VERSE 1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the sons of the east (~d,q,-ynEb. hc'r>a; %l,YEw: wyl'g>r; bqo[]y: aF'YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nasha lift, take, carry + proper noun Jacob + noun f. dual constr.w/3m.s.suff. regel foot; "journey" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. halak walk, go; "came" + noun both s.abs. eretz land + noun m.p.constr. ben son + noun m.s.abs. qedem east]).

VERSE 2 He looked, and saw a well in the field, and behold, three flocks of sheep were lying there beside it (h'yl,[' ~ycib.ro !aco-yred>[, hv'l{v. ~v'-hNEhiw> hd,F'B; raeb. hNEhiw> ar>Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + waw w/interj. hinneh + noun f.s.abs. be-er well + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. shadeh field + waw w/interj hinneh w/adv sham there + adj.m.s.abs. shalosh three + noun m.p.constr. eder flock + noun both s.abs. ts-on sheep + Qal part.m.p.abs. rabats lie down + prep al w/3f.s.suff. "beside it"], for from that well they watered the flocks [~yrId'[]h' Wqv.y: awhih; raeB.h;-!mi yKi [part ki for + prep min from + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + def.art.w/pro.3f.s. hi "that" + Hiphil impf.3m.p. shaqah give to drink; "watered" + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. eder flock]).

Now the stone on the mouth of the well was large (raeB.h; yPi-l[; hl'doG> !b,a,h'w> [waw w/def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. eben stone + adj.f.s.abs. gadol great + prep al w/noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well]).

VERSE 3 When all the flocks were gathered there (~yrId'[]h'-lk' hM'v'-Wps.a,n<w> [waw w/Niphal perf.3p. asaph gather + adv sham there + noun m.s.constr. kol all + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. eder flock], they would then roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep [!aCoh;-ta, Wqv.hiw> raeB.h; yPi l[;me !b,a,h'-ta, Wll]g"w> [waw w/Qal perf.3p. galal roll + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. eben stone + prep min w/prep al + noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + waw w/Hiphil perf.3p. shaqah give to drink + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. tson sheep], and put the stone back in its place on the mouth of the well [Hm'qom.li raeB.h; yPi-l[; !b,a,h'-ta, Wbyvihew> [waw w/Hiphil perf.3p. shubh (re)turn + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. eben stone + prep al above + noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3f.s.suff. maqom place]).

VERSE 4 Jacob said to them, "My brothers, where are you from (~T,a; !yIa;me yx;a; bqo[]y: ~h,l' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. +proper noun Jacob + noun m.p.constr.w/1s.suff. ach brother + prep min w/adv ayin where? + pro.2m.p. attem you])?"

And they said, "We are from Haran (Wnx.n"a] !r'x'me Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep min w/proper noun Haran + pro.1p. anachnu we])."

VERSE 5 He said to them, "Do you know Laban the son of Nahor (rAxn"-!B, !b'l'-ta, ~T,[.d;y>h; ~h,l' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + def.art.w/Qal perf.2m.p. yada know + d.o. marker + proper noun Laban + noun m.s.constr. ben son + proper noun Nahor]?"

And they said, "We know him [Wn[.d'y" Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + Qal perf.1p. yada know])."

VERSE 6 And he said to them, "Is it well with him (Al ~Alv'h] ~h,l' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep lamedh w/3m.p.suff. + interrog w/noun m.s.abs. shalom "well" + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff.])?"

And they said, "It is well, and here is Rachel his daughter coming with the sheep (waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + noun m.s.abs. shalom peace + waw w/def.art.w/interj. hinneh behold; "and here" + proper noun Rachel (ewe) + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bath daughter + Qal part.f.s.abs. bo go, come + prep im with + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. tson sheep])."

VERSE 7 He said, "Behold, it is still high day; it is not time for the livestock to be gathered (hn<q.Mih; @sea'he t[e-al{ lAdG" ~AYh; dA[ !he rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + interj hen behold + adv odh still + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. yom day + adj.m.s.abs. gadol great; "high" + neg lo + noun both s.abs. eth time + Niphal infin.constr. asaph gather + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. miqeneh cattle; livestock]).

Water the sheep, and go, pasture them (W[r> Wkl.W !aCoh; Wqv.h; hn<q.Mih; [Hiphil imper.m.p. shaqah give to drink + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. tson sheep + waw w/Qal imper.m.p. halak go + Qal imper.m.p. ra-ah pasture, graze])."

VERSE 8 But they said, "We cannot, until all the flocks are gathered (~yrId'[]h'-lK' Wps.a'yE rv,a] d[; lk;Wn al{ Wrm.aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. amar say + neg lo + Qal impf.1p. yakol be able + part adh until + rel.pro. asher + Niphal impf.3p. asaph gather + noun m.s.constr. kol all + def.art.w/noun m.pl.abs. eder flock], and they roll the stone from the mouth of the well; then we water the sheep [!aCoh; Wnyqiv.hiw> raeB.h; yPi l[;me !b,a,h'-ta, Wll]g"w> [waw w/Qal perf.3p. galal roll + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. eben stone + prep min w/prep al from over + noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + waw w/Hiphil perf.1p. shaqah give to drink + def.art.w/non both s.abs. ts-on sheep])."

