Deceiver Deceived

Deceiver Deceived

Genesis 29: ²¹ Then Jacob said to Laban, “Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her.” ²² And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. ²³ Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. ²⁴ And Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid. ²⁵ So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, “What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?”

 

²⁶ And Laban said, “It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. ²⁷ Fulfill her week, and we will give you this one also for the service which you will serve with me still another seven years.”

 

²⁸ Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave him his daughter Rachel as wife also. ²⁹ And Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid. ³⁰ Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he also loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served with Laban still another seven years.

 

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Jacob’s name meant “Supplanter”, one who takes over by circumventing.  He took the birthright from his brother, then stole his blessing. Jacob had learned how to deceive to get his way. He tried to circumvent the process by making a “deal” with Laban, probably knowing the tradition. After seven years, Laban tricked Jacob by slipping Leah in his tent.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob, the deceiver had been deceived.
• Jacob was outraged, but could not fight the tradition of the area.
• Laban had nothing to gain from Jacob, but he deceived him and caused Leah to join in on the deceit.

 

After Jacob demanded Rachel, Laban threw a party for the men, probably with food and drinks. It does not say Jacob was tipsy, but the feast was mentioned. Jacob slept with Leah without realizing it until morning. He questioned Laban, but received news he did not want to hear.

 

Laban told Jacob, he had to marry Leah first if he wanted to have Rachel as his wife. Laban also dropped another bomb by saying Jacob had to work another seven years to get Rachel. What could Jacob do? He had to work the extra seven years. He got a wife he did not expect. Deceit did not feel good.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about all the deceit that happened between Laban, Jacob and Leah?
• Have you ever been deceived or, perhaps, deceived someone?
• Isn’t it amazing that GOD loves you, despite your sins?