Gen. 30:5-24

Is Jacob happy at home?  It is doubtful.  There is envy which means there is strife (James 3:16).  One wife feels hated; the other is not satisfied.  This is common in the case of multiple wives.  Nowhere in Scripture, in cases where God allows this situation, do we find that it works well.  Though they lived in separate apartments (tents?) and probably had alternating time with Jacob, there was a bitter and intense rivalry between Leah and Rachel.  Jacob was not happy!

In Jacob’s home there is no peace (30:5-13)

There is no indication that God was leading when the handmaids were given to Jacob in the name of the wives.  Rachel claims (through the name of Dan) that God has judged her case favorably; but that is only her competitive spirit showing itself.  It’s true that Sarah, their ancestor, had followed this approach but clearly that situation was not the way God has intended to fulfill His promise to Abraham (Gen. 13).  We can assume the same here.

Through her handmaid Rachel claims 2 sons: Dan and Naphtali.  Rachel openly acknowledges that this is all part of a wrestling match with her sister when she names Naphtali.  Leah has the same attitude as she then gives her handmaid to Jacob.  Can you not sense the stab and twist in the name Asher: the women know I am blessed far beyond by sister.  This is not a happy home.

In Jacob’s home there is no respect (30:14-24)

The mandrakes found by Leah’s oldest son Reuben are apple-sized fruit that were thought to be a love potion.  Rachel has tried her handmaid and is not gaining on Leah.  Perhaps she hopes the love potion will help.  Thus she makes a deal involving her husband.  The result is that Leah bears another 2 sons while Rachel remains barren.  The name of Zebulun, the last son born to Leah, tells you that she is still unloved, still trying and hoping that Jacob’s heart will change towards her.  Finally, after all this, and without the effect of the mandrakes, Rachel gives birth to Joseph, with the hope that the Lord will add even another son.  Notice: all along this story is not about the efforts of the wives nor or Jacob; the story is about what God is doing. HE remembers Rachel; HE hears her cry; HE opens her womb.

Is Jacob happy?  How can he be?  In the same way he bargained for a wife his wives bargained for him.  He is a non-factor as a leader in his home.  He can say in truth what the comedian says in jest: I don’t get no respect around here.

All this unhappiness can be laid at the feet of the man who is wise in his own eyes (Prov. 3:7-8).  Jacob is the carnal man, the man of the flesh.  God has said He would protect and bless Jacob on his journey (Gen. 28:13-15); but Jacob has taken it upon himself to fulfill God’s promise.  Look what it has gotten him!

May we be honest before the Lord and consider this issue in our own lives.  Do we live out of the grace and promise of God?  Or are we seeking to achieve blessing in our own strength and wisdom?  May we learn to submit ourselves to God (James 4:7-10).