VERSE 9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father's sheep, for she was a shepherdess (awhi h['ro yKi h'ybia'l. rv,a] !aCoh;-~[i ha'B' lxer'w> ~M'[i rBed;m. WNd,A[ [adv odh while, until + Piel part.m.s.abs. dabar speak + prep im w/3m.p.suff. + waw w/proper noun Rachel + Qal perf.3f.s. bo go, come + prep im with + def.art.w/noun both s.abs. ts-on sheep + rel.pro. asher + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3f.s.suff. abh father + part ki for + Qal part.f.s.abs. ra-ah pasture; "shepherdess" + pro.3f.s. hi she]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 1-9

1. Beginning with this chapter and continuing thru chapter 31 we have Jacob’s involvement with Laban his uncle.
2. This opening episode of this chapter sees Jacob invited into Laban’s company (vv. 1-14) while its second episode has Jacob severely manipulated into working for Laban for 14 years in order to acquire two wives (vv. 15-30).
3. This chapter concludes with the account of the birth of his first four sons by his wife Leah (vv. 31-35).
4. Vv. 1-14 set the stage for Jacob’s betrothal to Rachel.
5. The setting of vv. 1-8 presents Jacob’s encounter with the shepherds of Haran.
6. The long journey from Bethel to Haran is presented colorfully in v. 1 where the Hebrew reads: "And Jacob lifted up his feet and walked to the land of the sons of the east" (this exact expression only occurs here in the OT).
7. The expression suggests a self-confident and energetic young man who relies on his own wits to achieve his objectives.
8. The expression "sons of the east" (cf. Job 1:3) in a broad designation referring to peoples living east of Canaan.
9. In other words the expression is another way of saying Jacob headed "eastward."
10. V. 2 sees Jacob nearly arriving at his destination and coming to a community well just outside the town of Haran.
11. The scene is presented here through the eyes of Jacob (v. 2).
12. The land around the well was open grazing ground rather than cultivated land ("a well in a field").
13. He observes "three flocks of sheep" around the well at around noontime.
14. The well was covered with a very large stone which by itself was a security measure of sorts.
15. In v.3 the narrator provides background information regarding the arrival of "all the flocks" at a certain time of day.
16. Once all the flocks arrived at the well on any given day the shepherds would proceed to remove the large heavy stone from the well and proceed to water their flocks and return to grazing.
17. It took a number of men to remove the stone and return it to its place.
18. Jacob takes the initiative and proceeds to ask the three shepherds a series of four questions (vv. 4-8).
19. He ingratiates himself with the men by calling them "My brothers" asking where they are from (v.4).
20. Jacob is brash and exudes self-confidence.
21. Even thought he is engaged in energy of the flesh tactics God is for him and has blessed his journey as evidenced by the reply of the shepherds: "We are from Haran."
22. Jacob was told by his parents to get to Haran (27:42; 28:2) and to his uncle Laban so he could secure a wife from one of Laban’s daughters.
23. The next natural thing for Jacob to ask the men is if they knew a man named Laban (v.5a).
24. They respond in the affirmative: "We know him" (v. 5b).
25. His third question has to do with his uncle’s well being (v. 6a "Is it well with him") and the shepherds reply "It is well…" (v. 6b).
26. As divine providence would have it at the very moment of their exchange another part approaches the well with a flock of sheep.
27. The shepherds direct Jacob’s attention to the fourth shepherd saying, "here is Rachel his [Laban’s] daughter with the sheep" (v. 6b).
28. Rachel’s timely arrival at the well to water her flock at midday echoes Rebekah’s arrival at the well of Haran while the servant was praying for the divinely appointed "girl" (Gen. 24:11ff.).
29. Rachel is still at some distance from the Jacob’s view and so he is not able to fully see her at this juncture.
30. Jacob’s final question for the shepherds is kind of rude and pushy (v. 7).
31. He asks them why they are standing around the well at midday when the sheep could be watered and gotten back to their grazing.
32. But the reader must understand that Jacob is calculating actions that will impress the woman.
33. At some length the shepherds offer an explanation as to why they are not wasting valuable time in not watering the flocks (v. 8).
34. They tell him that they are waiting for more man power to remove the stone from the well’s mouth a point previously made by the narrator in v. 3.
35. At this juncture Rachel comes into full view.
36. The narrator explains that Rachel "was a shepherdess" meaning that the sheep were her father’s.

Jacob Greets Rachel (vv. 10-12)

VERSE 10 When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother (AMai yxia] !b'l' !aco-ta,w> AMai yxia] !b'l'-tB; lxer'-ta, bqo[]y: ha'r' rv,a]K; yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah "When" + prep kaph w/rel.pro. asher + Qal perf.3m.s. ra-ah see + proper noun Jacob + d.o. marker + proper noun Rachel + noun f.s.abs. bath daughter + proper noun Laban + non m.s.constr. ach brother + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. em mother], Jacob went up and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother [AMai yxia] !b'l' !aco-ta, q.v.Y:w: raeB.h; yPi l[;me !b,a,h'-ta, lg<Y"w: bqo[]y: vG:YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s nagash draw near; "went up" + proper noun Jacob + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s.s galal roll + d.o. marker + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. eben stone + prep min w/prep al + noun m.s.constr. peh mouth + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. be-er well + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. shaqah give to drink + d.o. marker + noun both s.abs. tson sheep + proper noun Laban + noun m.s.constr. ach brother + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. em mother]).

