mh_parser/vol_split/1 - Genesis/Chapter 29.xml

<div2 id="Gen.xxx" n="xxx" next="Gen.xxxi" prev="Gen.xxix" progress="20.46%" title="Chapter XXIX">
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<h2 id="Gen.xxx-p0.1">G E N E S I S</h2>
<h3 id="Gen.xxx-p0.2">CHAP. XXIX.</h3>
<p class="intro" id="Gen.xxx-p1">This chapter gives us an account of God's
providences concerning Jacob, pursuant to the promises made to him
in the foregoing chapter. I. How he was brought in safety to his
journey's end, and directed to his relations there, who bade him
welcome, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p1.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.1-Gen.29.14" parsed="|Gen|29|1|29|14" passage="Ge 29:1-14">ver. 1-14</scripRef>. II.
How he was comfortably disposed of in marriage, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p1.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.15-Gen.29.30" parsed="|Gen|29|15|29|30" passage="Ge 29:15-30">ver. 15-30</scripRef>. III. How his family was built
up in the birth of four sons, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p1.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.31-Gen.29.35" parsed="|Gen|29|31|29|35" passage="Ge 29:31-35">ver.
31-35</scripRef>. The affairs of princes and mighty nations that
were then in being are not recorded in the book of God, but are
left to be buried in oblivion; while these small domestic concerns
of holy Jacob are particularly recorded with their minute
circumstances, that they may be in everlasting remembrance. For
"the memory of the just is blessed."</p>
<scripCom id="Gen.xxx-p1.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29" parsed="|Gen|29|0|0|0" passage="Ge 29" type="Commentary"/>
<scripCom id="Gen.xxx-p1.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.1-Gen.29.8" parsed="|Gen|29|1|29|8" passage="Ge 29:1-8" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.29.1-Gen.29.8">
<h4 id="Gen.xxx-p1.6">Jacob's Arrival at
Padan-aram. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p1.7">b. c.</span> 1760.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxx-p2">1 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came into
the land of the people of the east.   2 And he looked, and
behold a well in the field, and, lo, there <i>were</i> three flocks
of sheep lying by it; for out of that well they watered the flocks:
and a great stone <i>was</i> upon the well's mouth.   3 And
thither were all the flocks gathered: and they rolled the stone
from the well's mouth, and watered the sheep, and put the stone
again upon the well's mouth in his place.   4 And Jacob said
unto them, My brethren, whence <i>be</i> ye? And they said, Of
Haran <i>are</i> we.   5 And he said unto them, Know ye Laban
the son of Nahor? And they said, We know <i>him.</i>   6 And
he said unto them, <i>Is</i> he well? And they said, <i>He is</i>
well: and, behold, Rachel his daughter cometh with the sheep.
  7 And he said, Lo, <i>it is</i> yet high day, neither <i>is
it</i> time that the cattle should be gathered together: water ye
the sheep, and go <i>and</i> feed <i>them.</i>   8 And they
said, We cannot, until all the flocks be gathered together, and
<i>till</i> they roll the stone from the well's mouth; then we
water the sheep.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p3">All the stages Israel's march to Canaan are
distinctly noticed, but no particular journal is kept of Jacob's
expedition further than Beth-el; no, he had no more such happy
nights as he had at Beth-el, no more such visions of the Almighty.
