Locations
All stories point to the story.
Genesis 29:1, 13-35
[1] Then Jacob went on his journey and came to the land of the people of the east.
[15] Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” [16] Now Laban had two daughters. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. [17] Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance.
Now, Bible scholars have debated on what “weak eyed” means. But since it’s contrasted with Rachel being beautiful, it can’t be good.
[18] Jacob loved Rachel. And he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” [19] Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” [20] So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.
[21] Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go in to her, for my time is completed.” [22] So Laban gathered together all the people of the place and made a feast. [23] But in the evening he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and he went in to her. [24] (Laban gave his female servant Zilpah to his daughter Leah to be her servant.) [25] And in the morning, behold, it was Leah! And Jacob said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Did I not serve with you for Rachel? Why then have you deceived me?” [26] Laban said, “It is not so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. [27] Complete the week of this one, and we will give you the other also in return for serving me another seven years.” [28] Jacob did so, and completed her week. Then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife. [29] (Laban gave his female servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel to be her servant.) [30] So Jacob went in to Rachel also, and he loved Rachel more than Leah, and served Laban for another seven years.
[31] When the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. [32] And Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben, for she said, “Because the LORD has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.” [33] She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the LORD has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. [34] Again she conceived and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore, his name was called Levi. [35] And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore, she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.
HAPPINESS IS UNIVERSALLY DESIRED
HAPPINESS IS FREQUENTLY ALLUSIVE
Genesis 30:42–43
[42] but for the feebler of the flock Jacob would not lay them there. So, the feebler would be Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. [43] Thus Jacob increased greatly and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.
Genesis 30:1
[1] When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!”
HAPPINESS IS DIVINELY DESIGNED
Psalm 16:11
“You make known to me the path of life; in your presence there is fullness of joy; at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.”
Matthew 25:23
“Enter into the joy of your master.”
John 15:11
“These things I have spoken to you, that my joy may be in you, and that your joy may be full.”
Genesis 29:35
[35] And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” Therefore, she called his name Judah. Then she ceased bearing.
Our problems come not from enjoying the good gifts of God but enthroning them.
Matthew 11:29-30
“[29] Come to me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. [29] Take my yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. [30] For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light.”