VERSE 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and lifted his voice and wept (&.b.YEw: Alqo-ta, aF'YIw: lxer'l. bqo[]y: qV;YIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nashaq kiss + proper noun Jacob + prep lamedh w/proper noun Rachel + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nasha lift + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. qol voice + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bakah weep]).

VERSE 12 Jacob told Rachel that he was a relative of her father and that he was Rebekah's son, and she ran and told her father (h'ybia'l. dGET;w: #r'T'w: aWh hq'b.rI-!b, ykiw> aWh h'ybia' yxia] yKi lxer'l. bqo[]y: dGEY:w: [waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. nagad make known + proper noun Jacob + prep lamedh w/proper noun Rachel + part ki + noun m.s.constr. ach brother + noun m.s.constr.w/3f.s.suff. abh father; "relative" + pro.3m.s. hu he + waw w/part ki + noun m.s.constr. ben + proper noun Rebekah + pro.3m.s. hu he + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. rutz run + waw w/Hiphil impf.3f.s. nagad make known + prep lamedh w/noun m.s.constr.w/3f.s. abh father]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 10-12

1. Once Rachel is in easy viewing distance Jacob proceeds to remove the heavy stone from the well and then he takes it upon himself to water Laban’s sheep (v. 10).
2. This macho display was designed impress the young lady.
3. Some time passed while Jacob was busy watering her flock of sheep.
4. She was no doubt mystified (and impressed" by this display coming from a complete stranger.
5. In any case he had her attention by removing a stone that it took a group of shepherds to remove.
6. And then, out of the clear blue he kisses Rachel and begins to loudly weep (v. 11).
7. Following a strange sequence of actions Jacob finally explains to the bewildered shepherdess who he is (v. 12).
8. It is not immediately apparent why this strong man was suddenly brought to tears.
9. His tears were joyful tears as he was probably genuinely relieved that he had found success in his travels to find the home of his uncle.
10. Did Jacob think that she was the one for him?
11. After all she was Laban’s daughter and it was from this family that his parents had directed him to take a bride.
12. Was Jacob already smitten by her beauty?
13. Or was Jacob calculating how he could impress Laban?
14. Remember Jacob was always looking ahead to further his own interests.
15. Jacob thinks he has to impress to gain the advantage.
16. She was sufficiently taken aback by all this that she left her flock and raced back to tell her father the news regarding this totally unexpected visitor.

Jacob Meets Laban (vv. 13-14)

VERSE 13 So when Laban heard the news of Jacob his sister's son, he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house (AtyBe-la, Whaeybiy>w: Al-qV,n:y>w: Al-qB,x;y>w: Atar'q.li #r'Y"w: Atxoa]-!B, bqo[]y: [m;ve-ta, !b'l' [;mov.ki yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah to be + prep kaph w/Qal infin.constr. shama hear + proper noun Laban + d.o. marker + noun m.s.abs. shema report + proper noun Jacob + noun m.s.constr. ben son + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. achoth sister + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ruts run + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.constr.w/3m.s.suff. qara meet + waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. chabaq embrace + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. nashaq kiss + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s.w/3m.s.uff. bo go, bring + prep el + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bayith house]).

Then he related to Laban all these things (hL,aeh' ~yrIb'D>h;-lK' tae !b'l'l. rPes;y>w: [waw w/Piel impf.3m.s. saphar recount + prep lamedh w/proper noun Laban + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr. kol + def.art.w/noun m.p.abs. dabar word; "things" + def.art.w/adj.p.abs. elleh these]).

VERSE 14 Laban said to him, "Surely you are my bone and my flesh (hT'a' yrIf'b.W ymic.[; %a; !b'l' Al rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + proper noun Laban + adv ak surely + noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. etsem bone + waw w/noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. bashar flesh + pro.2m.s. attah you])."

And he stayed with him a month (~ymiy" vd,xo AM[i bv,YEw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. yashab dwell + prep im w/3m.s.suff. + noun m.s.abs. chdesh month + noun m.p.abs. yom day]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 13-14

1. Jacob’s actions at the well toward his future bride are matched by Laban’s enthusiastic greeting of his nephew.
2. This of course is the same Laban that decades before had showered Laban’s family with gifts sent by his long lost uncle when the servant came seeking a wife for Isaac (chap. 24).
3. On a human level Laban was thrilled at the prospect of meeting a relative from that other branch of the family, especially a son of his long lost sister.
4. He greets his nephew with a kiss and a hug.
5. He invites him into his house where Jacob relates to him the circumstances of his life.
6. How much Jacob told him is not told us.
7. He told him enough that Laban was convinced that the young man who had suddenly appeared in his life was indeed who he said he was (v. 13b).
8. In v. 14 we have an admission on Laban’s part that Jacob is who he says he is.
9. The words "you truly are my bone and my flesh" is Laban’s response to Jacob’s story of life in Canaan.
10. Laban may have discovered much about Jacob’s past but the text here is vague.
11. Did he tell Laban why he had traveled so far?
12. Did he tell Laban the circumstances of his coming to Haran?
13. Laban probably learned plenty about his nephew and his life during that initial meeting.
14. Laban came to realize that Jacob had no monetary assets and was without any means of visible support.
15. Unlike the impressive visitor back in chap. 24, Jacob was a man without means, a man who in his present state of affairs could not provide a dowry.
16. Laban the double-dealer chalks all this up to how he might exploit his nephew.
17. Remember, Laban is a believer who was not interested in God’s plan beyond his own stagnant spiritual awareness.
18. Jacob remained with his uncle for one full month (contrast Rebekah’s "a few days") during which time Laban could make his calculations as how he could benefit monetarily and during this time Jacob became enthralled by the beauty of his cousin Rachel (he fell in love).
19. Both men have plans and both were contemplating their options.