That was intended for a feast; he must not expect it to be his
daily bread. But, 1. We are here told how cheerfully he proceeded
in his journey after the sweet communion he had with God at
Beth-el: <i>Then Jacob lifted up his feet;</i> so the margin reads
it, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.1" parsed="|Gen|29|1|0|0" passage="Ge 29:1"><i>v.</i> 1</scripRef>. Then he
went on with cheerfulness and alacrity, not burdened with his
cares, nor cramped with his fears, being assured of God's gracious
presence with him. Note, After the visions we have had of God, and
the vows we have made to him in solemn ordinances, we should run
the way of his commandments with enlarged hearts, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.2" osisRef="Bible:Heb.12.1" parsed="|Heb|12|1|0|0" passage="Heb 12:1">Heb. xii. 1</scripRef>. 2. How happily he
arrived at his journey's end. Providence brought him to the very
field where his uncle's flocks were to be watered, and there he met
with Rachel, who was to be his wife. Observe, (1.) The divine
Providence is to be acknowledged in all the little circumstances
which concur to make a journey, or other undertaking, comfortable
and successful. If, when we are at a loss, we meet seasonably with
those that can direct us—if we meet with a disaster, and those are
at hand that will help us—we must not say that it was by chance,
nor that fortune therein favoured us, but that it was by
Providence, and that God therein favoured us. Our ways are ways of

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pleasantness, if we continually acknowledge
God in them. (2.) Those that have flocks must look well to them,
and be diligent to know their state, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.3" osisRef="Bible:Prov.27.23" parsed="|Prov|27|23|0|0" passage="Pr 27:23">Prov. xxvii. 23</scripRef>. What is here said of the
constant care of the shepherds concerning their sheep (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.2-Gen.29.3 Bible:Gen.29.7 Bible:Gen.29.8" parsed="|Gen|29|2|29|3;|Gen|29|7|0|0;|Gen|29|8|0|0" passage="Ge 29:2,3,7,8"><i>v.</i> 2, 3, 7, 8</scripRef>) may serve
to illustrate the tender concern which our Lord Jesus, the great
Shepherd of the sheep, has for his flock, the church; for he is the
good Shepherd, that knows his sheep, and is known of them,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.5" osisRef="Bible:John.10.14" parsed="|John|10|14|0|0" passage="Joh 10:14">John x. 14</scripRef>. The stone at
the well's mouth, which is so often mentioned here, was either to
secure their property in it (for water was scarce, it was not there
<i>usus communis aquarum—for every one's use</i>), or it was to
save the well from receiving damage from the heat of the sun, or
from any spiteful hand, or to prevent the lambs of the flock from
being drowned in it. (3.) Separate interests should not take us
from joint and mutual help; when all the shepherds came together
with their flocks, then, like loving neighbours, at watering-time,
they watered their flocks together. (4.) It becomes us to speak
civilly and respectfully to strangers. Though Jacob was no
courtier, but a plain man, dwelling in tents, and a stranger to
compliment, yet he addresses himself very obligingly to the people
he met with, and calls them his <i>brethren,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.4" parsed="|Gen|29|4|0|0" passage="Ge 29:4"><i>v.</i> 4</scripRef>. The law of kindness in the tongue
has a commanding power, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.7" osisRef="Bible:Prov.31.26" parsed="|Prov|31|26|0|0" passage="Pr 31:26">Prov. xxxi.
26</scripRef>. Some think he calls them brethren because they were
of the same trade, shepherds like him. Though he was now upon his
preferment, he was not ashamed of his occupation. (5.) Those that
show respect have usually respect shown to them. As Jacob was civil
to these strangers, so he found them civil to him. When he
undertook to teach them how to despatch their business (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.7" parsed="|Gen|29|7|0|0" passage="Ge 29:7"><i>v.</i> 7</scripRef>), they did not bid him
meddle with his own concerns and let them alone; but, though he was
a stranger, they gave him the reason of their delay, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p3.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.8" parsed="|Gen|29|8|0|0" passage="Ge 29:8"><i>v.</i> 8</scripRef>. Those that are
neighbourly and friendly shall have neighbourly and friendly
usage.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxx-p3.10" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.9-Gen.29.14" parsed="|Gen|29|9|29|14" passage="Ge 29:9-14" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.29.9-Gen.29.14">
<h4 id="Gen.xxx-p3.11">Rachel's Humility and
Industry. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p3.12">b. c.</span> 1760.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxx-p4">9 And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came
with her father's sheep: for she kept them.   10 And it came
to pass, when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's
brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob
went near, and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered
the flock of Laban his mother's brother.   11 And Jacob kissed
Rachel, and lifted up his voice, and wept.   12 And Jacob told
Rachel that he <i>was</i> her father's brother, and that he
<i>was</i> Rebekah's son: and she ran and told her father.  
13 And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his
sister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, and kissed
him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban all these
things.   14 And Laban said to him, Surely thou <i>art</i> my
bone and my flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p5">Here we see, 1. Rachel's humility and
industry: <i>She kept her father's sheep</i> (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.9" parsed="|Gen|29|9|0|0" passage="Ge 29:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), that is, she took the care of
them, having servants under her that were employed about them.
