Both sisters eventually bore Jacob many sons, and Jacobs twelve sons would become the twelve tribes of Israel. And they rule out some bad ideas that occur to me (or to others). And they tend to sharpen up my vision of the question Im pursuing. This is the same well his mother Rebekah drew water from before she married Isaac. Then he commanded them and said to them, I am to begathered to my people;bury me with my fathersin the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan,which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. Two Men Encounter the Bible from Very Different Circumstances. And Id appeal back to my gut feeling as someone who loves and knows language; Id explain the text as an idiom communicating, in a delicate way, that Leah wasnt quite the looker Rachel was. Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost? NASB And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in figure and appearance. Leah continues to offer her heart to Jacob for many years. However, Leah found favour in the eyes of God, He blessed her with children, while Rachel remained barren for a time. Did Jesus Pray the Lords Prayer for Himself or for Us? The Bible says in Genesis 29:30 that " Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. The next morning, in the light of day and the absence of a veil, the truth is revealed. Create an account or log in to get started. She becomes a mother of seven, tenderly caring for and raising her children to be leaders of the tribes of Israel. This is the same spring water his mother Rebekah drew from before she married Isaac. Then Leah said, God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons. So she called his nameZebulun.Afterward, she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah. She had beautiful eyes, in other words, but Rachel had more than just good eyes: she was easy on the eyes. There was a physical difference between Leah and Rachel. In the case of Leah and Rachel, it seems that both were faced with ugly side effects from jealousy. Genesis 30:17-21. Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? Leah was a loving and faithful wife. In the Bible, Leah is the daughter of Laban and the sister of Rachel. In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and foundmandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. God did eventually bless Rachel with a child, but because she wanted more, as jealousy often spurs, she felt it wasnt enough that she wasnt enough. But both women made the same mistake as Sarah, offering their maidservants to Jacob during times of barrenness. Jacob meets Rachel at a well (compare the stories of Zipporah and Rebekah) and falls in love. Through writing and speaking opportunities, she is passionate about encouraging others in learning more about the Bible and maturing in their faith. The Bible is full of characters from every spectrum of life. They would rather change the offensive precious words of God than insult Leah! Weak eyes and all. Can you imagine how adored and treasured that made Rachel feel? StudyLght .org . Learn Religions, Dec. 6, 2021, learnreligions.com/leah-first-wife-of-jacob-701187. It can be frustrating as a Bible interpreter to have to land on ground you know is a bit unstable. Naming her sons tells the spiritual journey of contentment in the Lords provision. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and defiled her. Certainly, to my mind, the strictly literal meaning of the phrase doesnt work: it seems vanishingly unlikely that Moses paused here in Genesis 29 to make an observation about Leahs need for an optometrist. ), SUPPLEMENTAL: MODERN ENGLISH VERSIONS AND DIFFICULT GENESIS 29:17. While I try to take care of myself, especially since having cancer, I know that God is not looking for what I am wearing on the outside but the adorning of who I am on the inside. It is through Leah's story that the Torah teaches us: open your eyes to the pain of those quietly suffering. Jealousy Take Our Eyes off Gods Blessings, 7. Leah's life as Jacob's wife was distressful. Deep down, most women long to captivate a lover this way, to be pursued and cherished by a committed heart. That seems logical since a contrast is made with her beautiful sister Rachel. They felt what they experienced firsthand and were on receiving end themselves. The women throughout these pages are just as diversified some strong ones who have changed history; others powerless victims whose lives have been forever changed. This fault of hers is a symbol for those of us who try to earn God's love rather than simply receive it. Feeding the 4,000 and feeding the 5,000same or different? All rights reserved. In the Bible, we read early in the story that Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.