Jacob Takes Two Wives (vv. 15-30)

The First Seven Years (vv. 15-20)

VERSE 15 Then Laban said to Jacob, "Because you are my relative, should you therefore serve me for nothing (~N"xi ynIT;d>b;[]w: hT'a; yxia'-ykih] bqo[]y:l. !b'l' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + proper noun Laban + prep lamedh w/proper noun Jacob + interrog ha w/prep kaph + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ach brother; "relative" + pro.2m.s. attah you + waw w/Qal perf.2m.s.w/1s.suff. abadh serve + adv chennam for nothing])?

Tell me, what shall your wages be (^T,r>Kuf.M;-hm; yLi hd'yGIh; [Hiphil imper.m.s. nagadh make known + prep lamedh w/1s.suff. + interrog mah what? + noun f.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. mashkoreth wages])?"

VERSE 16 Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel (lxer' hN"j;Q.h; ~vew> ha'le hl'doG>h; ~ve tAnb' yTev. !b'l'l.W [waw w/prep lamedh w/proper noun Laban + adj.f. dual constr. shenayim two + noun f.p.abs. bath daughter + noun m.s.constr. shem name + def.art.w/adj.f.s.abs. gadol great; "older" + proper noun Leah (toil) + waw w/noun m.s.constr. shem name + def.art.w/adj.f.s.abs. qaton small; "younger" + proper noun Rachel]).

VERSE 17 And Leah's eyes were weak [soft/tender], but Rachel was beautiful of form and face (ha,r>m; tp;ywI ra;To-tp;y> ht'y>h' lxer'w> tAKr; ha'le ynEy[ew> [waw w/noun m. dual constr. ayin eye + proper noun Leah + adj.f.p.abs. rak tender, soft; "weak" + waw w/proper noun Rachel + adj.f.s.constr. yapeh beautiful + noun m.s.abs. to-ar form, shape + waw w/adj.f.s.constr. yapeh beautiful + noun m.s.abs. mare-eh appearance; "face"]).

VERSE 18 Now Jacob loved Rachel, so he said, "I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel (hN"j;Q.h; ^T.Bi lxer'B. ~ynIv' [b;v, ^d>b'[/a, rm,aYOw: lxer'-ta, bqo[]y: bh;a/Y<w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + proper noun Jacob + d.o. marker + proper noun Laban + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + Qal impf.1s.w/2m.s.suff. abadh serve, work + adj.f.s.abs. sheba seven + noun f.p.abs. shanah year + prep beth w/proper noun Rachel + noun f.s.constr.w/2m.s.suff. bath daughter + def.art.w/adj.f.s.abs. qaton small; "younger"])."

VERSE 19 Laban said, "It is better that I give her to you than to give her to another man; stay with me (ydIM'[i hb'v. rxea; vyail. Ht'ao yTiTimi %l' Ht'ao yTiTi bAj !b'l' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar + proper noun Laban + adj.m.s.abs. tob good + Qal infin.constr.w/1s.suff. nathan give + d.o. marker w/3f.s.suff. "her" + prep lamedh w/2m.s.suff. "to you" + prep min w/Qal infin.constr.w/1s.suff. nathan give + d.o. marker w/3f.s.suff. "her" + adj.m.s.abs. acher another + Qal imper.m.s. yashab remain + prep im w/3m.s.suff.])."

VERSE 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed to him but a few days because of his love for her (Ht'ao Atb'h]a;B. ~ydIx'a] ~ymiy"K. wyn"y[eb. Wyh.YIw: ~ynIv' [b;v, lxer'B. bqo[]y: dbo[]Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. abadh serve + proper noun Jacob + prep beth w/proper noun Rachel + adj.f.s.abs. sheba seven + noun f.p.abs. shanah year + waw w/Qal impf.3m.p. hayah + prep beth w/noun f. dual constr.w/3m.s.suff. ayin eye + prep kaph w/noun m.p.abs. yom day + adj.m.p.abs. echad one; "few days" + prep beth w/noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. achabah love + d.o. marker w/3f.s.suff.]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 15-20

