Plug in, Turn on and Be En light ened! Create an account or log in to get started. 1 Dinah, Jacob's daughter by Leah, went out to see the young women of the land. James 1:16-17 says, Dont be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. Leah was the chosen vessel through which the Messiah would be born and her weak eyes and her appeal to Yahweh may be a clue that she had had an encounter with Yahweh at some point in her earlier life. It can be clear that Jacobs favoring of Rachel was taken by Leah as a clear sign of rejection. The question is this: When push comes to shove, do I go with Christian peer pressure or with Gods Word as I see it? While their marriage began with deception, Leah was honored at her death by Jacob. English Bible readers have wondered if this is another way of saying her eyes were deformed (cross-eyed, lazy-eyed, or the like). Leah Lively is a wife and mother of four living in central Virginia. This fits just fine with the traditional KJV rendering of tender, which could be positive or negative. God chose and elevated those whose hearts are pure before him. The two sisters competed throughout their lives for Jacob's affection. Jealousy can be an ugly feeling that we all share. Scripture simply states the sad truth: "And Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah." An Unloved Wife. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise theLord. Therefore she called his nameJudah. Laban has instead placed Leah in Jacobs arms instead of the sought-after Rachel. She has three more sons, namely Simeon, Levi and Judah, but does not bear another son until Rachel offers her a night with Jacob in exchange for some mandrake root (, dd'm). You may also enjoy this sermon about the lessons we can learn from Leah in the Bible: Or one of these recommendations about Leah in the Bible and the lessons we can learn from her. Laban is willing to give Rachel's hand to Jacob as long as he works seven years for her. It is unclear whether Leah had any say in the matter. Feeling overlooked or not good enough can be a deep hurt and can snowball into feelings of being less than, forgotten, or the fear of not being wanted. Leah is the subject of this first half . When Jacob found out he had been tricked, he labored another seven years for Rachel. Were made to yearn for belonging and completion. It turns out his name is Jacob and he is looking for a worthy wife. Perhaps having poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacobs day? He will marry Rachel quickly after his current wedding week is completed, then work for another seven years. But in the end, after prayer and effort, I think you need to hope for and achieve some kind of interpretive resolution if at all possible. Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost? Her marriage was not ideal, but God used it for His glory as she held an honored first position. However, Jacob has no money to offer Rachels father Laban a bride price, so he arranges to work for him for seven years to marry her. Can God really use even me? And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. After seven years, the wedding finally arrives, and the veiled bride eventually becomes Jacobs wife. At this point, Rachel is incredibly jealous and gives her handmade Bilhah to Jacob. The world is always trying to get us hooked on material things, but the best way for a persons wealth and success in life can be found within their spiritual relationship with God. Oh, Leah in the Bible! Also see: He is also a host for Logos Live and is an active YouTuber. It is based on the word root Hodaah, connoting Give Thanks, Praise.. Perhaps she just looked listless, dull? Today and in biblical times, contentment is not a prevalent quality. Read Genesis (YLT) Read Genesis 29:17 (YLT) in Parallel. Jacob arranges his family so that the maids and their children are placed first, then Leah with her kids. Young's Literal Translation for Genesis 29:17. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. [18], Leah died some time before Jacob (according to Genesis 49:31). We do know that she was the lesser loved of the two wives, he loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30 CSB). She is also mentioned in Ruth 4:11. While Leah and Rachel competed for Jacobs attention, Leah is honored in her death as the first wife of Jacob. Scripture tells us Rachel was "lovely in form, and beautiful." Why did Jesus say to throw the net on the right side? Two Men Encounter the Bible from Very Different Circumstances. Jacob has no money to offer Rachels father Laban a bride price, so he arranges to work for him for seven years to marry her. Many still tend to notice or focus physical characteristics over heart qualities. Leah is a matriarch of her people and of Christ. When there is particular difficulty regarding a certain interpretation, I may offer some hedging, or I may walk listeners through some of the interpretive options. Leah fell short of the conventional standard of beauty in the ancient world. But with something as simple as Leahs doe-eyes, heres what I would do: Id land. Hamilton (NICOT) concluded that the phrase at issue here is a positive reference to something tender or delicate in Leahs appearance. The commentary of Rashi cites a Rabbinic interpretation of how Leah's eyes became weak. After seven years, the wedding arrives, and the veiled bride finally becomes Jacobs wife. Leah in the Bible is the older daughter of Laban and Jacob's first wife. Leah eventually has two more sons with Jacob, Issachar and Zebulon, and Jacob's only daughter, Dinah. In Genesis 29, we meet Leah. There was a definite weakness when it came to the look of Leah's eyes. Its when there is disjunction that my true allegiance shows. So lonely was she that even the Lord took notice of it and blessed