is there a generic term for these trajectories? Tricked by his father-in-law into marrying his true loves sister, Jacob waited 14 years before he could be with Rachel. Now Jacob had two wives, Leah and Rachel, both sisters, How many years did Jacob work And the marital misfortunes of the proverbial football hero and homecoming queen bear it out too. Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow, in the land of Canaan on the journey, when there was still some distance to go to Ephrath; and I buried her there on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem) (Gen. 48:7). The Cross And Unjust Suffering (1 Peter 2:19-25), Living in Love: Secrets from Bible Marriages. Why does the narrative change back and forth between "Isabella" and "Mrs. John Knightley" to refer to Emma's sister? It only takes a minute to sign up. The fourteen years of service for Leah and Rachel must have been fulfilled shortly after the birth of Joseph. We know this because Benjamin was a father when they went into Egypt 22 years after leaving Succoth (Joseph 17 years old - 39 years old). Jacob marries Rachel the daughter of Laban | Bibleview Laban was somewhat avarice and bargained. Access 50+ premium resources. Now imagine having to work 7 years before being able to be with them. : Genesis 29:18, biblehub.com/commentaries/genesis/29-18.htm, payscale.com/research/US/Job=Laborer/Hourly_Rate, New blog post from our CEO Prashanth: Community is the future of AI, Improving the copy in the close modal and post notices - 2023 edition. for your younger daughter Rachel.. 5. How is it possible Jacob didnt see Leahs face or hear her voice? Gods purpose and plan prevails. It seems as though this romance was off to a blazing start. This newfound behavior may offer a clue to how these reptiles will respond to a warming planet. Didnt I serve you for seven years in order to marry Rachel? Did Jacob placing branches in front of his flock really result in the offspring being speckled and spotted? But Laban told Jacob hed give Rachel, too, as his wife if Jacob agree to seven more years of labor. Who were Jacob and Rachel, and what can we learn from their story? Thank you for your contribution. He went straight to Laban and started asking him so many questions. 2. The answer may be simply that the seven years totaled up to a reasonable value of Jacob's labor which he was willing to "pay" eventually for Rachel and ultimately for Leah. Maybe men should ask themselves this question periodically, especially in the middle of a disagreement, Is my wife conscious of my love right now? Jacob was so upset. One day years before she had screamed, Give me children, or else I die. And she died giving birth to her second son. Since Jacob was in love with Rachel, he replied: "I am will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel." One month is hardly sufficient time for us to get to know someone well enough to make a lifelong commitment, and it surely is not enough time to learn whether or not we are in love. Have your kids tell God how much they love Him for all that He is! (E), 22So Laban brought together all the people of the place and gave a feast. Despite Rachel and Leahs sisterly squabbles and the addition of two more wives into their already crowded marriage, God produced Gods people through what looked like a mess. Why does Acts not mention the deaths of Peter and Paul? (F) 23But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah(G) and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her. (Note: This is the case still with the Bedouins, the Druses, and other Eastern tribes (Burckhardt, Voleny, Layard, and Lane). Leah was Labans oldest daughter, she had weak eyes and wasnt as beautiful as her younger sister Rachel. Making statements based on opinion; back them up with references or personal experience. 18 Jacob loved Rachel, so he made this offer to Laban: Ill serve you for seven years for Rachel, your younger daughter.. He promises to take care of you and protect you in all circumstances.
Dave App Oops Something Went Wrong, Articles H