Genesis 30:19-20 Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. Then Leah said, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor, because I have borne him six sons.” So she named him Zebulun.
This entire competition between Leah and Rachel makes me tired and sad. What is gained besides a gaggle of children and a boatload of hurt? And where is Jacob in all of this? Did he ever say, “Seriously, you two. Cut it out. This is ridiculous.”?
Genesis 30:21 Some time later she gave birth to a daughter and named her Dinah.
What are we supposed to learn from all of this? Rachel–the beautiful younger sister–”got hers” because after Jacob worked for seven years to “earn” her, Laban tricked him into marrying Leah. Then Leah had all the children (biologically). And when verse 22 says “then God remembered Rachel,” I don’t think He literally forgot her. But what do I do with all this?
Genesis 30:22-23 Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and enabled her to conceive. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my disgrace.”
Precious Savior, I know Your ways are beyond anything I can imagine. I’ve seen it, read about it time and again. But I don’t know what to do with this story of Leah and Rachel. What do you want me to focus on, to learn? Is it that You are sovereign and I should trust You even when I don’t understand? Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 30:24 She named him Joseph, and said, “May the Lord add to me another son.”
Have a blessed day.