|
Bible Study Online ArticleLocated at the Bottom of Page
In the last article we'd learned, that Rachel despration had grown? For we now find, that she'd given herself over to the idea of trying Leah's "mandrake plants." For she had hoped, that the plants would help aid her, when it came to getting pregnant.
But what Rachel would soon learn (in spite of her efforts) that it would be Leah, who the Lord had decided to smile on once again. For the Sacred Record would confirm, that Leah would now find herself giving birth to two more sons? And she named one Issachar -- which meant (a hire or my reward.) And she named the other Zebulun -- which meant (dwelling or honor.) Now I also want to point out, that during Leah's season of increase, we would also learn, that God would bless Leah with a daughter as well? Know that Leah would give her the name Dinah -- which signified "justice" or "one who judges." And actually, the meaning of her name -- plays well, with the major turn of events, that takes place later on in her life. More on this later...
So we now move forward -- and it's at this time, that we find, that after Rachel had endured a long troubling season of being barren -- God finally moves on her behalf. For the Sacred Record would reveal, that the Lord had finally blessed Rachel with a child, that she can call her own. And this would lead to Rachel proclaiming: "God has taken away my disgrace." Rachel would name this child Joseph. Now I also want to point out at this time, that Joseph has two very distinct meanings when it comes to his name: 1) Asaph - (He has taken away my disgrace): Remember that Rachel had felt (that for whatever reason) she was being punished by God. And it's possible that this mindset, had stemmed from the fact -- that out of all the women in Jacob's household, she was the only one who wasn't able to give birth to a child, that she could actually call her own. Also keep in mind, that this condition of being barren -- was seen, as not only being a curse, but in her eyes and others, it was seen as one being disgraceful and unworthy. 2) Jasaph - (The Lord shall add to me another son): Know that Rachel basically felt, finally God had lifted the curse off of her. For she sees this child, as the start of a season, that would be filled with grace and increase from the Lord. Which basically meant, the beginning of better things to come for her. This is why Rachel at this time, had also proclaimed: "May the Lord add to me another son."
However that may have been, we would have to wait and see, if God had heard Rachel's proclamation for another child? And more importantly, will He honor it? But in the meantime, the Sacred Record switches us back towards the account, that dealt with Jacob and his father-in-law Laban. Now keep in mind, that it has been about fourteen years, since Jacob had initially given his word, that he would work seven years for Laban -- in order to receive the right to marry his youngest daughter Rachel. Remember that Jacob had agreed to a new seven year proposal, after he was tricked (by Laban) into marrying Leah -- Laban's older daughter. But in spite of this, Jacob would remain humble, and he would agree to Laban's new terms -- when it came to earning Rachel's hand in marriage. For we must also remember, that Jacob loved Rachel with all his heart. And it was for this reason, that Jacob had stayed true to his word, when it came to his agreement with Laban. But now we find, that it's at this time -- that he's ready to leave and make his own way in the world, with his own family: "Send me on my way so I can go back to my own homeland. Give me my wives and children, for whom I have served you, and I will be on my way. You know how much work I've done for you." -- Genesis 30:25,26
Now after hearing this, Laban would tell Jacob: "If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me because of you. Name your wages and I will pay them." - Genesis 30:27,28 Now understand, that we have Laban once again, pulling out all the stops when it comes to keeping Jacob around? And remember, that Laban for the past 14 years, had already benefited greatly behind Jacob's stewardship, when it came to his flocks. Also know (aside from Jacob's sheep herding skills) that it was because of Jacob's favor with the Lord, that the Most High had allowed Laban to prosper greatly, in spite of Laban's deceitful ways towards Jacob? And it would seem, that Jacob knew this? And this is why we find him responding to Laban's proposal by saying: "You know how I have worked for you and how your livestock have fared under my care. The little you had before I came has increase greatly, and the Lord has blessed you wherever I have been. But now, when may I do something for my own household?" Genesis 30:29,30
Know that the response that Jacob had given, showed a small glimpse, of how his heart really was? And personally, I don't see Jacob's response, as something that would come from the heart of a deceiver? For we must remember, that "one being of deception" is what Jacob's name implies. No, I believe this to be the response of a man: that's extremely loyal, humble, honest, and of good-nature. And there's no doubt in my mind, that Laban already knew this? And this is why, Laban had placed Jacob in a position, of being able to name his own wages -- if Jacob had decided to take him up on his offer. I also believe, that Laban knew that throughout the years, that Jacob had proven his value many times over. And as a matter of fact, Jacob could have easily commanded a premium price for his expertise, when it came to tending his father-in-law's flocks? But Laban is hoping, that Jacob would once again, give in and compromise -- when it comes to his overall true value and standards, by agreeing to a much cheaper price, just like he had done for the past 14 years.
But in spite of Laban's past actions, will Jacob this time around, agree to Laban's new proposal? Will Jacob once again, allow Laban to take advantage of him? Or will Jacob end up departing, and heading back to the land, that the Lord had promised to the future generations of his grandfather Abraham?
The Sons of God - The Daughters of Men **YOUR CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE SERIES - WOULD BE HERE**
43) Jacob - The Path of Uncertainty 44) Jacob - The Stone Pillow Dream 46) Jacob - The Love Season of Reaping 50) The Mandrake Plant of Love 51) <-CURRENT - BIBLE STUDY ONLINE - PAGE->
|