Rachel's name signifies <i>a sheep.</i> Note, Honest useful labour
is that which nobody needs be ashamed of, nor ought it to be a
hindrance to any one's preferment. 2. Jacob's tenderness and
affection. When he understood that this was his kinswoman (probably
he had heard of her name before), knowing what his errand was into
that country, we may suppose it struck his mind immediately that
this must be his wife. Being already smitten with her ingenuous
comely face (though it was probably sun-burnt, and she was in the
homely dress of a shepherdess), he is wonderfully officious, and
anxious to serve her (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.10" parsed="|Gen|29|10|0|0" passage="Ge 29:10"><i>v.</i>
10</scripRef>), and addresses himself to her with tears of joy and
kisses of love, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.11" parsed="|Gen|29|11|0|0" passage="Ge 29:11"><i>v.</i>
11</scripRef>. She runs with all haste to tell her father; for she
will by no means entertain her kinsman's address without her
father's knowledge and approbation, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.4" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.12" parsed="|Gen|29|12|0|0" passage="Ge 29:12"><i>v.</i> 12</scripRef>. These mutual respects, at their
first interview, were good presages of their being a happy couple.
3. Providence made that which seemed contingent and fortuitous to
give speedy satisfaction to Jacob's mind, as soon as ever he came
to the place which he was bound for. Abraham's servant, when he
came upon a similar errand, met with similar encouragement. Thus
God guides his people with his eye, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.5" osisRef="Bible:Ps.32.8" parsed="|Ps|32|8|0|0" passage="Ps 32:8">Ps.
xxxii. 8</scripRef>. It is a groundless conceit which some of the
Jewish writers have, that Jacob, when he kissed Rachel, wept
because he had been set upon in his journey by Eliphaz the eldest
son of Esau, at the command of his father, and robbed of all his
money and jewels, which his mother had given him when she sent him
away. It was plain that it was his passion for Rachel, and the
surprise of this happy meeting, that drew these tears from his
eyes. 4. Laban, though none of the best-humoured men, bade him
welcome, was satisfied in the account he gave of himself, and of
the reason of his coming in such poor circumstances. While we avoid
the extreme, on the one hand, of being foolishly credulous, we must
take heed of falling into the other extreme, of being uncharitably
jealous and suspicious. Laban owned him for his kinsman: <i>Thou
art my bone and my flesh,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.14" parsed="|Gen|29|14|0|0" passage="Ge 29:14">v.
14</scripRef>. Note, Those are hard-hearted indeed that are unkind
to their relations, and that <i>hide themselves from their own
flesh,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p5.7" osisRef="Bible:Isa.58.7" parsed="|Isa|58|7|0|0" passage="Isa 58:7">Isa. lviii.
7</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxx-p5.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.15-Gen.29.30" parsed="|Gen|29|15|29|30" passage="Ge 29:15-30" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.29.15-Gen.29.30">
<h4 id="Gen.xxx-p5.9">Jacob's Marriage. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p5.10">b. c.</span> 1753.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxx-p6">15 And Laban said unto Jacob,

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Because thou <i>art</i> my brother, shouldest thou
therefore serve me for nought? tell me, what <i>shall</i> thy wages
<i>be?</i>   16 And Laban had two daughters: the name of the
elder <i>was</i> Leah, and the name of the younger <i>was</i>
Rachel.   17 Leah <i>was</i> tender eyed; but Rachel was
beautiful and well favoured.   18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and
said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger
daughter.   19 And Laban said, <i>It is</i> better that I give
her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with
me.   20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they
seemed unto him <i>but</i> a few days, for the love he had to her.
  21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give <i>me</i> my wife, for my
days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.   22 And Laban
gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast.
  23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his
daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.  
24 And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid <i>for</i>
a handmaid.   25 And it came to pass, that in the morning,
behold, it <i>was</i> Leah: and he said to Laban, What <i>is</i>
this thou hast done unto me? did not I serve with thee for Rachel?
wherefore then hast thou beguiled me?   26 And Laban said, It
must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the
firstborn.   27 Fulfil her week, and we will give thee this
also for the service which thou shalt serve with me yet seven other
years.   28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week: and he
gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also.   29 And Laban gave
to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.  
30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more
than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p7">Here is, I. The fair contract made between
Laban and Jacob, during the month that Jacob spent there as a
guest, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p7.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.14" parsed="|Gen|29|14|0|0" passage="Ge 29:14"><i>v.</i> 14</scripRef>. It
seems he was not idle, nor did he spend his time in sport and
pastime; but like a man of business, though he had no stock of his
own, he applied himself to serve his uncle, as he had begun
(<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p7.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.10" parsed="|Gen|29|10|0|0" passage="Ge 29:10"><i>v.</i> 10</scripRef>) when he
<i>watered his flock.</i> Note, Wherever we are, it is good to be
employing ourselves in some useful business, which will turn to a
good account to ourselves or others. Laban, it seems, was so taken
with Jacob's ingenuity and industry about his flocks that he was
desirous he should continue with him, and very fairly reasons thus:
"<i>Because thou art my brother, shouldst thou therefore serve me
for nought?</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p7.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.15" parsed="|Gen|29|15|0|0" passage="Ge 29:15"><i>v.</i>
15</scripRef>. No, what reason for that?" If Jacob be so respectful
to his uncle as to give him his service without demanding any
consideration for it, yet Laban will not be so unjust to his nephew
as to take advantage either of his necessity or of his good-nature.
