Read Genesis 29 here or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraphs:
28:10-32:2 {p} …
How good YHVH is, to not 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.
But Leah underwent a change. Her 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. But when Judah was born, she did not name him because of 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. ♥
This is the Teaching Tool of Learning from the Narrative.
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
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