Read Genesis 30 here or at Bible Gateway.
The Hebrew paragraph:
28:10-32:2 {p} …
Gen 29:31-30:24 makes a Chiastic Structure:
The structure highlights several realities. Rachel was the wife with whom Jacob most often lived as husband and wife. Rachel was the gate-keeper, and determined when Leah should have her conjugal rights. The strife and bitterness between them is apparent. The disharmony was not good for the children, and we will see animosity come to the fore among them in the future.
Rachel was barren, just as Sarah, and just as Rebekah. For all three of them, YHVH opened their wombs miraculously. This is History that Prophesies of Messiah, for Mary the mother of Yeshua also was with child by a miraculous act of YHVH. Isaac and Jacob foreshadowed the children of the promise, while Ishmael and Esau foreshadowed the children of the flesh, or the world. This is our first clue that Joseph may also be a Messianic Type in Torah.
This Chiasm highlights Jacob’s children. Yesterday’s chapter contains a Chiasm that highlights Jacob’s wives.
If there are questions, these are good resources:
Mandrakes – International Standard Bible Encyclopedia
Mandrakes – Encyclopedia Britannica
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