Genesis 30:1-13 – Rivalry
Jacob now finds himself caught up in the rivalry between the two sisters he has married. As Rachel watches God blessing Leah with sons, she becomes increasingly envious. She is upset at her’s sister’s blessings, but she doesn’t stop to think that it is God who is sending and withholding those blessings. Instead she blames her husband, demanding children from him. Not just one child will satisfy her, but because Leah has several, she must have several too. Rachel’s desire for children is now consuming her and becoming her idol; she is willing to die to get what she wants so desperately. But not once does she turn to God and ask Him for children. Jacob loves Rachel, so he rebukes her, reminding her that children are a gift of God, who has given them to Leah and kept them from Rachel. We should never look to other people to give us what we can only get from God – happiness, contentment, and fulfilment.
Rachel is unwilling to really accept this rebuke, and she decides to deal with her problem of childlessness in the same way that Sarah, Abraham’s wife, dealt with it. Rachel gives her servant to her husband to have children in her place. Jacob foolishly agrees, perhaps thinking this will end the conflict in his home, but Rachel gives each son a name intended to provoke Leah. Leah in a panic imitates her sister, giving her maid to Jacob to have more children. So, as God’s plan for marriage to be between one man and one woman is ignored, unhappiness, bitterness, anger, fighting, and lack of love is the result.
Questions
- What does Rachel want and who does she ask for it?
- What does Jacob tell his wife?
- What is Rachel’s solution?
Prayer Points
- Pray that we would look to God for our happiness.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters