Genesis 29:15-20 And Laban said to Jacob, Because you are my brother, should you therefore serve me for nothing? tell me, what shall your wages be?… I. ITS EVIDENCE. 1. He is obliged to accept a position of servitude. 2. He is obliged to prostitute the most sacred affections by consenting to a mercenary bargain. II. ITS CONSOLATION (ver. 20). Love lightens and cheers every task of labour and endurance. A week of years was like a week of days to him. Coleridge says, "No man could be a bad man who loved as Jacob loved Rachel." III. ITS LESSONS FOR HIS POSTERITY. Israel was destined to rise to eminence and power amongst the family of nations. But it was necessary for that people to be reminded of the lowly estate of their forefather. When the Israelite presented his basket of first fruits before the Lord, he was instructed to confess, "A Syrian ready to perish was my father" (Deuteronomy 26:5). The nation was thus taught that all its greatness and prosperity were not due to natural endowments and industry, but to the electing love of God. The strength of His grace was made perfect in weakness. (T. H. Leale.) Parallel Verses KJV: And Laban said unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thou therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what shall thy wages be? |
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