Her marriage began with scandal, but her role in her family gave her honor and respect in the community. Rachel became the mother of two other tribesJoseph and Benjamin. The name "Leah" () means 'weary'. How could wise King Solomon let foreign women deceive him? According to 1 Chronicles 5:1,[7] Jacob took the firstborn's birthright, which entitles a firstborn to a larger inheritance in Jewish law, from Reuben, his oldest son, to Joseph, who was his second-youngest son, and, in Genesis 33:2,[8] when he is confronted by Esau, puts Leah, along with Zilpah and Bilhah and all of their sons, in front of himself, Rachel, and Joseph, to be used as something of a buffer or a shield to protect himself in the event the confrontation turned violent. And second, Leah is "discarded" by her father, Laban (29:21-27). Later in the story, her words change from a piteous woe is me attitude to what good fortune! and how happy I am!. Her second son she named Simeon (the Lord has heard that I am hated). In biblical times, women had little control over their lives. Genesis 29:17 Most of us have read the passage above about Jacob's wives as describing Leah's bad eyesight. Read the Bible; Reading Plans . Leah's "soft" eyes are eventually mirrored in the eyes of the earthly Jesus. Privacy Policy | Bamboo on Trellis Framework by Mediavine, Here are 10 Lessons We Can Learn from Leah in the Bible, 6. Leah is identified as having "tender eyes." Other translations describe her as weak, delicate, ordinary, or plain. She was a matriarch to Jesus Christ. God loved Leah and accepted her just as she was. Clarke's Notes on the Bible. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field. But in the end, after prayer and effort, I think you need to hope for and achieve some kind of interpretive resolution if at all possible. Feeding the 4,000 and feeding the 5,000same or different? Leah was content to praise the Lord for the blessings in her life, even if her husband was not her own. Leah, whose name signifies languor, weariness, had dull bleared eyes. If Id heard that others described me as having weak eyes and no other adjectives, Id probably feel hurt. We learn from Rachel that if we arent grateful for our blessings and trust that God is enough, jealousy will always make us want more. Jacob had eyes only for Rachel and he did not care about Leah. We wont be promised a trial-free life but what God gives us is so much more. So lonely was she that even the Lord took notice of it and blessed her with many children as consolation. 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. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful. This verse sets up a contrast, and as in all language, so in the Bible: you interpret the unclear in light of the clear. This is the same spring water his mother Rebekah drew from before she married Isaac. Although Jacob overlooked Leahs position in the family, God gave her the position of being the first daughter, the first wife, and the first mother to Jacobs first son. She said to Jacob, Give me children, or I shall die!. But people were saying, "Laban has two daughters and his sister, Rebekah, has two sons. Then Rachel said to Leah, Please give me some of your sons mandrakes.But she said to her, Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? In Leahs story, we can be encouraged that a life redeemed can not occur with the perfect spouse or an abundance of children but with a heart that is tender and surrendered to God. Leah is a matriarch of her people and of Christ. Pursuing God keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. Focus on the giver of your blessings instead of what is given. Its when there is disjunction that my true allegiance shows. We first learn that she was unloved and unfavored with a tender heart versus an attractive body. Unloved and unwanted, Leah was not only blessed by God with six sons and one daughter. Leah's story in the Bible is told in Genesis chapters 29-31, 33-35, 46, and 49. Ouch. The world is always trying to get us hooked on material things, but the best way for a persons wealth and success in life can be found within their spiritual relationship with God. Zavada, Jack. She had beautiful eyes, in other words, but Rachel had more than just good eyes: she was easy on the eyes. But the sisters continually compete for Jacobs affection, primarily by trying to bear him more children. It is interesting to realize that the ugly wife actually contributed more to the formation of the nation Israel than the beautiful one! In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Leah is portrayed to be the unloved wife of the biblical patriarch Jacob. Before we dive into some lessons we can learn from Leah in the Bible, lets review her story. The women in the Bible are just as diverse as the men. In a world as troubled as our own, it is no wonder that this aspect of Leah's narrative carries lasting resonance. 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. The Bible does not give us many details about Leah. By digging into their stories, we can learn so details we may not have realized at first read. What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan? Jacob has no money to offer Rachels father Laban a bride price, so he arranges to work for him for seven years to marry her. 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. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, 10 Life-Giving Scriptures for Every Christian Woman, 10 Christian Dating Advice Tips for Singles Seeking a Godly Relationship, 3 Reasons Why It's Not Good for Christian Men to Be Alone, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. With the birth of each son, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord held in her life. 3 And his soul cleaved unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved . She is the mother of Jacob's first son Reuben. She was married to the biblical patriarch Jacob, but he favored her sister instead. 