Leah and Rachel

Jacob worked for seven years to take Rachel as his wife. Jacob's uncle Laban tricked Jacob and gave him the older sister Leah in the night. When morning came Jacob was upset that he was given Leah and not Rachel. Laban said to give Leah her week, (her honeymoon), then I will give you Sarah as well. You will have to work seven more years.

Gen 29:27  Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years.
Gen 29:28  And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.
Gen 29:29  And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.
Gen 29:30  And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.
Gen 29:31  And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.

God looks on the heart and he favored Leah by giving her children while Rachel was unable to conceive. The lineage of the Messiah would come through Leah's fourth son Judah. Eventually Rachel would conceive and have Joseph. He became the father's favorite which caused the sons of Leah to hate him. Sarah would die at the birth of her last son, Benjamin.

If you feel that you were unloved or rejected by a parent, learn from this story that God looks upon the heart.  Seek favor from God and not man and do not hate someone because they received more favor. God made you and has given you a calling and a purpose, just for you. You were not a mistake. What is desired by the world often is not what God desires. Be faithful and humble and God will bless you.

Eaglewings Ministries Home