Gen 29:23 But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob….
The commentary on this chapter talks about how Jacob was deceived by Laban in a similar manner to how Jacob deceived his father and his brother. The thought, “serves him right,” which is not at all holy, is followed quickly by the thought, “God can use all things. Even this.”
Gen 29:25 …So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? … Why did you deceive me?”
But much like my heart went out to Hagar earlier in Genesis, I find my heart going out to Leah as well. She seems to be collateral damage in all of this, but she’s clearly hurting, and the LORD sees and responds to her pain. Still, it took four children and I don’t know how many years for Leah to shift her eyes and her longing heart from Jacob to the LORD. But eventually she IS able to praise Him instead of mourn what Jacob will not give.
Gen 29:31 When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, He enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for Your heart for those who feel “less than.” Thank You for Your willingness and ability to use ALL things for our good and Your glory. Thank You for seeing us in our pain and for helping us shift our focus to You instead of the things of this world. Draw us closer. Amen.
Gen 29:35 She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” …
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.