her with many children as consolation. This is how far I got on my own. Whatever the case was, Leah was unattractive, so Jacob preferred to marry her (beautiful) sister Rachel. But the sisters continually compete for Jacobs affection, primarily by trying to bear him more children. Another example of typical, modern-day, watering-down of Gods Word within scholarly circles! "Meet Leah: First Wife of Jacob." You have to earn the right to your opinion, of course. Although Jacob overlooked Leahs position in the family, God gave her the position of being the first daughter, the first wife, and the first mother to Jacobs first son. 1 Read: Why Just Four Mothers? In Leahs story, we can be encouraged that a life redeemed can not occur with the perfect spouse or an abundance of children, but a with a heart that is tender and surrendered to God. See Genesis chapters 29-30. Rachel was younger and had a beautiful face and figure. Leahs eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. - Youngs Literal Bible And Leah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was of beautiful form and fair to look upon. 17 and the eyes of Leah [are] tender, and Rachel hath been fair of form and fair of appearance. Leah gives birth to two more sons after this, Issachar and Zebulun, and to Jacob's only daughter, Dinah. And they rule out some bad ideas that occur to me (or to others). And if Im uncertain, I find, often enough so are theytaken collectively, that is. [9] It is argued as to whether the adjective "tender" () should be taken to mean "delicate and soft" or "weary".[10]. This book was named from the author who was an eye witness to Jesus's life and ministry. "[11] Hearing this, Leah spent most of her time weeping and praying to God to change her destined mate. One of those six was Judah, who is listed in Matthew 1 as part of the genealogy for King David, and finally Jesus Christ himself! Get a roundup of new Word by Word articles in your inbox each Friday. Until further notice, this website will not be receiving further updates. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Leah is portrayed to be the unloved wife of the biblical patriarch Jacob. The interpreters of the Old Testament added those words to the text much later. What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan? One of those sons was Judah who was listed in Matthew 1 in the genealogy of King David, King Solomon, and the King of Kings Jesus Christ. Leahs heart was tender and created specifically to fulfill the task of Jacobs first wife and many sons. Furious, Jacob makes another agreement with Laban. In the time of her trials, Leah chose to praise and be thankful for Gods role in her life. Then he commanded them and said to them, I am to begathered to my people;bury me with my fathersin the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan,which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. Jacob continues to show favoritism toward Rachel, but after Leahs third child is born, Leah seems to have a change of heart. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. Deep down, most women long to captivate a lover this way, to be pursued and cherished by a committed heart. Relevant Lessons From Leah's Life Leahs tender heart made her the perfect candidate to fulfill Jacobs First Wife duties by bearing him many sons! But the God of my fatherhas been with me. Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, Jacob, and I said, Here I am!And he said, Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, forI have seen all that Laban is doing to you.I am the God of Bethel,where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. At the time, Leah only knew that her fourth son evoked praise to God and named him Judah. Weak eyes and all. Leah chose to praise and be thankful for Gods role in her life. This level of praise left a legacy which brought us a Savior. Here are 5 surprising facts about Leah that take her story from deep sorrow to eternal joy: In Genesis 29:13 CSB Rachel is described by her outward appearance as shapely and beautiful. Leah is identified as having tender eyes. Other translations say weak, delicate, ordinary, or plain. While others may appear to have everything together on the outside, focus on the condition of your heart. Zavada, Jack. With the birth of each son, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord held in her life. The only thing weak eyes can mean, in context, is that Leah was less physically attractive than Rachel. It can be frustrating as a Bible interpreter to have to land on ground you know is a bit unstable. That seems logical since a contrast is made with her beautiful sister Rachel. Despite her years of worry, disappointment, and feelings that shes not enough, Leah goes on to be the mother of six sons, including one (Judah) named in Christs lineage. The blessing we see in Leahs life is that her dependence on Jacobs love and attention slowly turns toward God. The Hebrew word in Genesis, rakkoth, could also mean tenderhearted or kindhearted. For Leah, God's seeing her and granting her sons does not bring her the love she wants. The Bible does not give us many details about Leah. All we have to do for his love is accept it. Whatever is said about you, it's not flattering. This is evident as she named her fourth son, Judah, meaning praise. We first learn that she was unloved and unfavored with a tender heart versus an attractive body. God ensures Leah a life of honor because He is her Lord. He doesn't need us to lose the baby weight, tone up, or look "put together" before he can use us. God, of course, saw this and allowed Leah to have four sons. These men were among the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel. Theres nothing to obey or disobey in Genesis 29:17. You will find abundance