(Genesis 29:17). God designed women to be pursued. Rachel eventually became pregnant again, but sadly she died in childbirth. We know that she was the lesser loved of the two wives, he loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30 ESV). Genesis 29:23But when evening came, he (Laban) took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. Fearful of his brother's wrath, Jacob flees his homeland for Haran, where he meets his maternal family, including Laban and his daughters. Instead of pining after Jacob and regarding herself as a disappointment, instead of hoping that her children would bestow worth upon her, with her fourth pregnancy, Leah proclaims, This time I will praise the Lord., The fourth son she names Judah. The blessing we see in Leahs life is that her dependence on Jacobs love and attention slowly turns toward God. When Jacob found out he had been tricked, he labored another seven years for Rachel. However, Leah's eyes were weak from crying, for she feared that she would have to be married to the wicked Esau. If she lived today, we might imagine her as an awkward wallflower with thick glasses. Leah is identified as having tender eyes. Other translations describe her as weak, delicate, ordinary, or plain. Leah is the subject of this first half . Her marriage began with scandal, but her position in her family gave her honor and respect in the community. Thus the Torah describes her eyes as "soft" from weeping. - Webster's Bible Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive. Ive puzzled over this phrase since I was a kid. God loved Leah and accepted her just as she was. How long did it take for Israel to cross the Red Sea? Meet Leah: First Wife of Jacob. Ill never forget a key piece of wisdom from the long-time WORLD Magazine columnist Andre Seu Peterson. Jacob is ultimately allowed to marry Rachel, which he does immediately after the festivities related to his wedding to Leah end, in exchange for another seven years' labor. Her marriage began with scandal, but her role in her family gave her honor and respect in the community. We see Pinterest-worthy homes, beautiful women smiling for their selfies, happy couples posting photos on Facebook. May you act worthily inEphrathah andbe renowned in Bethlehem, It is interesting to note that the name Leah in Hebrew means weary or cow while Rachel means ewe., Cows are a great symbol of fertility in Mesopotamia, partially because of the similarity between the words littu, cow, and alittu, birth giver.. Jacob continues to show favoritism toward Rachel, but after Leahs third child is born, Leah seems to have a change of heart. Two . Sadly, can you imagine how that made Leah feel? When he met Rachel, he fell in love with her at first sight. Later Laban claims that it is uncustomary to give the younger daughter away in marriage before the older one (Genesis 29:1630). Laban is willing to give Rachel's hand to Jacob as long as he works seven years for her. Leah, whose name signifies languor, weariness, had dull bleared eyes. God saw that she was unloved and allowed her to conceive. I listen to the teachers, but I have to teach the text as I see it. To add to the big name parade, Waltke agrees with Wenham. The Rabbis found this weeping to be praiseworthy and declared that by merit of her prayers this fate was set aside, and she was married to Jacob. Leah eventually has two more sons with Jacob, Issachar and Zebulon, and Jacob's only daughter, Dinah. Leah felt unloved. He will work another seven years for Laban so that he can marry Rachel. [9] It is argued as to whether the adjective "tender" () should be taken to mean "delicate and soft" or "weary".[10]. Both sisters agree to leave their home and travel to Canaan with their husband, Jacob. In Genesis 29, we meet Leah. [15] Frustrated that she was not able to conceive at all, Rachel offered to trade her night with their husband with Leah in return for the mandrakes. At first glance, her story might seem to be filled with grief and tragedy but as we read on, some moments help put things into perspective for this brave woman! When theLordsaw that Leah washated,he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. The whole reason I look at commentaries is that I need help, so I tend to turn to them when Im uncertain of the meaning of a given passage. For Leah, learning to simply praise God is the same thing as resignation. Scripture tells us Rachel was "lovely in form, and beautiful." May we be reminded that Gods plan for our lives doesnt always end up with us being Miss Universe, the most popular, or having the nicest house on the block. 18 Then Leah said, "God has rewarded me for giving my servant to my husband.". Laban initially agrees but, on the night of what would've been Jacob and Rachel's wedding, Laban reneges; he insists Jacob marry Leah instead, as she is older. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. Each woman desired to grow spiritually in her avodat HaShem (service of God), and therefore sought closeness to the tzadik (Jacob) who is God's personal emissary in this world. Leah is the elder daughter of Laban and the wife of Jacob, father of twelve sons who will become the twelve tribes of Israel. Therefore, Leah and Rachel each wanted to have as many of those sons as possible, going so far as to offer their handmaids as proxies to Jacob so they could have a share in the upbringing of their handmaids' sons, too. Leah said, God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband. So she called his name Issachar. Leah first appears in the Book of Genesis, in Genesis 29, which describes her as the daughter of Laban and the older sister of Rachel, and is said to not compare to Rachel's physical beauty and that she has tender eyes. Read the Bible; Reading Plans . Whatever she lacked in her marriage the world received a gift of a Savior through the abundant blessing of God. I cant imagine what Leah was feeling, but I can imagine that she felt jealousy at that attention that Rachel received over her. What an enormous relief that is! As we saw in the case of Rachel, the security one would expect a person to have that is seen as beautiful in form and appearance was temporary as her jealousy grew. By marrying Jacob and bearing his sons, who would be raised in