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. Jacob continues to show favoritism toward Rachel, but after Leahs third child is born, Leah seems to have a change of heart. 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. The design of the inspired writer is to compare both the sisters together, that the balance may appear to be greatly in favor of Rachel. Leah never seems to gain the affections of Jacob, yet her life is evidence of Gods devotion to her. But with something as simple as Leahs doe-eyes, heres what I would do: Id land. God also has a calling on your life and will make all circumstances work together for your good. However, Leah found favour in the eyes of God, He blessed her with children, while Rachel remained barren for a time. Genesis 33:1 chapter context similar meaning "And Jacob lifted up his eyes, and looked, and, behold, Esau came, and with him four hundred men. For Leah, God's seeing her and granting her sons does not bring her the love she wants. Fearful of his brother's wrath, Jacob flees his homeland for Haran, where he meets his maternal family, including Laban and his daughters. 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. But today, his eyes are a flame of fire as he awaits the appointed time for his return to Planet Earth.. And if Im uncertain, I find, often enough so are theytaken collectively, that is. The design of the inspired writer is to compare both the sisters together, that the balance may appear to be greatly in favour of Rachel. 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. Bible reading from Genesis 34 (EHV) Dinah and Shechem. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise theLord. Therefore she called his nameJudah. With the birth of her next two sons, Issachar and Zebulun, Leah acknowledges the gifts the Lord has given her. Outward beauty with no faith in the Lord or strength of character does not last. Leah had not conceived for a while, and the plant, whose roots resemble the human body, was thought to be an aid to fertility. Pursuing the Lord keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. Even though her husband Jacob favored Rachel, Leah remained committed, enduring this unfairness through faith in God. Contact Us (Mailing Address for Donations). Answer Leah was the daughter of Laban, the sister of Rachel, a wife of Jacob, and the mother of seven of Jacob's children. Leah eventually has two more sons with Jacob, Issachar and Zebulon, and Jacob's only daughter, Dinah. Her third son she named Levi (now this time my husband will be attached to me). Do not close your ears to the needs and hopes of those who may not be beautiful and have physical and emotional bruises. (1998). Leah Lively is a wife and mother of four living in central Virginia. Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. Jacob did not see, hear, or attach himself to Leah, but the Lord filled the void Jacob created Leahs life. We meet great leaders and evil kings. He will marry Rachel quickly after his current wedding week is completed, then work for another seven years. - Jewish Publication Society Bible I try to walk down the middle of this road. So, he puts on a wedding feast (29:22), making it look as though he is fulfilling his end of the bargain. In Hebrews 11:17-18 CSB, it says Your (Abrahams) offspring will be called through Isaac.. In Leahs story, we can be encouraged that a life redeemed can not occur with the perfect spouse or an abundance of children, but a with a heart that is tender and surrendered to God. As Jacob's wife, Leah bore him six sons:Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. Leah Key Scripture: Genesis 29-31 Her Name Means "Weary . In Genesis, Rachel is described by her outward appearance as beautiful. Read Genesis (YLT) Read Genesis 29:17 (YLT) in Parallel. Leah was older, had weak or delicate eyes, and apparently was not attractive. Even after Rachel's death, Leah's situation did not improve, as Jacob took Bilhah, Rachel's handmaiden, as his primary partner. Nowarise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, Is thereany portion or inheritance left to us in our fathers house? She becomes a mother of seven, tenderly caring for and raising her children to be leaders of the tribes of Israel. As an Amazon Associate, as well as an affiliate of other programs, this means if you purchase something using these links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you! 1 We could imagine Jacobs infatuation with Rachel was love at first sight, as they almost certainly would not have been granted time for deep conversation or solitary walks across the pastureland of Haran. You may also enjoy this sermon about the lessons we can learn from Leah in the Bible: Or one of these recommendations about Leah in the Bible and the lessons we can learn from her. "Meet Leah: First Wife of Jacob." She may not have been Jacobs choice, but God chose her to play a role in the birth of the Savior of the world. It is based on the word root Hodaah, connoting Give Thanks, Praise.. 19 Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. At first glance, Leahs story is full of grief. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". This suggests that the term has the negative nuance of feeble, impotent. The Bible says in Genesis 29:17: "Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured." What does Scripture mean that Leah was "tender eyed?" It is a difficult verse at first glance. Mathews (NAC), however, lands where I did: The tenor of the passage, however, contrasts Leah and Rachel, first their order of birth and perhaps here their charm. And he divided the children unto Leah, and . Bridge-Logos Publishers. How many daughters did Lot have? When Jacob found out he had been tricked, he labored another seven years for Rachel. We know that she was the lesser loved of the two wives, he loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30 ESV). Leah was tender-eyed - raccoth, soft, delicate, lovely.I believe the word means just the reverse of the signification generally given to it. God chose and elevated those whose hearts are pure before him. Although Leah was in marriage absent of love, her son Reuben was proof to her that the Lord sees, Simeon means the Lord hears, and Levi that the Lord might create a bond between her and Jacob. The interpreters of the Old Testament added those words to the text much later. Out by the well, he encounters Laban's younger daughter Rachel tending her father's sheep, and decides to marry her. (2021, December 6). lists them as being daughters of Laban, but not his wife Adinah, and another lists them as being the daughters of Rotheus, a man who was close to Laban but not related to him. Zavada, Jack. Indeed, it violates the first rule they teach you at Bible-teaching school: Dont comment on the physical appearance of particular women. Although Leah was in a loveless marriage, her son Reuben was evidence to her that the Lord sees, Simeon means the Lord hears, and Levi that the Lord might create a bond between her and Jacob. She serves him and cares for him dutifully, but it never makes her good enough. Leah then turns to her children, which were seen as symbols of blessing. Oh, Leah in the Bible! Theres nothing to obey or disobey in Genesis 29:17. Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost? Unconditionally. Leah was Jacob's first wife, and the older sister of his second (and favored) wife Rachel. Leah writes on her blog at leahlivelyblog.com and just released her second Bible study, 30 Days in Acts A Journey: Igniting the Flame of the Early Church. Should I Read the Bible Like Any Other Book? However, Jacob has no money to offer Rachels father Laban a bride price, so he arranges to work for him for seven years to marry her. Although Jacob overlooked Leahs position in the family, God gave her the position of being the first daughter, the first wife, and the first mother to Jacobs first son. God, of course, saw this and allowed Leah to have four sons. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Rachel died giving birth to her second son, Benjamin and was buried on the side of the road leading to Bethlehem (Genesis 35:16-20). God does not love us because we are beautiful or handsome, brilliant or successful. For more detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage. To add to the big name parade, Waltke agrees with Wenham. Sometimes people have an eye that is slightly crossed, or sometimes eyes that are big and bulging, etc. Sadly, can you imagine how that made Leah feel? Perhaps having poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacob's day? But Jacobs willingness to labor seven years for her demonstrates feelings deeper than flattery or casual interest. Laban tricked Jacob, however, substituting the heavily-veiled Leah on the dark wedding night. Sons and daughters could make her worthy. [b] Jacob is eager to marry Rachel and agrees to provide seven years' labor to her father if he can marry her. Her father doesn't want her either. [b] Earlier passages in the Book of Genesis give some background on her father's family, noting that through him, she is the niece of Rebecca, who is the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau, and the granddaughter of Bethuel, and rabbinic literature goes even further, with the Book of Jasher claiming Leah and Rachel were twins and recording her mother's name as Adinah and her brothers' names as Beor, Alub, and Murash. (NIV), Genesis 29:31When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Laban has instead placed Leah in Jacobs arms instead of the sought-after Rachel. 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 was content to praise the Lord for the blessings in her life, even if her husband did not love her the way he loved her sister. Feeling overlooked or not good enough can be a deep hurt and can snowball into feelings of being less than, forgotten, or the fear of not being wanted. He is the author of several books and textbooks including Biblical Worldview: Creation, Fall, Redemption (BJU Press, 2016), Basics for a Biblical Worldview (BJU Press, 2021), and Authorized: The Use and Misuse of the King James Bible (Lexham Press, 2018), which became a Faithlife infotainment documentary. When Rachel saw thatshe bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. The next morning, in the light of day and the absence of a veil, the truth is revealed. 34 And Dinah the daughter of Leah, whom she bore unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. Do not let your adorning be externalthe braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wearbut let your adorning bethe hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in Gods sight is very precious.. What an enormous relief that is! Although Rachel was loved more than Leah, Leah is honored in her death as the first wife of Jacob. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. These men were among the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel. For Leah, learning to simply praise God is the same thing as resignation. She Was the Elder Daughter of Laban Leah was Jacob's first wife, and the older sister of his second (and favored) wife Rachel. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.. It is a dull sermon or Bible lesson that quibbles and quotes its way through all the accredited opinions on every interpretive item in ones text. and I apply my lovely hands to fashion Whoever asks my name, know that I'm Leah, Leah was tender-eyed raccoth, soft, delicate, lovely.I believe the word means just the reverse of the signification generally given to it. Women in the Bible: Leah the unlovely. "Meet Leah: First Wife of Jacob." 