in your relationship with the Lord. God also has a calling on your life and will make all circumstances work together for your good. Her father doesn't want her either. She lies with all of those ancestors and founders of faith in their final resting place. According to this story, Leah was destined to marry Jacob's older twin brother, Esau. But listen for the one odd figure of speech Moses uses in this litany of feminine pulchritude (or the lack thereof): Now Laban had two daughters. Clarke's Commentary. At first glance, Leahs story is full of grief. Mark Ward (PhD, Bob Jones University) is Senior Editor for Digital Content at Word by Word, the official Logos blog. He is the author "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.". In the light of day and the absence of a veil, the following day, the truth is revealed. Leah Unveiled: Your Best Life Later, Discovering Identity Stronger than the StrugglebyMichelle Kelso Kafe, Rachel & Leah Bible Study Book: What Two Sisters Teach Us about Combating ComparisonbyNicki Koziarz, ESVScripture quotations are from The ESV Bible (The Holy Bible, English Standard Version), copyright 2001 by Crossway, a publishing ministry of Good News Publishers. Her children led half of the tribes of Israel. Leah was older, had weak or delicate eyes, and apparently was not attractive. They would rather change the offensive precious words of God than insult Leah! Would you take away my sons mandrakes also? Rachel said, Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your sons mandrakes.When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, You must come in to me, for I have hired you with my sons mandrakes. So he lay with her that night. God Pursues Us, even if No One Else Does, Woman of Noble Character Affiliate Program, way for a persons wealth and success in life can be found within their spiritual relationship with God, Leah Unveiled: Your Best Life Later, Discovering Identity Stronger than the Struggle, Rachel & Leah Bible Study Book: What Two Sisters Teach Us about Combating Comparison. What happened to those saints raised from the dead in Matthew 27:52-53? Pursuing the Lord keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. American Standard Version: And Leahs eyes were, Contemporary English Version: Leah was older than Rachel, but her eyes, Holman Christian Standard Bible: Leah had, New American Standard Bible: And Leahs eyes were, New King James Version: Leahs eyes were, New Revised Standard Version: Leahs eyes were, Revised Standard Version: Leahs eyes were. Contact Us (Mailing Address for Donations). She was not the preferred wife, often forgotten by her husband as his attention remained with Rachel, but at the end of her life, Leah was honored by Jacob as she was laid to rest with her fellow matriarchs and patriarchs of faith. PREVIOUS Genesis 29:16 NEXT Genesis 29:18. For theLordsees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,but theLordlooks on the heart.. [15] Frustrated that she was not able to conceive at all, Rachel offered to trade her night with their husband with Leah in return for the mandrakes. Jacob did not see, hear, or attach himself to Leah, but the Lord filled the void Jacob created in Leahs life. Sometimes people have an eye that is slightly crossed, or sometimes eyes that are big and bulging, etc. Seeing that she was unable to conceive, Rachel offered her handmaid Bilhah to Jacob, and named and raised the two sons (Dan and Naphtali) that Bilhah gave birth to. Whatever the case, her eyes were not attractive, and are mentioned as a detriment to her looks. Jacob clearly prefers Rachel, and God compensates Leah by making her fertile while Rachel remains barren. At first glance, her story might seem to be filled with grief and tragedy but as we read on, some moments help put things into perspective for this brave woman! Sometimes it is difficult not to compare ourselves to these picture-perfect women. I try to walk down the middle of this road. Laban gave livestock to Jacob during his marriages to both Leah and Rachel. New King James Version Leah's eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance. If Zilpah and Bilhah were indeed half-sisters of Leah, this would make Leah's adoptive sons, Gad and Asher, and Rachel's adoptive sons, Dan and Naphtali, her nephews. Romans 8:28 CSB says, We know all things work together for the good of those who love God, who are called according to his purpose. God had a specific calling on Leahs life whether Jacob preferred her or not. Genesis 29:17 Most of us have read the passage above about Jacob's wives as describing Leah's bad eyesight. With the birth of each son, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord held in her life. But Jacobs willingness to labor seven years for her demonstrates feelings deeper than flattery or casual interest. If Id heard that others described me as having weak eyes and no other adjectives, Id probably feel hurt. When he meets the stunning shepherdess, Jacob is overcome with joy. She may not have been Jacobs choice, but she was chosen by God to play a role in the birth of Savior of the world. (NIV), Genesis 29:31When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. (Physical appearance is irrelevant in Gods eyes. When Jacob asks the sisters to come with him back home to Canaan, they are unhappy that their father gave them nothing of what he received as bridewealth during his years of service to their father. Even though her husband Jacob favored Rachel, Leah remained committed, enduring this unfairness through faith in God. Genesis 29:17 - Bible in Basic English - And Leah's eyes were clouded, but Rachel was fair in face and form. But today, his eyes are a flame of fire as he awaits the appointed time for his return to Planet Earth.. The Torah introduces