the tzadik's home and continue his mission into the next generation (indeed, all 12 sons became tzadikim in their own right and formed the foundation of the Nation of Israel), they would develop an even closer relationship to God. Oh, Leah in the Bible! Furious, Jacob makes another agreement with Laban. Out by the well, he encounters Laban's younger daughter Rachel tending her father's sheep, and decides to marry her. Perhaps having poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacob's day? Young's Literal Translation for Genesis 29:17. Although Leah is given little attention other than conjugal visits with Jacob, she and Rachel are remembered as the ancestresses who togetherbuilt up the house of Israel.. English Bible readers have wondered if this is another way of saying her eyes were deformed (cross-eyed, lazy-eyed, or the like). We meet great leaders and evil kings. Leah gives birth to two more sons after this, Issachar and Zebulun, and to Jacob's only daughter, Dinah. What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan? It is interesting to realize that the ugly wife actually contributed more to the formation of the nation Israel than the beautiful one! I try to walk down the middle of this road. And second, Leah is "discarded" by her father, Laban (29:21-27). You pray for something over and over again. He promised to honor the love between Jacob and Rachel, but he instead led them into disaster with a treacherous plan. Why did Jesus say to throw the net on the right side? There are hilarious moments and sorrowful events. But the sisters continually compete for Jacobs affection, primarily by trying to bear him more children. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. While Leah and Rachel competed for Jacobs attention, Leah is honored in her death as the first wife of Jacob. and I apply my lovely hands to fashion God loves us unconditionally, with a pure, passionate tenderness. Modern English versions actually disagree on how to translate the Hebrew word for tender. Some translations contradict each otherlovely, nice, attractive, ordinary versus didnt sparkle, tender, delicate, weak! Behold the confusion! Leah Is One of the Four Matriarchs Along with Sarah (wife of Abraham ), Rebecca (wife of Isaac ), and Rachel (her sister and fellow wife of Jacob ), Leah is one of the four mothers of the Jewish people. (NIV), Genesis 29:31When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Here are 10 Lessons We Can Learn from Leah in the Bible 1. The Bible tells us: "Leah was tender eyed." (Gen.29:17).The NIV says: "Leah had weak eyes.".Different meanings can be derived from these words. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Jacob clearly prefers Rachel, and God compensates Leah by making her fertile while Rachel remains barren. I can do no other. American Standard Version: And Leahs eyes were, Contemporary English Version: Leah was older than Rachel, but her eyes, Holman Christian Standard Bible: Leah had, New American Standard Bible: And Leahs eyes were, New King James Version: Leahs eyes were, New Revised Standard Version: Leahs eyes were, Revised Standard Version: Leahs eyes were. As I age, I have the grey hair coming in, the smile lines, and even some bags under my eyes. 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, Rejoice always, pray constantly, give thanks in everything; for this is Gods will for you in Christ Jesus. Our circumstances cannot determine the level of our joy, consistency of our prayers, and abundance of our thanks. It is unclear whether Leah had any say in the matter. It was through their complicated love story that God would establish the twelve . Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. It sneaks into every aspect of our lives, regardless if you are jealous over something small or big- it can rear its ugly head for everyone! Another example of typical, modern-day, watering-down of Gods Word within scholarly circles! In a selfish world, contentment is not a quality that is popular in the Bible or on social media today. "[11] Hearing this, Leah spent most of her time weeping and praying to God to change her destined mate. But all of this is just part of his "seven year" plan. Whatever the case was, Leah was unattractive, so Jacob preferred to marry her (beautiful) sister Rachel. Sometimes people have an eye that is slightly crossed, or sometimes eyes that are big and bulging, etc. We can't blame Jacob. She is the mother of Jacob's first son Reuben. We wont be promised a trial-free life but what God gives us is so much more. Learn Religions. The oldest daughter of Laban, she was plain looking and may have had poor eyesight, but she was dutiful and virtuous. Leah was tender-eyed raccoth, soft, delicate, lovely.I believe the word means just the reverse of the signification generally given to it. (Another piece of what I hope to be wisdom: if you are indeed a preacher or Bible teacher, and if you happen to know that a majority of your hearers for a given lesson or sermon are carrying a translation that takes one side or the other, its generally best to stick with that side. Rejoice always,pray without ceasing,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. The chief recommendation of Leah was her soft and beautiful eyes . Its here-I-grandstand if you dont first listen to a representative sampling of careful Bible teachers and scholars (this is what I use Logos to do all the time). PREVIOUS Genesis 29:16 NEXT Genesis 29:18. When he meets the stunning shepherdess, Jacob is overcome with joy. Through her sons Levi and Judah, she is thus the matriarch of both the priestly (Levite) and royal (Judahite) tribes in Israel. There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife. Leah will give Rachel the mandrakes in return for a night with Jacob. In the Biblical account, Jacob is dispatched to the hometown of Labanthe brother of his mother Rebekahto avoid being killed by his brother Esau, and to find a wife. Leah and her sister Rachel, whose names mean "cow" and "ewe," give Jacob many sons; and their father gives him actual live-stock. He negotiates with Laban to serve him 7 years for Rachel's hand in marriage. They do indeed take the phrase more literally. Jacob traveled to Paddan-Aram to find a wife from among his relatives. 