1. Laban’s proposal introduced my friendly words seems innocent enough (v. 15).
2. On the surface he seems concerned about his nephew’s welfare.
3. For the first month Jacob worked for Laban for just room and board.
4. Laban knows why Jacob is in Haran and what he wants.
5. Laban could have stepped up and helped his nephew get a wife and helped him get what he needed to get back to his home.
6. But Laban sees Jacob as someone to be exploited.
7. Laban comes off caring when he suggests that it is wrong for Jacob to continue on working for him "for nothing" since he is family.
8. In that first month Laban figured out what it was that Jacob wanted more than anything else, and that was his daughter Rachel.
9. Laban is canny, knowing Jacob’s motives he seeks to exploit his "flesh and blood."
10. He exploits Jacob’s affections for Rachel.
11. Laban asks Jacob what he wants for a wage hoping he will ask for his daughter’s hand in marriage.
12. Vv. 16-17 constitute and editorial interruption in the narrative providing necessary background information for the reader.
13. The meaning of the older daughter’s name is subject to debate.
14. It may mean "wild cow."
15. Rachel’s name means "ewe."
16. Leah’s description is somewhat vague.
17. Only her eyes are mentioned as being tender or soft.
18. The NAS and the NIV use the term "weak."
19. In any case Leah’s eyes for a focal point whether a negative or something else.
20. Rachel’s description on the other hand is glowing as having a "beautiful figure" and an "attractive face."
21. It would appear that the younger daughter got the lion’s share of good genetics.
22. We are informed for the first time that Jacob had fallen in love with Rachel during those first thirty days of their acquaintance.
23. As noted Laban was aware of their affections.
24. The surprising thing about v. 18 isn’t Jacob’s love for Rachel but the price he was willing to pay to have her as his wife.
25. This was to demonstrate to her father the degree of Jacob’s affection for this woman.
26. Jacob had no dowry to offer and so he offers to work for his uncle seven years to gain the hand of the younger daughter.
27. This would constitute the "bride price" or "marriage present" offered by groom to the father of the bride.
28. Jacob offered Laban a very substantial marriage gift if one calculates the minimum wage of a common laborer over a seven year period.
29. Laban jumps at the offer as it probably was more generous than he would have required had Jacob asked him to set the time to earn the prize.
30. Laban makes Jacob feel at east telling him that "it is better I give her to you than to another man; stay with me."
31. Both men go away from the negotiation more than pleased.
32. The question is: Has Laban already schemed to cheat or did this scheme develop over the seven years when he had no takers for his oldest daughter?
33. Jacob was so head-over-heels in love with Rachel that his seven year stint seemed to him "but a few days" (v. 20; again echoing his mother’s words).
34. He was in her company during those years (1746-1739 BC), and for that week of years Jacob was broke but on top of the world!
35. As the days grew near for the wage to be honored Jacob was near delirium, but the reality of what he was up against was to come crashing down on his blissful future.

Jacob Gets Two Wives (vv. 21-30)

VERSE 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my time is completed, that I may go in to her (h'yl,ae ha'Aba'w> ym'y" Wal.m' yKi yTiv.ai-ta, hb'h' !b'l'-la, bqo[]y: rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + proper noun Jacob + prep el to + proper noun Laban + Qal imper.m.s. yahab give (as a gift) + d.o. marker + noun f.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ishshah wife + part ki + Qal perf.3p. make be full, fill + noun m.p.constr.w/1s.suff. yom day + waw w/Qal impf.1s. bo go + prep el w/3f.s.suff.])."

VERSE 22 Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast (hT,v.mi f[;Y:w: ~AqM'h; yven>a;-lK'-ta, !b'l' @soa/Y<w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. asaph gather + proper noun Laban + d.o. marker + noun m.s.constr. kol all + noun m.p.const. ish man + def.art.w/noun m.s.abs. maqom place + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ashah do + noun m.s.abs. mishetteh banquet; based on the root shathah to drink]).

VERSE 23 Now in the evening he took his daughter Leah, and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her (h'yl,ae aboY"w: wyl'ae Ht'ao abeY"w: ATbi ha'le-ta, xQ;YIw: br,[,b' yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun m.s.aba. ereb evening + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. laqach take + d.o. marker + proper noun Leah + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suf.f bath daughter + waw w/Hiphil impf.3m.s. bo go in + d.o. marker w/3f.s.suff. + prep el w/3m.s.suff. + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bo enter + prep el w/3f.s.suff.]).

VERSE 24 Laban also gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid (hx'p.vi ATbi ha'lel. Atx'p.vi hP'l.zI-ta, Hl' !b'l' !TeYIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give + proper noun Laban + prep lamedh w/3f.s.suff. + d.o. marker + proper noun Zilpah + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shiphachah maid servant + prep lamedh w/proper noun Leah + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bath daughter + noun f.s.abs. shipachah maid]).

VERSE 25 So it came about in the morning that, behold, it was Leah (ha'le awhi-hNEhiw> rq,Bob; yhiy>w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. hayah + prep beth w/noun m.s.abs. boqer morning + waw w/interj hinneh + pro.3f.s. hi "it" + proper noun Leah])!

And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me (yLi t'yfi[' taZO-hm; !b'l'-la, rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + prep el + proper noun Laban + interrog mah what? + adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + Qal perf.2m.s. ashah do + prep lamedh w/1s.suff. "to me"])?

Was it not for Rachel that I served with you (%M'[i yTid>b;[' lxer'b. al{h] [interrog ha w/neg lo + prep beth w/proper noun Rachel + Qal perf.1s. abad serve + prep im w/2f.s.suff.])?

Why then have you deceived me (ynIt'yMirI hM'l'w> [waw w/interrog lammah why + Piel perf.2m.s.w/1s.suff. ramah deceive])?"

