Day 22: Genesis 30-31

Even though Jacob loved Rachel, she still envied her sister, Leah, for her ability to have children. It’s never healthy to be jealous of what someone else has. In fact, the bible has something to say about that:

For where envy and self-seeking exist, confusion and every evil thing are there. James 3:16

Where there’s envy, there’s drama. And based on what we read today, we’ll see the truth of this scripture come to life! Rachel tells Jacob to give her children, or she will die. Have you ever wanted to see change so badly that you’ve felt this way? Maybe you can relate. It was culturally common for wives to use their servants as surrogates to have children on their behalf, as we learned when Sarah did it with Hagar. Rachel’s servant Bilhah gave birth to Dan and Naphtali, and this made Rachel happy.

Leah had ceased having children, so she decided to give her servant, Zilpah, to Jacob. She bore Gad and Asher. This made Leah happy, but can you see the striving, competition, and drama here between the sisters?

Leah’s son, Reuben, found mandrakes in the field during the wheat harvest. Mandrakes were believed to help women conceive. Rachel asked Leah for the mandrakes and told her that she could sleep with Jacob that night in exchange for them. Remember, Leah’s mission has been to get her husband to love her, so she agrees. As a result, she conceives and ends up doing so 3 different times. She bore him 6 sons, and also she had a daughter named Dinah.

God opens Rachel’s womb, and she conceives Joseph. What a sweet reminder that God opens and closes our wombs. It makes me wonder what His thoughts are regarding birth control.

Jacob prospers in the land and decides he is ready to go back to his homeland. His uncle, Laban, learned through divination that Jacob was making him successful, so he wants him to stay. They make a deal. It appears that Jacob has supernatural wisdom regarding the breeding of the flock. How would he know that animals breeding in the sight of speckled branches would produce speckled offspring?

In chapter 31, God uses the family conflict between Laban and Jacob to send Jacob back to his hometown. Laban’s sons were saying that Jacob took everything that their father had. As a result, Laban didn’t favor Jacob anymore. Jacob tells Rachel and Leah that the Lord told him to return to his native land.

The best way for a man to lead his family is to share where God is leading him (Tony Evans Commentary). This is a great, gentle reminder to pray for our husbands. Regardless of what stage of life your husband is in, there is power in your prayer! Pray for his ability to commune, fellowship, and hear the voice of God.

I also notice how God takes care of, prospers, and protects Jacob despite His sin nature and mistakes. He is kind to the sinners (Luke 6:35) because of His mercy. This is encouraging when thinking about loved ones who don’t yet know Jesus.

There is an exchange between Jacob and Laban regarding the idols that Rachel took. No one knows who took them yet, but Jacob says, “Anyone with whom you find your gods shall not live”. I personally believe his words contribute to Rachel’s forthcoming death.

The chapter concludes with Jacob and Laban making a covenant and agreeing to peacefully separate.

This is a grace-filled space—come as you are. If you’d like, comment below to share what stood out to you; your words may bless another sister. You can also connect with us in our GroupMe Bible Study chat (link in your email).

Resources Used:

ESV Single Column Journaling Bible (Original, Black): Holy Bible, English Standard Version

The Tony Evans Bible Commentary: Advancing God's Kingdom Agenda

The Bible Recap: A One-Year Guide to Reading and Understanding the Entire Bible

Bible Hub: https://biblehub.com/

Crayola Silly Scents Twistables Colored Pencils, 12 count

BIC Xtra Strong Mechanical Pencils with Erasers, Thick Point (0.9mm), 24-Count

Mr. Pen- Sticky Index Tabs, 480 Pcs, Colorful Sticky Tabs for Notebooks

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Note: I'm sharing my personal study notes, which means they may contain doctrinal or technical errors. Extend grace as we learn together, and be sure to study the Word for yourself.

By: LaRissa J

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