Genesis 29:17
Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful.
Leah had weak eyes
The phrase "Leah had weak eyes" has been the subject of much debate and interpretation. The Hebrew word for "weak" is "רַכּוֹת" (rakkot), which can also mean "tender" or "delicate." This could imply that Leah's eyes lacked the brightness or sparkle that was culturally valued at the time. In the ancient Near Eastern context, physical appearance, especially the eyes, was often seen as a reflection of one's inner vitality and attractiveness. Leah's "weak eyes" might suggest a contrast to Rachel's more striking appearance, setting the stage for the familial and relational dynamics that follow. Spiritually, this phrase can remind us that God's purposes and plans often transcend human standards of beauty and worth.

but Rachel was shapely and beautiful
The description of Rachel as "shapely and beautiful" highlights her physical attractiveness, which is emphasized in the Hebrew text. The word "shapely" comes from the Hebrew "יְפַת־תֹּאַר" (yephat-to'ar), meaning "beautiful of form," and "beautiful" is "יְפַת־מַרְאֶה" (yephat-mar'eh), meaning "beautiful of appearance." This dual emphasis on Rachel's form and appearance underscores her desirability and the favor she found in Jacob's eyes. In the cultural and historical context of the patriarchal narratives, physical beauty often played a significant role in marriage and social status. However, from a spiritual perspective, this contrast between Leah and Rachel serves as a reminder that God's choice and blessing are not always aligned with human preferences or societal norms. Rachel's beauty, while significant in the narrative, is not the sole determinant of God's unfolding plan for Jacob's family.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Leah
The elder daughter of Laban, described as having "weak eyes." The Hebrew term (rakkot) can mean tender or delicate, suggesting a contrast to Rachel's beauty.

2. Rachel
The younger daughter of Laban, noted for her beauty and form. She captures Jacob's heart, leading to significant events in the account.

3. Laban
The father of Leah and Rachel, who plays a pivotal role in the unfolding account of Jacob's marriages and service.

4. Jacob
The son of Isaac and Rebekah, who falls in love with Rachel and works for Laban to marry her, only to be deceived into marrying Leah first.

5. Haran
The place where Laban and his family reside, and where Jacob flees to escape his brother Esau's wrath.
Teaching Points
The Value of Inner Beauty
While physical beauty is noted, the Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of inner beauty and character. Leah's account reminds us that God's purposes often transcend human perceptions.

God's Sovereignty in Human Affairs
Despite human preferences and actions, God's plans prevail. Leah, though less favored, becomes the mother of Judah, an ancestor of Jesus, illustrating God's sovereign choice.

The Danger of Favoritism
Jacob's preference for Rachel over Leah leads to family strife. Favoritism can cause division and pain, urging us to treat others with fairness and love.

The Role of Patience and Perseverance
Jacob's long service for Rachel teaches the value of patience and perseverance in pursuing what is right and meaningful.

The Complexity of Human Relationships
The dynamics between Leah, Rachel, and Jacob highlight the complexities of human relationships and the need for grace and understanding.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Leah and Rachel in Genesis 29:17 reflect societal values, and how should we as Christians view beauty and character today?

2. In what ways does the account of Leah and Rachel challenge us to consider God's purposes beyond our immediate desires and preferences?

3. How can the favoritism shown by Jacob towards Rachel serve as a warning in our own relationships and interactions with others?

4. Reflect on a time when you had to wait patiently for something important. How does Jacob's perseverance inspire you in your current circumstances?

5. Considering the broader account of Leah and Rachel, how can we find contentment and purpose in situations where we feel overlooked or undervalued?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 24
The account of Rebekah, Jacob's mother, who was also chosen for her beauty and character, drawing a parallel to Rachel's selection.

1 Samuel 16:7
God's reminder to Samuel that He looks at the heart, not outward appearance, providing a contrast to the emphasis on Rachel's beauty.