VERSE 26 But Laban said, "It is not the practice in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn (hr'ykiB.h; ynEp.li hr'y[iC.h; ttel' WnmeAqm.Bi !ke hf,['yE-al{ !b'l' rm,aYOw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. amar say + proper noun Laban + neg lo + Niphal impf.3m.s. ashah do + adv ken + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. maqom place + prep lamedh w/Qal infin.cosntr. nathan give + def.art.w/adj.f.s.abs. tsa-ir little; "younger" + prep lamedh w/noun both p.constr. paneh face + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. bekor firstborn]).

VERSE 27 "Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years (tArxea] ~ynIv'-[b;v, dA[ ydIM'[i dbo[]T; rv,a] hd'bo[]B; tazO-ta,-~G: ^l. hn"T.nIw> tazO [;buv. aLem; [Piel imper.m.s. male "Complete" + noun m.s.constr. shabua period of seven, a week + adj.f.s.abs. zoth this + waw w/Qal impf.1p. nathan give + prep lamedh w/2m.s.suff. + conj gam also + d.o. marker + adj.f.s.abs. zoth "the other" + def.art.w/prep beth w/noun f.s.abs. abodah from verb ‘to serve’; service + Qal impf.2m.s. abadh serve + prep im w/1s.suff. + adv odh another + adj.f.s.abs. sheba seven + noun f.p.abs. shanah year + adj.f.p.abs. acher after])."

VERSE 28 Jacob did so and completed her week, and he gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife (hV'ail. Al ATBi lxer'-ta, Al-!T,YIw: tazO [;buv. aLem;y>w: !Ke bqo[]y: f[;Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ashah + proper noun Jacob + adv ken so + waw w/Piel imperf.3m.s. male "completed" + noun m.s.constr. shabua week + adj.f.s.abs. zoth "his" or "this one" + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give + prep lamedh 3m.s.suff. + d.o. marker + proper noun Rachel + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bath daughter + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + prep lamedh w/noun f.s.abs. ishshah wife]).

VERSE 29 Laban also gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maid (hx'p.vil. Hl' Atx'p.vi hh'l.Bi-ta, ATBi lxer'l. !b'l' !TeYIw: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give + proper noun Laban + prep lamedh w/proper noun Rachel + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. bath + d.o. marker + proper noun Bilhah + noun f.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shiphechah maid servant + prep lamedh w/3f.s.suff. + prep lamedh w/noun f.s.abs. shiphechah maid servant]).

VERSE 30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and indeed he loved Rachel more than Leah, and he served with Laban for another seven years (tArxea] ~ynIv'-[b;v, dA[ AM[i dbo[]Y:w: ha'Lemi lxer'-ta,-~G: bh;a/Y<w: lxer'-la, ~G: aboY"w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. bo go + conj gam also + prep el + proper noun Rachel + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ahab love + conj also; "indeed" + d.o. marker + proper noun Rachel + prep min w/proper noun Leah + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. abad serve + prep im w/3m.s.suff. with him; "Laban" + adv odh another + adj.f.s.abs. sheba seven + noun f.p.abs. shanah year + adj.f.p.abs. acher another]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 21-30

