Genesis 30:14-24 – Rachel’s Son
Leah’s firstborn, Reuben, is out in the fields and finds some mandrakes. It is uncertain what mandrakes are – maybe fruit or flowers. Whatever they are, they aren’t very common, and no sooner does Rachel see them, than she must have them. She can’t stand for her sister to have anything better than her. So, she asks Leah for some of them. Leah, who is not bitter against God or Jacob for her situation, is very bitter and angry towards her sister, and she refuses. Rachel is overwhelmed again by her desire for something that she doesn’t have, and she promises Jacob to Leah for that night. Just like when Esau sold his birthright for some stew, Rachel’s desire for short-term happiness leads to even more heartache as Leah has two more sons. Interestingly, Leah seems to think that God is blessing her for giving her maid to Jacob. God will never bless those who do wrong in order for something good to happen.
Verse 22 says that God listened to Rachel. In order for God to listen, she must have been talking to Him. So, it looks as though Rachel finally stopped looking to Jacob and her own schemes to bring her happiness and has turned to God in prayer begging Him for a child and recognising that children are a joy that come from Him. When God answers her prayer by giving her Joseph, she gives him a name, not intended to provoke her sister, but one that glorifies God as the giver of life and humbly asks Him for another son.
Questions
- What does Rachel want that Leah has?
- How many more sons does Leah have?
- Who does Rachel finally look to for children?
Prayer Points
- Pray for the preaching and hearing of God’s Word tomorrow.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters