Saturday, June 1, 2013

Genesis 30

More children and some troubles for Jacob

God does wonders in spite of our sins, and not because of them. From the beginning God did not intend for man to have more than one living wife and he did not intend for us to have offspring through hand maids. We see here the trouble caused by people not being patient and obeying the will of God. Did God bless Jacob even though he sinned and made mistakes? Yes, but God blessed him for his righteousness, not for his sins. To say otherwise would make the commandments and laws of God to no effect. 

Rachael is heart broken that her sister is having sons and he is having none. He cries to Jacob in her frustration and he rebukes her. Finally, out of desperation and not divine making, she gives her hand maid to Jacob to bear children. This didn't turn out the best for Abraham, and it won't be the best situation her either. Leah becomes jealous because even though she has given birth to sons, she seems to no longer be able to be pregnant. She she gives her handmaiden to Jacob so that she can 'provide' him with more children. 

Evidently Jacob no longer 'visited' Leah, so when Rachael desires mandrakes from one of Leah's sons, she works out of deal for Jacob to 'visit' her. God smiles on the her and she has another son. Imagine the hard feelings that go around in this family. After Rachael later has Joseph, Jacob decides it is time to leave and tells Laban as much. 

Jacob had used a method to differentiate the cattle and sheep by making some spotted and the others natural color. Laban agrees that the livestock will be separated according this this method. Jacob takes what is his and goes out three days journey. Trouble and Laban are going to follow him, but the Lord is on Jacob's side. 

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