Genesis 29:26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one.
Once again I dip into petty territory. My instinct is to say, “Serves Jacob right.” He tricked his father. He was tricked by his uncle. However, my heart hurts for the collateral damage–Leah and Rachel both. And if I’m honest, my heart hurts a little for Jacob, too, who worked for seven years only to end up married to the wrong sister.
Genesis 29:27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.”
Romans 12:19 says, “Vengeance is mine,” declares the Lord. I have learned firsthand that it’s best to leave vengeance to God. Honestly, I don’t have the heart for it. Even when someone “gets what they deserve,” I’ve found that it does not make me feel better. It hurts my heart for them because I’ve been hurt and know how bad that feels.
Genesis 29:28 And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.
Precious Savior, Thank You that I do not have the heart for vengeance. Help me to move past the petty reaction of “Serves them right” when folks get what they “deserve.” Thank You that You don’t treat me as I deserve. Help me to give others the same compassion and grace that You lavish upon me, even if they don’t “deserve” it. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 29:29 Laban gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her attendant.
Have a blessed day.