Jul 30 – 8 Pentecost

Genesis 29:15-28

Jacob’s Marries Laban’s Daughters

 

Background: In the latter part of Genesis we read the stories of the foundation of the patriarchs of Israel, Abraham, Isaac, and later Jacob. The later chapters establish a history for the people of Israel while solidifying a number of motifs of the Old Testament. The story in Genesis also serves to remind the Israelites of God’s covenant relationship with them as the chosen people of God.

Theme: Jacob has taken residence in Haran with his uncle, Laban. Jacob begins what will be a long period of service to “purchase” the hand of his beloved, Rachel, to be his wife. This passage continues the themes of subterfuge and deceit, except the deceiver, Jacob, ends up being deceived.

 

Questions to Ponder:

* Please read Genesis 29:15-28.

* What has occurred prior to this passage? Who are the principle characters in the Jacob saga and what are their influences on this reading?

* What was Jacob’s intent when traveling to Haran? Do you think he was successful in his endeavor?

* Why might Jacob be serving Laban, especially considering that they were kin?

* Why might the betrothal of a daughter be considered “wages” in this case?

* Why do you think the authors/editors include Leah in the story?

* Why might the text identify a trait “Leah’s eyes were lovely (alternatively weak)” as her distinguishing feature?

* In verse 17, an alternative conjunction is also possible between the descriptions of Rachel and Leah, with some translators using the conjunction “but” instead of “and”. How would that choice of conjunction effect the interpretation of the text?

* What do you think the writer is trying to convey about Leah and Rachel, Jacob, and Laban? Do you simply think the commentary about the women is a “typical sexist dig” or is there something else implied in this passage?

* What do you think the phrase “complete the week of this one” means?

* When Laban tricks Jacob by sending Leah in, why do you think Jacob didn’t recognize that the person wasn’t Rachel?

* What do you find incredible in this account? How are the twists and turns not what you expect in the accounting of a patriarch of Israel?

* Do you think Laban’s deception is, somehow, a payback for the dealing between Abraham’s servant and Laban regarding Rebekah?

* What is the good news we take from this story to make our society know God’s presence?