Read Genesis 29 at Bible Gateway.
Genesis 29:15-30 makes a Chiastic Structure which highlights Jacob’s wives:
We Learn from the Narrative how good God is, not to leave Leah in an untenable situation, but He gave her children to compensate her. Leah had her children’s love, and Rachel had Jacob’s love. Both women were unhappy even so, because of what they didn’t have, and what they lacked is where they kept their focus.
Leah’s first three sons were named because her focus was on herself, that she did not have her husband’s love but was trying to earn it. “Now my husband will love me,” she said with Reuben. “YHVH has heard I am unloved,” with Simeon. “Surely now my husband will be joined to me,” with Levi.
But Leah underwent a change. When Judah was born, she did not name him for what she lacked. She simply said, “This time I will praise YHVH (Judah means ‘praise’).” She shifted her focus from herself to YHVH, and gave Him praise because He was worthy of it, regardless of what she had or did not have.
She had learned the secret to godliness with contentment. ♥
The Hebrew paragraph for this chapter:
28:10-32:2 {p} …
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Gen 29:15-30, Jacob’s Wives – Christine Miller
What About Polygamy in the Bible? – Answers in Genesis
Seven Principles from Genesis for Marriage and Family – Answers in Genesis
Leave a Reply