1. In this scene we have the wedding of Jacob at the end of the seven years of service as per the arrangement between him and Laban.
2. At the conclusion of the specified time of service Jacob demands his wage in an abrupt fashion (v.21).
3. Maybe over the seven years he gained some insight into Laban’s dealings with others and his love of monetary gain.
4. He had no inkling that he was about to fall victim to Laban’s machinations.
5. For seven years Jacob had contemplated this moment when he could have Rachel as bride and wife.
6. Jacob had spent his life chaste and he had waited longer than most and he was consumed with the idea of enjoying Rachel sexually (e.g., "that I may go in to her.").
7. Laban’s response was to immediately sponsor a wedding feast and celebration (v. 22).
8. A number of guests were invited.
9. Laban for his part had planned something very sinister and cold hearted.
10. Not only was his sin against Jacob it was directed at his two daughters as well.
11. We do not know how he manipulated his two daughters to be party to his evil scheme.
12. Perhaps they were told that Jacob would be denied his prize if they did not cooperate.
13. If Leah was unattractive he could have told her that this was her best chance of getting a husband.
14. Rachel was told that this was her only chance of getting Jacob.
15. So the two daughters were denied their rights by a father who put gain above love for his children.
16. We do not know what kind of a ceremony was customary.
17. Normally there was a reading of a marriage contract.
18. The bride was probably veiled.
19. The brevity of the account of the wedding proper leads us to suspect that there was nothing but a feast with the idea that the bride would be delivered to the bridal chamber by the father of the bride.
20. The substitute bride was Leah who was taken to Jacob’s tent under cover of the darkness of night (v. 23).
21. Jacob then arrived expectantly at the place of the bridal chamber (e.g. "and he went in to her").
22. Jacob did so with zero expectations that anything was amiss.
23. The bridal gift given by the bride’s father in this instance was Laban’s maid one Zilpah the narrator tells us in v. 24.
24. The main subject of the narrative resumes with the shocking revelation that the woman in Jacob’s bed "was Leah!" (v. 25).
25. After all those years of expectation Jacob discovers that the woman in his bed is the unattractive older sister and not his heart’s desire, Rachel (v. 25a).
26. Jacob experiences for the first time what it felt like to be horribly deceived.
27. He confronts his uncle with the trickery asking his three interrelated questions (v. 25b).
28. The first question simply draws attention to the evil deed: "What is this you have done to me?"
29. The second question reminds Laban of their agreement: "Was it not for Rachel that I served you?"
30. The third question demands an answer: "Why then have you deceived me?"
31. "Why" is accusatory (cf. 3:13 God to Eve; 12:18, Pharaoh to Abraham; 26:10, Abimelech to Isaac).
32. Jacob accuses Laban of the sin of deceit, something Jacob had inflicted upon his blind father for gain.
33. Laban does not respond to Jacob’s anguished query, but rather offers a lame rationale for the substitution (v. 26).
34. Appealing to a local custom is morally indefensible.
35. So was Jacob’s scheming to gain the patriarchal blessing of succession.
36. What goes around comes around is the poetic justice that befell Jacob.
37. Laban’s language about the younger and the firstborn must have aroused in Jacob a memory that was about seven years ago.
38. Laban had been planning this scheme for some time as the time for Jacob’s marriage drew near.
39. Laban’s intent was to get rid of the unattractive daughter and trap Jacob into another seven years of free labor (v. 27).
40. He knew how much Jacob wanted Rachel and he played on that for all it was worth.
41. To lessen the pain of the arrangement he told Jacob that he could have his wage in advance (v. 27).
42. No second seven year service and no Rachel was the spot Laban put Jacob in.
43. The offer of Rachel in advance was as generous as Laban could muster.
44. Jacob was unwilling to opt out of the deal as he dearly wanted Rachel as his wife.
45. Jacob had no support from others and he had no visible means of support so he was trapped.
46. Laban’s additional demands was that Jacob must "complete the week of this one" meaning he must fulfill the honeymoon with Leah!
47. That must have been a blessed event for the two of them!
48. However distasteful it was Jacob overtly "completed her week" and then he was given the woman he loved (v. 28).
49. Jacob got what he wanted but the circumstances were far less than they could have been.
50. God did not protect Jacob for this miserable experience as it was part of the plan to bring Jacob along spiritually.
51. As with Leah, Laban gives his younger daughter a personal maid, one Bilhah (v. 29).
52. The love story of Jacob and Rachel had a reasonably good start but it did not end in "happily ever after."
53. V. 30 hints at the underlying misery that clouded new family life.
54. "Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah" tells us that he overtly demonstrated who his favorite was.
55. There is no indication that Jacob was mean or cruel to Leah.
56. Jacob initial interest in Rachel was based on her great beauty.
57. So much was he taken by her that the first seven years "seemed like but a few days."
58. The second seven years were not so rosy, due to the strife and misery in the household.
59. This marriage, needless to say, did not have a good start.
60. The divine discipline that fell on Jacob for his equally reprehensible sins will work for his positive good as he was a positive believer (Heb. 12:5-6; Prov. 3:12).
61. Through all the bad experiences of this patriarch God’s purposes were advanced.
62. The stage was set for the coming on the scene of the 12 patriarchs of the 12 tribes of Israel.
63. Jacob’s sojourn in Mesopotamia was not a happy experience but it all worked together for Jacob’s good and advanced the promises made to him in the dream at Bethel.

Birth of the First Four Patriarchal Ancestors (vv. 32-35)

VERSE 31 Now the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, and He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren (hr'q'[] lxer'w> Hm'x.r;-ta, xT;p.YIw: ha'le ha'Wnf.-yKi hw"hy> ar>Y:w: [waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. ra-ah see + proper noun Yahweh + part ki that + Qal pass.part.f.s.abs. shana hate; "unloved" + proper noun Leah + waw w/Qal impf.3m.s. pathach open + d.o. marker + noun both s.constr.w/3f.s. rechem womb + waw w/proper noun Leah + waw w/proper noun Rachel + adj.f.s.abs. aqar barren]).

VERSE 32 Leah conceived and bore a son and named him Reuben, for she said (hr'm.a' yKi !beWar> Amv. ar'q.Tiw: !Be dl,Tew: ha'le rh;T;w: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. harah be with child + proper noun Leah + noun m.s.abs. ben son + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shem name + proper noun Reuben + part ki for + Qal perf.3f.s. amar say], "Because the LORD has seen my affliction; surely now my husband will love me [yviyai ynIb;h'a/y< hT'[; yKi yyIn>['B. hw"hy> ha'r'-yKi [part ki because + Qal perf.3m.s. ra-ah see + proper noun Yahweh + prep beth w/noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ani affliction, poverty + part ki surely + adv attah now + Qal impf.3m.s.w/1s.suff. aheb love + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suf. ish man; "husband"])."

VERSE 33 Then she conceived again and bore a son and said (rm,aTow: !Be dl,Tew: dA[ rh;T;w: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. harah be with child + adv odh again + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. yalad bear + noun m.s.abs. ben son + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. amar say], "Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also [hz<-ta,-~G: yli-!T,YIw: ykinOa' ha'Wnf.-yKi hw"hy> [m;v'-yKi [part ki because + Qal perf.3m.s. shama hear + proper noun Yahweh + part ki that + Qal pass.part.f.s.abs. shana hate; "unloved" + pro.1s. anoki I + Qal impf.3m.s. nathan give + prep lamedh w/1s.suff "me" + conj gam also + d.o. marker + adj.m.s.abs. zeh this])."

