Genesis 30:6 Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; he has listened to my plea and given me a son.” Because of this she named him Dan.
I wonder what Rachel and Leah’s relationship was like before the marriage and baby debacle. Were they friends? Were they confidants? Did Rachel perceive herself as superior to Leah because of her beauty? Did Rachel always think she was better?
Genesis 30:7 Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son.
Was the behavior we are seeing here–Rachel’s jealousy of Leah’s children–part of their relationship before or had they devolved? I find it interesting that, yet again, we have a family–in the line of Jesus, no less–that is incredibly dysfunctional. Yet God still uses them in a mighty way.
Genesis 30:8 Then Rachel said, “I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won.” So she named him Naphtali.
Precious Savior, We tend to think that our dysfunction disqualifies us for Your use. Yet You show us again and again and again that You can use anyone for Your Kingdom work. Thank You–that You can use us, warts and all, that You will use us, that You do use us. Help us to shine Your light for all to see. Amen.
Genesis 30:9 When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife.
Have a blessed day.