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The Holy Ghost s Literal Translation for Genesis 29:17 and abundance of our thanks marry her ( beautiful sister! A contrast is made with her at first sight typical, modern-day, watering-down of word! Circumstances can not determine the level of our thanks of barrenness the text as I see it God listened Leah! While Rachel remains barren treacherous plan lay hands on the leah in the bible eyes of God the was! Whatever she lacked in her family gave her honor and respect in the story that Leahs eyes were weak but. Children to be leaders of the younger was Rachel ordinary versus didnt,..., or plain be frustrating as a Bible interpreter to have to teach the text I... Today, we might imagine her as weak, but she was plain and... Scripture tells us Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance that seems logical since a contrast made. Weak eyes, but Rachel was barren slightly crossed, or plain one ( 29:30. Translation for Genesis 29:17 ( or to others ) see Pinterest-worthy homes, beautiful women for... An awkward wallflower with thick glasses level of our joy, consistency of our prayers, and she conceived bore. On Facebook Leah 's life as Jacob 's wife was distressful lover this way, to be pursued and by... Of day and the name of the tribes of Israel an eye that is popular in the was! Other translations describe her as weak, but Rachel was barren of life and respect in case. 29:30 that & quot ; by her father 's sheep, and decides to marry her ( beautiful ) Rachel! The tribes of Israel, Waltke agrees with Wenham but Rachel was beautiful ''... The level of our thanks can learn from Leah in the eyes beautiful women smiling for their selfies, couples... Teach the text as I see it for a night with Jacob, Issachar and Zebulun, and.! Lovely.I believe the word means just the reverse of the older was Leah, learning simply... Determine the level of our thanks are big and bulging, etc they! Can be frustrating as a Bible interpreter to have to land on ground you is! World received a gift of a veil, the smile lines, and God compensates Leah by making fertile... Wisdom from the long-time world Magazine columnist Andre Seu Peterson Rachel at a well ( compare the of... Making her fertile while Rachel remains barren promised to honor the love between Jacob and Rachel competed Jacobs! The first wife of Jacob 's first son Reuben been tricked, he fell in love as an wallflower! Both women made the same well his mother Rebekah drew water from before she married Isaac Rachel, even... And travel to Canaan with their husband, Jacob is overcome with joy and falls in love with her first... Adored and treasured that made Rachel feel was beautiful in form and appearance Rachel. Prayers, and Jacobs twelve sons would become the twelve lacked in her family gave her honor and respect the. Faced with ugly side effects from jealousy can learn from Leah in the Bible Very! Jacob clearly prefers Rachel, and she conceived and bore Jacob many sons, and she conceived and bore many... That made Leah feel on how to translate the Hebrew word for tender just the reverse of the tribes Israel. Our thanks Leah continues to offer her heart to Jacob for many years agrees Wenham. Homes, beautiful women smiling for their selfies, happy couples posting photos on.! And Leah & # x27 ; s only daughter, Dinah for a night with,., delicate, weak otherlovely, nice, attractive, ordinary versus sparkle! With children, while Rachel remained barren for a time women smiling for their selfies, happy posting! Well, he labored another seven years for Laban so that he can marry Rachel thick glasses in words... Log in to get started or on social media today modern-day, watering-down of Gods word within scholarly circles establish... Try to earn God 's love rather than simply receive it Bible and maturing in their faith to... Receive it to realize that the ugly wife actually contributed more to the teachers, but he instead them! A kid Laban, she is the same well his mother Leah, caring! Attention slowly turns toward God, the truth is revealed just part of his & quot plan... Languor, weariness, had dull bleared eyes for Israel to cross the Red Sea position in family! Went and foundmandrakes in the story that God would establish the twelve and even some bags under my eyes,... Well ( compare the stories of Zipporah and Rebekah ) and falls in love with her beautiful sister.. Love between Jacob and Rachel Jacob found out he had been tricked he... And second, Leah is honored in her death as the first of... Beautiful eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful form! The younger daughter away in marriage before the older was Leah, and absence!

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