Hello! Welcome to today’s Bible study on Genesis 29. According to Bible scholars, the events of Genesis 29 took place in 1928 B.C. – 1921 B.C. approximately
I encourage you to turn to Genesis 29 in your Bible. Kindly invite the Holy Spirit to guide you as you read and study Genesis 29. I mention this in all the Bible Studies because it is only through the Holy Spirit that we get fresh revelation and knowledge to understand the word of God. He is my teacher and He is also your teacher. No one else can teach you better than the Holy Spirit Himself. I write these bible studies to share with you what the Holy Spirit has taught me and my observations. I am using the New King James Version (NKJV) of the Bible, just in case you want to know.
In the Bible Study on Genesis 28, we read about how Jacob is sent away to his uncle Laban by his parents Isaac and Rebekah and the Lord’s covenant with Jacob at Bethel. In today’s Bible study on Genesis 29, we will read about Jacob serving his uncle Laban and how he ends up with two wives – Leah and Rachel.
Genesis 29 is a continuation of Genesis 28. There is a lot of family drama involved here also.
Without any further delay, let us study together Genesis Chapter 29, shall we?
Genesis 29 at a glance
01
Genesis 29:1-14
Jacob Meets Rachel And Laban
Jacob traveled to Padan Aram, where his mother’s brother Laban lived. He met his cousin Rachel by the family’s well, as she arrived with her father’s sheep. Jacob rolled the stone from the well and helped water all the animals. He introduced himself to Rachel, and she ran home to tell her father, Laban, about meeting her cousin Jacob. When Laban learned that Jacob was his nephew, he brought him home with him.
02
Genesis 29:15-20
Jacob Serves Laban To Marry Rachel
Jacob worked for Laban for seven years in exchange for his daughter Rachel’s hand in marriage, whom he loved deeply. Laban agreed to give Rachel to Jacob only if he worked for him for seven years. Despite the long duration of his work, Jacob felt like the time passed quickly due to his love for Rachel.
03
Genesis 29:21-30
Laban Deceives Jacob
Laban tricked Jacob when it was time for his marriage. He gave Jacob Leah instead of Rachel, with whom Jacob unknowingly slept. Jacob was deceived and questioned Laban about the trickery and how unfair it was. Laban replied that it was improper in their country to give the younger daughter first in marriage. Laban agreed that Jacob could marry Rachel, but only if he worked another seven years. He knew that Jacob was skilled at working and was using him to become rich.
04
Genesis 29:31-35
Jacob Marries Leah And Rachel
Jacob ended up marrying two sisters, Leah and Rachel, along with their servants Zilpah and Bilhah. Although Jacob loved Rachel more, God noticed that Leah was unloved and blessed her with the ability to bear children. As a result, Leah gave birth to four sons- Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah.
Genesis 29: Some Observations
1. Genesis 29:18-20 | Observation
Laban asked Jacob to work for him for 7 years in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage. Laban agreed to this arrangement because he believed it was better for Rachel to marry within the family. Laban’s willingness to pay Jacob’s wages shows that he already knew Jacob’s talents and tried to take advantage of him. Laban was exploiting Jacob to become rich.
Laban’s character is portrayed negatively, as seen in Genesis 24:30, where he appears greedy and materialistic. It is possible that he would not have reacted in the same way if Eliezer had not given Rebekah the gold jewels.
2. Genesis 29:21-25 | Observation
Laban was a cruel and unscrupulous man who took advantage of Jacob’s love for Rachel. He used Rachel as a weapon to deceive Jacob and forced him to work for him for another 7 years just to be with her. Laban only cared about his own profit and did not respect the love between Rachel and Jacob.
In addition, he showed no regard for Leah’s feelings when he pushed her onto Jacob, knowing that he was not interested in her. Laban sinned by deceiving Jacob and forced him to marry Leah unknowingly. Jacob had no intention of marrying Leah and had not signed up for that. Essentially, he created an unwanted love triangle that caused much pain and suffering for Jacob, Rachel and Leah.
3. Genesis 29:31-35 | Observation
The Lord can use imperfect humans for His purposes. Leah, despite being unloved and not Jacob’s chosen wife, gave birth to some of the tribes of Israel who were indeed Jacob’s descendants. The Lord showed mercy on her. However, Leah associated her self-worth with having children and believed that by bringing forth children for her husband, he would love her. She longed to be loved, but love cannot be forced or obtained through external means.
Lessons we can learn from Genesis 29
1. Genesis 29:18-20
Get the Lord’s approval before trusting someone
Jacob made a mistake by trusting his uncle Laban and assuming that he had good intentions towards him. He was wrong to think that his uncle would never harm him simply because they were family. In my opinion, Jacob should have sought guidance and approval from the Lord before trusting someone.
Keep Your Promises
However, we cannot blame Jacob completely for his actions because in those days, one’s word was taken seriously and was considered as a promise and a covenant, which could not be broken easily. Laban broke his promise to Jacob. Even in this day and age, it is important to keep our promises and uphold our words. A person’s ability to keep their promises is an important factor in their character.
2. Genesis 29:21-25
You reap what you sow
In Genesis 27, Jacob deceived Isaac and stole Esau’s blessing by going along with his mother Rebekah’s plan. Now, Laban, along with his eldest daughter Leah, deceived Jacob. Jacob reaped what he had sowed. The deceiver became the deceived.
3. Genesis 29:31-35
The Lord Opens and Closes Wombs
It is the Lord who opens and closes the wombs and everything works according to His divine plan and purpose.
Conclusion
This concludes the bible study lesson on Genesis 29. I hope you learnt something from this free bible study and found it helpful in your Bible study journey. Feel free to share it with others. Also, share your thoughts about it and what the Holy Spirit has revealed to you about Genesis 29. If you have any questions or comments, please leave them below. I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Until Next Time, God-willing!