Note, Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; if it be their
duty to serve us, it is our duty to reward them. Now Jacob had a
fair opportunity to make known to Laban the affection he had for
his daughter Rachel; and, having no worldly goods in his hand with
which to endow her, he promises him seven years' service, upon
condition that, at the end of the seven years, he would bestow her
upon him for his wife. It appears by computation that Jacob was now
seventy-seven years old when he bound himself apprentice for a
wife, <i>and for a wife he kept sheep,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p7.4" osisRef="Bible:Hos.12.12" parsed="|Hos|12|12|0|0" passage="Ho 12:12">Hos. xii. 12</scripRef>. His posterity are there
reminded of it long afterwards, as an instance of the meanness of
their origin: probably Rachel was young, and scarcely marriageable,
when Jacob first came, which made him the more willing to stay for
her till his seven years' service had expired.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p8">II. Jacob's honest performance of his part
of the bargain, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p8.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.20" parsed="|Gen|29|20|0|0" passage="Ge 29:20"><i>v.</i>
20</scripRef>. He served seven years for Rachel. If Rachel still
continued to keep her father's sheep (as she did, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p8.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.9" parsed="|Gen|29|9|0|0" passage="Ge 29:9"><i>v.</i> 9</scripRef>), his innocent and
religious conversation with her, while they kept the flocks, could
not but increase their mutual acquaintance and affection (Solomon's
song of love is a pastoral); if she now left it off, his easing her
of that care was very obliging. Jacob honestly served out his seven
years, and did not forfeit his indentures, though he was old; nay,
he served them cheerfully: <i>They seemed to him but a few days,
for the love he had to her,</i> as if it were more his desire to
earn her than to have her. Note, Love makes long and hard services
short and easy; hence we read of <i>the labour of love,</i>
<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p8.3" osisRef="Bible:Heb.6.10" parsed="|Heb|6|10|0|0" passage="Heb 6:10">Heb. vi. 10</scripRef>. If we know how
to value the happiness of heaven, the sufferings of this present
time will be as nothing to us in comparison of it. An age of work
will be but as a few days to those that love God and long for
Christ's appearing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p9">III. The base cheat which Laban put upon
him when he was out of his time: he put Leah into his arms instead
of Rachel, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p9.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.23" parsed="|Gen|29|23|0|0" passage="Ge 29:23"><i>v.</i> 23</scripRef>.
This was Laban's sin; he wronged both Jacob and Rachel, whose
affections, doubtless, were engaged to each other, and, if (as some
say) Leah was herein no better than an adulteress, it was no small
wrong to her too. But it was Jacob's affliction, a damp to the

<pb id="Gen.xxx-Page_177" n="177"/>

mirth of the marriage-feast, when in the
morning behold it was Leah, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p9.2" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.25" parsed="|Gen|29|25|0|0" passage="Ge 29:25"><i>v.</i>
25</scripRef>. It is easy to observe here how Jacob was paid in his
own coin. He had cheated his own father when he pretended to be
Esau, and now his father-in-law cheated him. Herein, how
unrighteous soever Laban was, the Lord was righteous; as <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p9.3" osisRef="Bible:Judg.1.7" parsed="|Judg|1|7|0|0" passage="Jdg 1:7">Judges i. 7</scripRef>. Even the righteous, if
they take a false step, are sometimes thus recompensed on the
earth. Many that are not, like Jacob, disappointed in the person,
soon find themselves, as much to their grief, disappointed in the
character. The choice of that relation therefore, on both sides,
ought to be made with good advice and consideration, that, if there
should be a disappointment, it may not be aggravated by a
consciousness of mismanagement.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p10">IV. The excuse and atonement Laban made for
the cheat. 1. The excuse was frivolous: <i>It must not be so done
in our country,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.26" parsed="|Gen|29|26|0|0" passage="Ge 29:26"><i>v.</i>
26</scripRef>. We have reason to think there was no such custom of
his country as he pretends; only he banters Jacob with it, and
laughs at his mistake. Note, Those that can do wickedly and then
think to turn it off with a jest, though they may deceive
themselves and others, will find at last that God is not mocked.