18 Then Leah said, "God has rewarded me for giving my servant to my husband.". English Bible readers have wondered if this is another way of saying her eyes were deformed (cross-eyed, lazy-eyed, or the like). After seven years, the wedding finally arrives, and the veiled bride eventually becomes Jacobs wife. Leah (the woman nobody wants) is "disregarded" by her cousin, Jacob. Used by permission. Her story illustrates that God often chooses to fulfill his plans and purposes by using those who are overlooked by others. In so doing, he too will marry into the family of Terah, the father of Abraham and Nahor, the grandfather of Rebekah, and the great-grandfather of Rachel and Leah. Why does the King James Bible say, pisseth against the wall?. In Genesis 49:29-33, we learn that Leah is buried in a cave with Jacobs parents (Rebekah and Isaac) and grandparents (Sarah and Abraham). Judah means acknowledgment (hodaah, as in modeh ani). Of course, Laban is to blame for this situation, but most of us can agree that Leah felt rejected or less than. Leah was a loving and faithful wife. Leah said, God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband. So she called his name Issachar. Laban is willing to give Rachel's hand to Jacob as long as he works seven years for her. PREVIOUS Genesis 29:16 NEXT Genesis 29:18. - World English Bible and the eyes of Leah [are] tender, and Rachel hath been fair of form and fair of appearance. She becomes a mother of seven, tenderly caring for and raising her children to be leaders of the tribes of Israel. Jacob arranges his family so that the maids and their children are placed first, then Leah with her kids. According to this story, Leah was destined to marry Jacob's older twin brother, Esau. Jacob loved and desired Rachel so much that he worked for Laban an additional seven years, a total of fourteen years to marry Rachel. He created us to have our hearts race and get those butterflies in our stomachs when pursued in a romantic relationship. Deep down, most women long to captivate a lover this way, to be pursued and cherished by a committed heart. I did get at least as far as Genesis 29 as an elementary schooler in my somewhat desultory attempts at Bible reading. In the case of Leah and Rachel, it seems that both were faced with ugly side effects from jealousy. ' but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.' (Gen 29:17, ESV) Imagine if you were the first half of this sentence, the bit that comes before the 'but'. 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. Rejoice always,pray without ceasing,give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you. The Hebrew word in Genesis, rakkoth, could also mean tenderhearted or kindhearted. Several, including the well-regarded CSB, stick with the KJVs tender. But others try a different tack, with weak being probably the most popular choice (NIV, ESV, NASB). Leah's name is variously said to mean "wild cow," "gazelle," "wearied," and "weary" in Hebrew. With the birth of each son, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord held in her life. They likely revered and cherished their mother, bringing her untold joy and satisfaction. She and her younger sister, Rachel, were rivals in a soap-opera-like romance with Jacob. In fact, because of Jacob's rejecting her, God took pity on Leah and opened her womb. We must rejoice even when things seem difficult or impossible because we have an incredible Savior who is faithful no matter what happens. Leah will give Rachel the mandrakes in return for a night with Jacob. Focus your attention solely on Him as He gives you all that matters mostcontentment! Thus God hastaken away the livestock of your father and given them to me.In the breeding season of the flock I lifted up my eyes and saw in a dream that the goats that mated with the flock were striped, spotted, and mottled. Leah had an amazing purposeshe was a great (and several more greats) grandmother to Jesus. Who Is the Beast in Revelation 13, and Have We Met Him Yet? Leah and her sister Rachel, whose names mean "cow" and "ewe," give Jacob many sons; and their father gives him actual live-stock. One of those sons was Judah who was listed in Matthew 1 in the genealogy of King David, King Solomon, and the King of Kings Jesus Christ. Leah was the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including his first four (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah), and later two more (Issachar and Zebulun), and a daughter (Dinah). Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/leah-first-wife-of-jacob-701187. She is also mentioned in Ruth 4:11. As the mother of Judah, Leah was part of the ancestry that led to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. 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! 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.. If not marital love, surely children would complete her. The Bible says in Genesis 29:30 that " Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. Leah tried to make Jacob love her through her deeds. We do know that she was the lesser loved of the two wives, he loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30 CSB). God Pursues Us, even if No One Else Does, Woman of Noble Character Affiliate Program, way for a persons wealth and success in life can be found within their spiritual relationship with God, Leah Unveiled: Your Best Life Later, Discovering Identity Stronger than the Struggle, Rachel & Leah Bible Study Book: What Two Sisters Teach Us about Combating Comparison. Leah Unveiled: Your Best Life Later, Discovering Identity Stronger than the StrugglebyMichelle Kelso Kafe, Rachel & Leah Bible Study Book: What Two Sisters Teach Us about Combating ComparisonbyNicki Koziarz, ESVScripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Attitude to what good fortune divided the children unto Leah, God has given me my wages because I my. Is me attitude to what good fortune but Jacobs willingness to labor seven for! 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