So she named him Simeon (!A[m.vi Amv. ar'q.Tiw: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shem name + proper noun Simeon]).

VERSE 34 She conceived again and bore a son and said (rm,aTow: !Be dl,Tew: dA[ rh;T;w: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. harah be with child + adv odh again + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. yalad bear + noun m.s.abs. ben + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. amar say], "Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons [~ynIb' hv'l{v. Al yTid>l;y"-yKi yl;ae yviyai hw<L'yI ~[;P;h; hT'[; [adv attah now + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. pa-am step; "this time" + Niphal impf.3m.s. lawah be joined; "will become attached" + noun m.s.constr.w/1s.suff. ish "husband" + prep el w/1s.suff. "to me" + part ki for + Qal perf.1s. yaladh bear + prep lamedh w/3m.s.suff. + adj.m.s.abs. shalosh three + noun m.p.abs. ben])."

Therefore he was named Levi (ywIle Amv.-ar'q' !Ke-l[; [part al + part ken = "therefore" + Qal perf.3m.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shem name + proper noun Levi]).

VERSE 35 And she conceived again and bore a son and said, "This time I will praise the LORD (hw"hy>-ta, hd,Aa ~[;P;h; rm,aTow: !Be dl,Tew: dA[ rh;T;w: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. harah be with child + adv odh again + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. yaladh bear + noun m.s.abs. ben + waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. amar say + def.art.w/noun f.s.abs. pa-am step; "This time" + Hiphil impf.1s. yarah praise/thank + d.o. marker + proper noun Yahweh])."

Therefore she named him Judah (hd'Why> Amv. ha'r>q' !Ke-l[ [part al + part ken = "Therefore" + Qal perf.3f.s. qara call + noun m.s.constr.w/3m.s.suff. shem name + proper noun Judah]).

Then she stopped bearing (td,L,mi dmo[]T;w: [waw w/Qal impf.3f.s. amad stand; "she stopped" + pre min w/Qal infin.constr. yalad bear]).

ANALYSIS: VERSES 31-35

1. In this final scene the focus is strictly on Leah the unloved one.
2. She does all the speaking.
3. V. 31 is background information which is necessary for her pronouncements in connection with the birth of her four sons.
4. Her statements after the birth of her four sons her isolation and her longing for Jacob’s affection.
5. The expression "and the LORD saw" always indicates that He is about to act in a decisive fashion.
6. Here He acts on behalf of the beleaguered wife who suffered soul misery seeing the affection showered on her pretty sister while she at best was treated more like a friend.
7. The verb "was unloved" is literally, "was hated" to poignantly show the disparity of treatment between the two women on the part of the husband.
8. Leah was not a fulfilled wife, and God took this into account and proceeded to act on her behalf.
9. "He opened her womb" so as to bless here with one of the crowning joys of a woman’s life in societies that valued motherhood.
10. By contrast "Rachel was barren."
11. Like Sarah and Rebekah before her she was tested in this same way.
12. The stage is set for Leah’s testing and Rachel’s testing.
13. We will see how these two believers handled their testing.
14. Leah becomes pregnant and gives birth to the first of Jacob’s twelve sons.
15. She names him Reuben which sounds like "see a son."
16. This meaning squares with her exuberant "Surely Yahweh has seen my affliction."
17. She was absolutely on point in her attribution of God’s watch/care over her.
18. Her perception mirrors the experience of the persecuted Hagar (16:11).
19. The second part of her explanation for the birth of her firstborn is naïve.
20. She sees the birth of Reuben as a way that God will bring her Jacob’s love: "Surely now my husband will love me."
21. Her faulty perception elicits compassion from the reader.
22. Human experience tells that this would not rectify the situation.
23. With the birth of her second son, Leah gives a twofold explanation of the name Simeon.
24. Leah was bitterly disappointed that her husband did not come to love her as she imagined he would when Jacob’s firstborn came on the scene (v. 34).
25. So in the case of Simeon we have a much more realistic assessment of situation between her and her husband.
26. The name Simeon is based on the Hebrew verb "to hear" (shama).
27. With the birth of her 2^nd son she simply acknowledges that God cares for her even if her husband remains indifferent to her plight.
28. She does not appear to be bitter but simply resigned to her situation.
29. Her soliloquy at the birth of the 3^rd son has her reverting to the wishful thinking that colored her thinking with the birth of Reuben (v. 34).
30. Levi perhaps means "attached/joined."
31. Her desperate hope that Jacob will love her in the same fashion he loves Rachel is somewhat bolstered by her wish that her husband cannot but help to love her now that she has born him three sons!
32. With the birth of her 4^th son we see the transformation in her understanding (v. 35).
33. She names him Judah which means something like "he shall be praised."
34. Leah says nothing in regard to her forlorn love for her husband.
35. She has turned a corner in her thinking.
36. She simply took the occasion to "praise the LORD."
37. There is no bitterness or feelings of self-pity with the birth of her 4^th son.
38. She accepts the blessing of this son apart from any wishful thinking.
39. For the moment at least she seems content with things as they stand and praises God.
40. After the birth of Judah Leah "stopped bearing."
41. We are not told why.
42. The narrative does not tells us God closed her womb.
43. It could be that her and her husband stopped having sex.
44. Or it could be due to divine intervention.