But if there had been such a custom, and he had resolved to observe
it, he should have told Jacob so when he undertook to serve him for
his younger daughter. Note, As saith the proverb of the ancients,
<i>Wickedness proceeds from the wicked,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.24.13" parsed="|1Sam|24|13|0|0" passage="1Sa 24:13">1 Sam. xxiv. 13</scripRef>. Those that deal with
treacherous men must expect to be dealt treacherously with. 2. His
compounding the matter did but make bad worse: <i>We will give thee
this also,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.3" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.27" parsed="|Gen|29|27|0|0" passage="Ge 29:27"><i>v.</i>
27</scripRef>. Hereby he drew Jacob into the sin, and snare, and
disquiet, of multiplying wives, which remains a blot in his
escutcheon, and will be so to the end of the world. Honest Jacob
did not design it, but to have kept as true to Rachel as his father
had done to Rebekah. He that had lived without a wife to the
eighty-fourth year of his age could then have been very well
content with one; but Laban, to dispose of his two daughters
without portions, and to get seven years' service more out of
Jacob, thus imposes upon him, and draws him into such a strait by
his fraud, that (the matter not being yet settled, as it was
afterwards by the divine law, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.4" osisRef="Bible:Lev.18.18" parsed="|Lev|18|18|0|0" passage="Le 18:18">Lev.
xviii. 18</scripRef>, and more fully since by our Saviour,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.5" osisRef="Bible:Matt.19.5" parsed="|Matt|19|5|0|0" passage="Mt 19:5">Matt. xix. 5</scripRef>) he had some
colourable reasons for marrying them both. He could not refuse
Rachel, for he had espoused her; still less could he refuse Leah,
for he had married her; and therefore Jacob must <i>be content, and
take two talents,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.6" osisRef="Bible:2Kgs.5.23" parsed="|2Kgs|5|23|0|0" passage="2Ki 5:23">2 Kings v.
23</scripRef>. Note, One sin is commonly the inlet of another.
Those that go in by one door of wickedness seldom find their way
out but by another. The polygamy of the patriarchs was, in some
measure, excusable in them, because, though there was a reason
against it as ancient as Adam's marriage (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.7" osisRef="Bible:Mal.2.15" parsed="|Mal|2|15|0|0" passage="Mal 2:15">Mal. ii. 15</scripRef>), yet there was no express
command against it; it was in them a sin of ignorance. It was not
the product of any sinful lust, but for the building up of the
church, which was the good that Providence brought out of it; but
it will by no means justify the like practice now, when God's will
is plainly made known, that one man and one woman only must be
joined together, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.8" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.7.2" parsed="|1Cor|7|2|0|0" passage="1Co 7:2">1 Cor. vii.
2</scripRef>. The having of many wives suits well enough with the
carnal sensual spirit of the Mahomedan imposture, which allows it;
but we have not so learned Christ. Dr. Lightfoot makes Leah and
Rachel to be figures of the two churches, the Jews under the law
and the Gentiles under the gospel: the younger the more beautiful,
and more in the thoughts of Christ when he came in the form of a
servant; but he other, like Leah, first embraced: yet in this the
allegory does not hold, that the Gentiles, the younger, were more
fruitful, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p10.9" osisRef="Bible:Gal.4.27" parsed="|Gal|4|27|0|0" passage="Ga 4:27">Gal. iv. 27</scripRef>.</p>
</div><scripCom id="Gen.xxx-p10.10" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.31-Gen.29.35" parsed="|Gen|29|31|29|35" passage="Ge 29:31-35" type="Commentary"/><div class="Commentary" id="Bible:Gen.29.31-Gen.29.35">
<h4 id="Gen.xxx-p10.11">Increase of Jacob's Family. (<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p10.12">b. c.</span> 1749.)</h4>
<p class="passage" id="Gen.xxx-p11">31 And when the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p11.1">Lord</span> saw that Leah <i>was</i> hated, he opened
her womb: but Rachel <i>was</i> barren.   32 And Leah
conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she
said, Surely the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p11.2">Lord</span> hath looked
upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.  
