Genesis 30:25 After Rachel gave birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me on my way so I can go back to my own homeland.
Since Jacob is requesting to go back to his homeland, I think it’s safe to assume that he has now worked for Laban for fourteen years–the original seven years that he worked for Rachel but was tricked into marrying Leah and the additional seven years that he worked to actually earn Rachel.
Genesis 30:26 Give me my wives and children, for whom I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know how much work I’ve done for you.”
I have problems with so much of this: the antiquated system that allows women to be earned as property, the trickery of Laban, the cattiness of Leah and Rachel, all those children and what they must be learning from the tension that must live in that household daily, Jacob who’s been wholly absent save for sleeping with wives and concubines to father all those children.
Genesis 30:27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you.”
Precious Savior, The one thing I know with certainty is that You are sovereign and good. You are on Your throne. Regardless of the trickery and infighting that goes on in life, You are aware, You are working all things–ALL things–to our good and Your glory. Even if we can’t see it and don’t understand it, we can trust You. Thank You. Amen.
Genesis 30:28 He added, “Name your wages, and I will pay them.”
Have a blessed day.