Year 7, Day 28: Genesis 29

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Today we get to once more meet the family of Abraham left back in Haran.  This time we meet Laban, Rebekah’s brother.  Jacob comes to Laban ad falls in love with Rachel.  He agrees to work under Laban’s care.  After all, he can’t go back home with Esau angry at him!

Jacob does work, and by all accounts he works hard enough to fulfill his vow.  Seven years go by, yet they go by quickly for Jacob because of his love for Rachel. Once more we see characteristics of humanity.  When we have a goal, particularly a goal we find pleasing, time goes by well.  We work with a positive attitude because we believe in what we are doing.  We work well because the goal is fair, just, and especially desirable.

At the end of the seven years, though, Laban pulls a switch on Jacob.  After the party, Laban sends his older daughter, a girl far less attractive than Rachel, in to Jacob.  Here’s where the story starts to go awry.

First, shame on Laban for breaking his contract.  He agreed to let Jacob work for seven years for Rachel.  I think we are learning where it is that Rebekah learned her deceptive streak!  Many argue that what happens here to Jacob is simply payback for what he has done to Esau.  Perhaps that’s true.  Regardless, though, Laban is not absolved of his deception.

There are some that defend Laban culturally, saying that Leah would have to be married off prior to Rachel being married.  That may be true.  However, what is likely going on behind the scenes is that Laban realizes that Leah won’t likely find a husband.  If Rachel goes away, then Laban will be forced to find a husband for Leah, which will cost him significant resources.  Laban sees a way out here.  Laban can foist Leah upon Jacob and cause her to be Jacob’s mouth to feed instead of his own.  I believe that this is more of an issue resource management than cultural expectations.  Laban cheats Jacob because of what it would mean to have Leah left.

What we see in Jacob, though, is an unexpected twist.  Here we can see God at work.  Jacob realizes that he has been outmaneuvered.  His father-in-law tricked him into consummating the marriage with the wrong woman.  What Jacob doesn’t do is struggle.  He doesn’t try to outmaneuver Laban.  He doesn’t try to run away with Rachel.  He accepts Leah and works for Rachel.  What we see here is a moment of humbleness and obedience.

Once more the story of Genesis teaches us about the sinfulness of humanity.  It also reminds us that God is there in the midst of our work.  We may not get it right.  People around us might not get it right, either.  But God can redeem our actions.  He can work in the midst of our sinfulness.  He can change our hearts to make them something that they are not naturally on their own.  He can cause us to be humble and patient in the midst of adversity.

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