further account of Jacob's family. (1-13) Rachel beareth
Joseph. (14-24) Jacob's new agreement with Laban to serve him
for cattle. (25-43)
Verses 1-13: Rachel envied her sister: envy is grieving at the good of
another, than which no sin is more hateful to God, or more
hurtful to our neighbours and ourselves. She considered not that
God made the difference, and that in other things she had the
advantage. Let us carefully watch against all the risings and
workings of this passion in our minds. Let not our eye be evil
towards any of our fellow-servants, because our Master's is
good. Jacob loved Rachel, and therefore reproved her for what
she said amiss. Faithful reproofs show true affection. God may
be to us instead of any creature; but it is sin and folly to
place any creature in God's stead, and to place that confidence
in any creature, which should be placed in God only. At the
persuasion of Rachel, Jacob took Bilhah her handmaid to wife,
that, according to the usage of those times, her children might
be owned as her mistress's children. Had not Rachel's heart been
influenced by evil passions, she would have thought her sister's
children nearer to her, and more entitled to her care than
Bilhah's. But children whom she had a right to rule, were more
desirable to her than children she had more reason to love. As
an early instance of her power over these children, she takes
pleasure in giving them names that carry in them marks of
rivalry with her sister. See what roots of bitterness envy and
strife are, and what mischief they make among relations. At the
persuasion of Leah, Jacob took Zilpah her handmaid to wife also.
See the power of jealousy and rivalship, and admire the wisdom
of the Divine appointment, which joins together one man and one
woman only; for God hath called us to peace and purity.
Verses 14-24: The desire, good in itself, but often too great and
irregular, of being the mother of the promised Seed, with the
honour of having many children, and the reproach of being
barren, were causes of this unbecoming contest between the
sisters. The truth appears to be, that they were influenced by
the promises of God to Abraham; whose posterity were promised
the richest blessings, and from whom the Messiah was to descend.
Verses 25-43: The fourteen years being gone, Jacob was willing to
depart without any provision, except God's promise. But he had
in many ways a just claim on Laban's substance, and it was the
will of God that he should be provided for from it. He referred
his cause to God, rather than agree for stated wages with Laban,
whose selfishness was very great. And it would appear that he
acted honestly, when none but those of the colours fixed upon
should be found among his cattle. Laban selfishly thought that
his cattle would produce few different in colour from their own.
Jacob's course after this agreement has been considered an
instance of his policy and management. But it was done by
intimation from God, and as a token of his power. The Lord will
one way or another plead the cause of the oppressed, and honour
those who simply trust his providence. Neither could Laban
complain of Jacob, for he had nothing more than was freely
agreed that he should have; nor was he injured, but greatly
benefitted by Jacob's services. May all our mercies be received
with thanksgiving and prayer, that coming from his bounty, they
may lead to his praise.
further account of Jacob's family. (1-13) Rachel beareth
Joseph. (14-24) Jacob's new agreement with Laban to serve him
for cattle. (25-43)