Genesis 29 Commentary
It may not be the same well, but a well nevertheless. It’s the meeting place. Marriages are birthed here!
Many years before, Jacob’s father landed here in search of a wife. Of course, Isaac was too important and too high at the palace to represent himself in such matters. The duty fell to the trusted servant in Abraham’s household. He showed up with enough cash to disturb greedy Laban’s head!
Jacob has shown up here with a delegation of himself and empty-handed! His father’s emissary was served by the potential suitor but Jacob slaves it through and through. He waters his uncle’s animals like a slave in need of protection and favor – the blessed Jacob slaves it!
Yesterday, he drew up a contract and handed it over to God. It was a performance-based contract. Today, he has drawn up another contract with Rachel in the picture. The terms are that Jacob works 7 years for Rachel.
Jacob feels he has to work for everything! He determines his own wage – Rachel.
This is Jacob. He bought the birthright, paying a cup of soup for it. Rebekah and Jacob combined to deceive Isaac over the blessing. He also attempted to pay for God’s favor with a tithe and allegiance. This is Jacob.
While Isaac inherits everything Abraham owns, Jacob must start from zero. Everything is different for Jacob, partly because Jacob is Jacob.
We loathe this kind of start to life for the blessed of the LORD. It isn’t appealing! No one wants to be in these shoes. But how else can it be if you copy and paste Jacob’s life? A life of self-reliance and trust in one’s own abilities isn’t one to start smoothly – not for a believer.
Yes, you too can scheme but don’t. You too can deceive but don’t. You too can find yourself in the second place by circumstances beyond your control, but faith demands that you cast your burdens upon the caring Jesus.
Then the straight line to your destiny isn’t the shortest route. The LORD God shifts the target to ensure you score, even with a poorly taken shot. You probably don’t have to slave it for 7 long years for your loved one!
Without the LORD in the picture, even with the 7 years, it is a cheat, a lie, and a waste; you still don’t make it. You only get an annoying version of it! You are still empty and in need!
This chapter informs us of the importance of faith in the LORD God. Jacob is blessed but see his troubles and know your own troubles can be real, even with your title as the blessed of the LORD!
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