33 And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the
<span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p11.3">Lord</span> hath heard that I <i>was</i>
hated, he hath therefore given me this <i>son</i> also: and she
called his name Simeon.   34 And she conceived again, and bare
a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me,
because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called
Levi.   35 And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she
said, Now will I praise the <span class="smallcaps" id="Gen.xxx-p11.4">Lord</span>:
therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.</p>
<p class="indent" id="Gen.xxx-p12">We have here the birth of four of Jacob's
sons, all by Leah. Observe, 1. That Leah, who was less beloved, was
blessed with children, when Rachel was denied that blessing,
<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.1" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.31" parsed="|Gen|29|31|0|0" passage="Ge 29:31"><i>v.</i> 31</scripRef>. See how
Providence, in dispensing its gifts, observes a proportion, to keep
the balance even, setting crosses and comforts one over-against
another, that none may be either too much elevated or too much
depressed. Rachel wants children, but she is blessed with her
husband's love; Leah wants that, but she is fruitful. Thus it was
between Elkana's two wives (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.2" osisRef="Bible:1Sam.1.5" parsed="|1Sam|1|5|0|0" passage="1Sa 1:5">1 Sam. i.
5</scripRef>); for the Lord is wise and righteous. <i>When the Lord
saw that Leah was hated,</i> that is, loved less than Rachel, in
which sense it is required that we hate father and mother, in
comparison with Christ (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.3" osisRef="Bible:Luke.14.26" parsed="|Luke|14|26|0|0" passage="Lu 14:26">Luke xiv.
26</scripRef>), then the Lord granted her a child, which was a
rebuke

<pb id="Gen.xxx-Page_178" n="178"/>

to Jacob, for making so great a
difference between those that he was equally related to,—a check
to Rachel, who perhaps insulted over her sister upon that
account,—and a comfort to Leah, that she might not be overwhelmed
with the contempt put upon her: thus <i>God giveth abundant honour
to that which lacked,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.4" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.12.24" parsed="|1Cor|12|24|0|0" passage="1Co 12:24">1 Cor. xii.
24</scripRef>. 2. The names she gave her children were expressive
of her respectful regards both to God and to her husband. (1.) She
appears very ambitious of her husband's love: she reckoned the want
of it her affliction (<scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.5" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.32" parsed="|Gen|29|32|0|0" passage="Ge 29:32"><i>v.</i>
32</scripRef>); not upbraiding him with it as his fault, nor
reproaching him for it, and so making herself uneasy to him, but
laying it to heart as her grief, which yet she had reason to bear
with the more patience because she herself was consenting to the
fraud by which she became his wife; and we may well bear that
trouble with patience which we bring upon ourselves by our own sin
and folly. She promised herself that the children she bore him
would gain her the interest she desired in his affections. She
called her first-born <i>Reuben</i> (<i>see a son</i>), with this
pleasant thought, <i>Now will my husband love me;</i> and her third
son <i>Levi</i> (<i>joined</i>), with this expectation, <i>Now will
my husband by joined unto me,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.6" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.34" parsed="|Gen|29|34|0|0" passage="Ge 29:34"><i>v.</i> 34</scripRef>. Mutual affection is both the
duty and comfort of that relation; and yoke-fellows should study to
recommend themselves to each other, <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.7" osisRef="Bible:1Cor.7.33-1Cor.7.34" parsed="|1Cor|7|33|7|34" passage="1Co 7:33,34">1 Cor. vii. 33, 34</scripRef>. (2.) She thankfully
acknowledges the kind providence of God in it: <i>The Lord hath
looked upon my affliction,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.8" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.32" parsed="|Gen|29|32|0|0" passage="Ge 29:32"><i>v.</i> 32</scripRef>. "<i>The Lord hath heard,</i>
that is, taken notice of it, <i>that I was hated</i> (for our
afflictions, as they are before God's eyes, so they have a cry in
his ears), <i>he has therefore given me this son.</i>" Note,
Whatever we have that contributes either to our support and comfort
under our afflictions or to our deliverance from them, God must be
owned in it, especially his pity and tender mercy. Her fourth she
called <i>Judah</i> (<i>praise</i>), saying, <i>Now will I praise
the Lord,</i> <scripRef id="Gen.xxx-p12.9" osisRef="Bible:Gen.29.35" parsed="|Gen|29|35|0|0" passage="Ge 29:35"><i>v.</i> 35</scripRef>.
And this was he of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came.
Note, [1.] Whatever is the matter of our rejoicing ought to be the
matter of our thanksgiving. Fresh favours should quicken us to
praise God for former favours. <i>Now will I praise the Lord</i>
more and better than I have done. [2.] All our praises must centre
in Christ, both as the matter of them and as the Mediator of them.
He descended from him whose name was praise, for he is our praise.
Is Christ formed in my heart? <i>Now will I praise the
Lord.</i></p>
</div></div2>