Leah by describing her with the phrase, "Leah had tender eyes" (Biblical Hebrew: ) (Genesis 29:17). Leah becomes Jacob's wife through a deception on the part of her father, Laban. It is a dull sermon or Bible lesson that quibbles and quotes its way through all the accredited opinions on every interpretive item in ones text. Kidner (TOTC) and Wenham (WBC), both of whom I greatly respect, also came up with a view I admit I did not expect. Leahs eyes, in their views, were either weak in power or color (Kidner) or in sparkle or fire (Wenham). In Leahs story, we can be encouraged that a life redeemed can not occur with the perfect spouse or an abundance of children but with a heart that is tender and surrendered to God. May theLordmake the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah,who togetherbuilt up the house of Israel. What the Bible indicates here is that Jacob did not love Leah at all. By marrying Jacob and bearing his sons, who would be raised in the tzadik's home and continue his mission into the next generation (indeed, all 12 sons became tzadikim in their own right and formed the foundation of the Nation of Israel), they would develop an even closer relationship to God. By the way, let me point out that, through elaborate scheming of Laban, these sisters father, Jacob ended up marrying both women (Leah and Rachel were also Jacobs first-cousins). As the mother of Judah, Leah was part of the ancestry that led to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. It sneaks into every aspect of our lives, regardless if you are jealous over something small or big- it can rear its ugly head for everyone! Pursuing God keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. Ive puzzled over this phrase since I was a kid. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. In these verses, Jacob requests for his body to be laid there also. For Leah, learning to simply praise God is the same thing as resignation. In the Biblical account, Jacob is dispatched to the hometown of Labanthe brother of his mother Rebekahto avoid being killed by his brother Esau, and to find a wife. Rachel's eyes were beautiful yet she could not see God's way. Nowarise, go out from this land and return to the land of your kindred.Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, Is thereany portion or inheritance left to us in our fathers house? In a world as troubled as our own, it is no wonder that this aspect of Leah's narrative carries lasting resonance. The stakes are low. Jacob's first wife was second in his heart. Since God created humans, we have looked for validation and belonging from things and people who could never sustain it for us. Leah was buried with fellow women who were not perfect, but worthy of honor because they birthed sons who fulfilled Gods promise to Abraham. She may not have been Jacobs choice, but God chose her to play a role in the birth of the Savior of the world. Many Bible experts say the verse refers to Leah's lack of attractiveness rather than her eyesight. But its an arrogant Bible teacher who doesnt care to listen to skillful teachers. Leah was Jacob's first wife, and the older sister of his second (and favored) wife Rachel. What does Anathema Maranatha mean in 1 Corinthians 16:22? God also has a calling on your life and will make all circumstances work together for your good. After Jacob tricked his father and stole his brother's birthright ( Genesis 27:1-29 ), he was forced to flee to the home of his uncle Laban in Harran. Leah was the mother of six of Jacob's sons, including his first four (Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah), and later two more (Issachar and Zebulun), and a daughter (Dinah). Here are 10 Lessons We Can Learn from Leah in the Bible 1. But its our job as readers to whom Christ may say one day, Have you not read ? And its our job as heraldsthose of us who are heraldsto do our best to repeat the message the King wrote down for distribution in his realm. Manners & customs of the Bible (p. 55). (Another piece of what I hope to be wisdom: if you are indeed a preacher or Bible teacher, and if you happen to know that a majority of your hearers for a given lesson or sermon are carrying a translation that takes one side or the other, its generally best to stick with that side. God sees your heart and knows your hurts, disappointments, and wounds. Leah's name is variously said to mean "wild cow," "gazelle," "wearied," and "weary" in Hebrew. (Genesis 29:17, NIV), In the same verse is a description of Leah that scholars have been arguing about for centuries:"Leah had weak eyes." Her second son she named Simeon (the Lord has heard that I am hated). Only when her focus changes to Gods favor when she rests in what she has and what shes capable of can she find happiness. Through her sons Levi and Judah, she is thus the matriarch of both the priestly (Levite) and royal (Judahite) tribes in Israel. According to the scriptures, God saw that Leah was "unloved" and opened her womb as consolation. I own hundreds of commentaries, though, because they do answer some questions definitively for me. Unlike her younger sister Rachel, Leah was ordinary looking, what we might call a plain Jane. There were no striking features about Leahs face or appearance, with particular emphasis on her eyes. Bilhah to Jacob as long as he awaits the appointed time for his love is accept it God has... Sometimes people have an eye witness to Jesus & # x27 ; s Literal Translation for 29:17..., dull her eyesight what is the older sister of his second ( and favored ) Rachel. 'S affection women of the conventional standard of beauty in the light of day and the older sister of second. Heart qualities Live and is an active YouTuber the only thing weak eyes no! 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