Genesis 29:9-14 – A Great Welcome
While Jacob is talking to the shepherds and finding out from them about his mother’s family, Rachel arrives. She is a shepherdess and this tells us something about her humble and hard-working attitude. Laban probably has many servants that could have looked after his sheep, but Rachel sees this as a job she can do, and she is not too proud to do it.
When Jacob sees her it is love at first sight. He immediately does everything he can to help her, and at the moment that involves rolling the stone off the well and watering her sheep. When he understands that this is his relative, he kisses her and cries with joy. Rachel immediately runs off to her father to bring him this news of his nephew that has arrived after many years and is so happy to see them. Just like when Abraham sent Eliezer to find a wife for Isaac, God has guided Jacob exactly to the woman who is to be his wife, and the knowledge that he has found a Godly wife fills Jacob with joy. God is always guiding and controlling the events in our lives, and this should be a source of great joy and comfort to us.
Laban welcomes Jacob with open arms, eagerly listening to the things Jacob has to tell about his family and his mother. He brings Jacob into his home as his true relative.
Questions
- Who comes to the well as Jacob is talking?
- How does Jacob react to her?
- Who does Rachel run and tell about Jacob?
- What is Laban’s reaction to Jacob?
Prayer Points
- Pray that our covenant children will find Godly spouses.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters