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Women in Jesus' Family Tree Leah, Unwanted and Unloved Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. FULL SCRIPTURE LESSON: Genesis 29:16-30:21 Facts
SummaryAfter stealing his brother's blessing, Jacob escapes his brother's wrath by going to live with his Uncle Laban (Read Genesis 27:1-45).
Jacob made an agreement with Laban to work seven years in return for Rachel as his wife. After seven years, Jacob was ready to marry the love of his life. Laban invited people from the surrounding areas and prepared a great wedding feast. After the festivities was over, Jacob and his new bride went to their tent. In the morning, to Jacob's surprise, his bride was not Rachel, but Leah. When Jacob confronted Laban, his uncle told him it was not traditional for the younger daughter to marry before the older daughter. Jacob had to work another seven years before he could marry Rachel. After the working a second term, Laban gave Jacob his daughter Rachel to be his wife.
StudyWhen reading the selected text, many would tend to sympathize with Jacob. Jacob and Rachel are one of the great couples of the bible. This study will focus on Leah, who was unwanted and unloved. In the text, Leah is simply described as being "weak-eyed". This probably meant that she was cross-eyed or had an "lazy" eye. She had plain features in comparison to her younger sister's beauty. Leah had no prospective suitors and probably was past the age in which women normally married. Laban used her in his scheme to get seven more years of free labor from Jacob as well as rid himself of supporting an "old maid." We can sympathize with Leah. It must have been difficult being constantly overlooked. To make matters worse, Leah was stuck in a marriage in which her husband loved her younger, prettier sister. Leah like most women, probably dreamed about marrying the love of her life. Sadly, since she was considered her father's property, she was forced to marry whomever her father chose. Notice after each of her sons were born, Leah hoped this would earn Jacob's love. Her sons' name reflected this yearning to be loved.
ApplicationWomen spend billions of dollars every year on cosmetics, dietary substances, clothes, and at health clubs. The motivating factor is to appear or feel attractive in a society where beauty plays a dominant role. We must realize our physical attributes do not define us as women. God created each person with their own special characteristics.
God loved Leah and he had an important purpose for her that is often overlooked. She was predestined to bore half of the twelve tribe of Israel. Even more importantly the "Messiah" would descend from her son Judah. Do not waste time and energy on trying to earn the love of a person or people who do not love you. Instead concentrate your efforts on seeking God's will in your life and fulfilling your purpose.
Are you feeling unwanted and unloved today? It is probably time for you to introduce or reintroduce yourself to Jesus. Stop by and read His invitation to you today.
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