acob comes to the well of Haran. (1-8) His interview with
Rachel, Laban entertains him. (9-14) Jacob's covenant for
Rachel, Laban's deceit. (15-30) Leah's sons. (31-35)
Verses 1-8: Jacob proceeded cheerfully in his journey, after the sweet
communion he had with God at Beth-el. Providence brought him to
the field where his uncle's flocks were to be watered. What is
said of the care of the shepherds for their sheep, may remind us
of the tender concern which our Lord Jesus, the great Shepherd
of the sheep, has for his flock the church; for he is the good
Shepherd, that knows his sheep, and is known of them. The stone
at the well's mouth was to secure it; water was scarce, it was
not there for every one's use: but separate interests should not
take us from helping one another. When all the shepherds came
together with their flocks, then, like loving neighbours, they
watered their flocks together. The law of kindness in the tongue
has a commanding power, (Pr 31:26). Jacob was civil to these
strangers, and he found them civil to him.
Verses 9-14: See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be
ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any
one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his
kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the
best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the
account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly
ready to believe every thing which is told us, we must take heed
of being uncharitably suspicious.
Verses 15-30: During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not
idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some
useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue
with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our
duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he
had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with
which to endow her, he promises seven years' service Love makes
long and hard services short and easy; hence we read of the
labour of love, (Heb 6:10). If we know how to value the
happiness of heaven, the sufferings of this present time will be
as nothing to us. An age of work will be but as a few days to
those that love God, and long for Christ's appearing. Jacob, who
had imposed upon his father, is imposed upon by Laban, his
father-in-law, by a like deception. Herein, how unrighteous
soever Laban was, the Lord was righteous: see (Jdg 1:7). Even
the righteous, if they take a false step, are sometimes thus
recompensed in the earth. And many who are not, like Jacob, in
their marriage, disappointed in person, soon find themselves, as
much to their grief, disappointed in the character. The choice
of that relation ought to be made with good advice and thought
on both sides. There is reason to believe that Laban's excuse
was not true. His way of settling the matter made bad worse.
Jacob was drawn into the disquiet of multiplying wives. He could
not refuse Rachel, for he had espoused her; still less could he
refuse Leah. As yet there was no express command against
marrying more than one wife. It was in the patriarchs a sin of
ignorance; but it will not justify the like practice now, when
God's will is plainly made known by the Divine law, (Le 18:18),
and more fully since, by our Saviour, that one man and woman
only must be joined together, (1Co 7:2).
Verses 31-35: The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect
and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a
son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or
joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual
affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation;
and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each
other, (1Co 7:33,34). She thankfully acknowledges the kind
providence of God in hearing her. Whatever supports and comforts
us under afflictions, or tends to our deliverance from them, God
must be owned in it. Her fourth son she called Judah, or praise,
saying, Now will I praise the Lord. This was he, of whom, as
concerning the flesh, Christ came. Whatever is the matter of our
rejoicing, ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. Fresh
favours should quicken us to praise God for former favours; Now
will I praise the Lord more and better than I have done. All our
praises must centre in Christ, both as the matter of them, and
as the Mediator of them. He descended after the flesh from him
whose name was "Praise," and He is our praise. Is Christ formed
in my heart? Now will I praise the Lord.
acob comes to the well of Haran. (1-8) His interview with
Rachel, Laban entertains him. (9-14) Jacob's covenant for
Rachel, Laban's deceit. (15-30) Leah's sons. (31-35)