From "The Dismissed" to "The One"

Isaac advised Jacob where to find a suitable wife. Following his father’s directions, Jacob traveled to his Uncle Laban’s home. Laban had two daughters, Leah and Rachel. Jacob fell in love with Rachel. However, Laban did not tell Jacob according to tradition, the oldest daughter must be married first. This is where the heartache began. (Genesis 28)

Unrequited Love

In an era where polygamy was the norm, the plan seemed acceptable to Laban yet painful to his daughters. Through a deceptive move, Leah became Jacob’s wife. Can you imagine being forced to go along with a plan to literally steal your sister’s man? Your father tells you, “I know he wants your sister, but you will marry him first. We’ll figure it out later. Trust me, daughter.“ Take Jacob out of the story momentarily and think about Leah’s overwhelmed heart and emotional roller coaster. Perhaps a part of her was looking forward to marrying Jacob. Maybe she was thinking, ‘This could work. I would make a good wife.’ On the contrary, Jacob was mortified and loudly protested the deception. Leah knew unrequited love very well; she had never experienced passionate embraces. Her groom never filled the emptiness of her heart.   

It’s a Boy!

These sister wives had a turbulent relationship; Leah was quite fruitful, meanwhile Rachel, Jacob’s true love, was barren. During antiquity, having a son was such a great honor. Since Jacob and Rachel both mistreated Leah, the Lord said, "Enough!" Genesis 29.31 states, “When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, He enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.” Rachel had Jacob’s heart; however, God saw Leah. She bore him several sons which caused Jacob to be a prominent figure in their society. According to Bible Gateway: Matthew Henry’s Commentary, Henry writes that the birth of Jacob’s sons was a possible divine reprimand to Jacob. God gave sons through Leah, even though he didn’t want to be with her. On the other hand, Rachel had not given him any children. Secondly, Henry views the sons' births as a slap to Rachel, who was envious and contended with her sister. More examples of competition, favoritism, and strife can be found in Genesis 30.7-8; 30.14-21; 33.1-2.  

Let’s Make a Deal!

Talk about disparities. In the sisters’ conversation, we see Jacob spent his nights with Rachel. (Genesis 30.14-21) Leah stopped bearing children after her fourth son.  One day, Leah’s son found some mandrake root plants in the field. (It was believed to be a fertility plant.) Leah had to barter with Rachel to spend some time with Jacob.  Rachel knew this was her big chance to become pregnant. Therefore, she agreed to allow Jacob to spend the night with Leah in exchange for some mandrakes.  However, Rachel did not conceive.  After Leah brought the roots into her tent, she bore two more sons and a daughter. Leah felt she had earned his love and attention by now... since she had given Jacob six sons and one daughter. That was not the case. Despair, disgrace, and heartache were her familiar companions. Finally, after Leah's fourth son, she knew the Lord gave her favor in spite of the fact she was small in her husband's eyes. This mother shifted her attention to God by praising Him for their children. (Genesis 29.35) Later, Rachel bore one son and died in childbirth with their second son. 

Where We Live

If you have given everything and received tears in return, take hope. God saw Leah before the abuse began and was with her every day. It took Leah several years and four sons to realize God saw her plight. She praised Him then. Just as God favored Leah, He sees and knows us. We are chosen and selected to do great things. Let's try to see ourselves through God's eyes now. Instead of focusing on rejection from those around us, let's be anchored in the overwhelming blessings surrounding us. Remember the One inside us is more significant than anyone around us. We are qualified to do great things and produce fabulous results. The Almighty is our constant source of love. We are not alone. We are not forsaken. Be encouraged.      

“Do not be afraid; you will not be put to shame.  Do not fear disgrace; you will not be humiliated.  You will forget the shame of your youth and remember no more the reproach of your widowhood.  For your Maker is your husband—the Lord Almighty is His name—the Holy One of Israel is your Redeemer; He is called the God of all the earth.” (Isaiah 54.4-5)