Proverbs 31:30
Highlights the fleeting nature of beauty and the value of fearing the Lord, offering a deeper perspective on the qualities that truly matter.
Jacob's Lowly EstateT. H. Leale.Genesis 29:15-20
Jacob's ServitudeF. W. Robertson, M. A.Genesis 29:15-20
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 29:15-20
Marriage DifficultiesD. G. Watt, M. A.Genesis 29:15-20
Serving for a BrideGenesis 29:15-20
The Education of HomeF. B. Meyer, B. A.Genesis 29:15-20
The Purchase of a WifeM. M. Kalisch, Ph. D.Genesis 29:15-20
The Years of Exile and ServitudeT. S. Dickson.Genesis 29:15-20
Jacob Among His Mother's KindredR.A. Redford Genesis 29
People
Bilhah, Haran, Jacob, Laban, Leah, Levi, Nahor, Rachel, Rebekah, Reuben, Simeon, Zilpah
Places
Paddan-aram
Topics
Appearance, Attractive, Beautiful, Clouded, Countenance, Eyed, Face, Fair, Favored, Form, Leah, Leah's, Lovely, Rachel, Tender, Tender-eyed, Weak, Well-favored
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 29:17

     4040   beauty
     5134   blindness, natural

Genesis 29:16-25

     5920   pretence

Genesis 29:16-27

     5674   daughters

Genesis 29:16-28

     5679   dowry

Genesis 29:16-30

     5095   Jacob, life

Library
The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Dispensation of the Divine Favours Reconciled with the Goodness of God.
O God, whose thunder shakes the sky, Whose eye this atom globe surveys, To thee, my only rock, I fly; Thy mercy in thy justice praise. Then why, my soul, dost thou complain? Why drooping seek the dark recess? Shake off the melancholy chain, For God created all to bless.--CHATTERTON. In the preceding part, we considered the doctrine of predestination, under the name of necessity, in its relation to the origin of evil. We there endeavoured to show that it denies the responsibility of man, and
Albert Taylor Bledsoe—A Theodicy, or, Vindication of the Divine Glory

Jesus Works his First Miracle at Cana in Galilee.
^D John II. 1-11. ^d 1 And the third day [From the calling of Philip (John i. 43). The days enumerated in John's first two chapters constitute a week, and may perhaps be intended as a contrast to the last week of Christ's ministry ( John xii. 1). It took two days to journey from the Jordan to Cana] there was a marriage [In Palestine the marriage ceremony usually began at twilight. The feast after the marriage was at the home of the bridegroom, and was sometimes prolonged for several days (Gen. xxix.
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Epistle v. To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor.
To Theoctista, Sister of the Emperor. Gregory to Theoctista, &c. With how great devotion my mind prostrates itself before your Venerableness I cannot fully express in words; nor yet do I labour to give utterance to it, since, even though I were silent, you read in your heart your own sense of my devotion. I wonder, however, that you withdrew your countenance, till of late bestowed on me, from this my recent engagement in the pastoral office; wherein, under colour of episcopacy, I have been brought
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

Question of the Contemplative Life
I. Is the Contemplative Life wholly confined to the Intellect, or does the Will enter into it? S. Thomas, On the Beatific Vision, I., xii. 7 ad 3m II. Do the Moral Virtues pertain to the Contemplative Life? S. Augustine, Of the City of God, xix. 19 III. Does the Contemplative Life comprise many Acts? S. Augustine, Of the Perfection of Human Righteousness, viii. 18 " Ep., cxxx. ad probam IV. Does the Contemplative Life consist solely in the Contemplation of God, or in the Consideration
St. Thomas Aquinas—On Prayer and The Contemplative Life

Departure from Ireland. Death and Burial at Clairvaux.
[Sidenote: 1148, May (?)] 67. (30). Being asked once, in what place, if a choice were given him, he would prefer to spend his last day--for on this subject the brothers used to ask one another what place each would select for himself--he hesitated, and made no reply. But when they insisted, he said, "If I take my departure hence[821] I shall do so nowhere more gladly than whence I may rise together with our Apostle"[822]--he referred to St. Patrick; "but if it behoves me to make a pilgrimage, and
H. J. Lawlor—St. Bernard of Clairvaux's Life of St. Malachy of Armagh

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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