Genesis 29:31-35 – Leah’s Children
Leah has been deceitfully given by her father to a man who doesn’t love her at all and never has. If that isn’t bad enough, her husband then goes on to marry another woman, the one whom he truly loves. And this woman is none other than her own sister – her sister, who should have been a source of comfort and encouragement to Leah in this tough situation, is now her chief rival as unloved Leah is pushed aside and forgotten. But she is not forgotten by God. Leah is blessed by God with children as God in His wisdom balances trials and blessings for both Rachel and Leah. Rachel wants children, but she is blessed with her husband’s love; Leah wants her husband’s love, but she is blessed with children to be a comfort to her as in many ways she is like a widow.
The names that Leah gives her sons show the respect that she has both for God and her husband. She so much wants her husband to love her that she sees these sons as a means to getting that love. She is also very thankful to God for His blessing and care for her; she knows that God has seen her trouble and sorrow, and He is looking out for her. Interestingly, she doesn’t blame God or her husband for this situation, but she sets out to do what she can to win her husband’s love, and she is humbly grateful to God for the help He is giving her. She sets an example for us in the way she handles this heartache – not in bitterness or anger, but in simple trust in God .
Questions
- Why is Leah unloved?
- How does God help and encourage Leah?
- What does Leah name her four sons?
- Who does she thank for her children?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks to God for our children.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.