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Genesis 30 Commentary
by Brad Boyles
Jacob married sisters… just think about that. Rachel had her husband’s love but could not produce sons. Leah could produce sons but did not have her husband’s love. It was a recipe for disaster. It’s no wonder that in Leviticus 18, God forbids a man to marry sisters. Furthermore, this type of shared relationship did not fit God’s standard of one flesh. Clearly, this story stands as an example of why God’s ideal for marriage is between one man and one woman.
Once again we read of a character who was not satisfied to wait and trust God and resorted to taking control. Rachel decided to take matters into her own hands. But why? She had a husband that loved her and she knew the Lord. Why was she so unhappy?
Rachel was playing the comparison game. Comparison turned into competition which ultimately stole her joy. She blames Jacob for her lack of pregnancy even after Jacob has fathered several children with other women. She was willing to accomplish her goal by whatever means necessary, (offering her slave) even deceiving herself by believing she had “won” (Gen 30:8). I’m not quite sure what that means considering Leah ended up with a lot more children.
Once again, however, God remains faithful. He remembers Rachel and she gives birth to Joseph. Throughout the dysfunction, God’s character remains steadfast!