From Eden to Egypt Day 37

So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her. - Genesis 29:20 (NIV)

Jacob & Laban as depicted by Restout

Jacob was willing to work with his uncle Laban in return for his younger daughter Rachel.  Laban appears to agree with the "wages" for the young man's labor.  After all, to summarize Laban's words in verse 19, it would be better than Jacob have her than some other man.  As the passage reads in more than one place, Jacob loved Rachel.


One of my favorite songs is Bobby Caldwell's What you Won't Do for Love.  It appears that before such a song was even recorded, Jacob demonstrated that love will take you on a strange ride.  It drove Jacob to work for seven years to get the one he loved.

25 When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?”

26 Laban replied, “It is not our custom here to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. 27 Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.” - Genesis 29:25-27 (NIV)

Did I mention that Laban was Rebekah's brother? The very same woman who had favored one son over the other and who schemed with her son to steal the other's birthright was related to Laban.  That pretty much explains how we arrive at the situation where Laban has duped his young nephew, replacing Leah for Rachel.  Imagine being in that family.

 

Yet, after confronting Laban, Jacob still agrees to do another seven years in return for Rachel.  The man was in love.  He knew what he wanted and he was determined to get it.  He definitely went out of his way for this woman.

Jacob teaches us a lesson here.  He didn't simply settle.  He went for what he wanted with determination.  He didn't get detoured or distracted by Laban's deception.  He maintained his focus on his love for Rachel.  He didn't sue Laban or try to give her back to Uncle Laban.  He dealt with things as they were and went forward with focus.  Many of us need to see this and understand that we, too, need to deal things and move forward.  Delays and downfalls will happen. We need to move on and move forward with determination and focus on our goal, even if it is for love.

Jacob made love to Rachel also, and his love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah. And he worked for Laban another seven years. - Genesis 29:30 (NIV)