Israel’s Prophecy for Asher

 

Israel’s Prophecy for Asher

Genesis 49: ²⁰ “Bread from Asher shall be rich,
And he shall yield royal dainties..

 

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Asher was the eighth son of Jacob and the second son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Leah referred to Asher as a “one who makes me happy” because she was barren. She named him Asher or “happy.”

 

My Observations:

• Asher also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel kept the order of birth and continued talking about Zilpah's children.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Asher’s eventual wealth through baking and raw material for food.

 

The tribe of Asher would eventually declare curses or warnings to all the tribes of Israel. Through these curses, the people of Israel would refrain from bad behavior. For example “Cursed is the man who dishonors his father or his mother.”

 

Asher’s tribe was indeed blessed by GOD. They were able to speak on the LORD’s behalf and all of the tribes took the words to heart. But this does not mean Asher followed GOD all the time. Like you and I, there were moments of doubt. They did not drive out the Canaanites as commanded. GOD blessed them anyway.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about this brief, yet powerful blessing over Asher?
• Is there a gift or skill you have that you are overlooking?
• Can you praise GOD for your gifts and talents before you see any of HIS blessings poured out on you?

Israel’s Prophecy for Gad

Israel’s Prophecy for Gad

Genesis 49: ¹⁹ “Gad, a troop shall tramp upon him,
But he shall triumph at last.

 

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Gad was the seventh son of Jacob and the first son of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant. Leah referred to Gad as a “good fortune” because she was barren. She named him Gad or “a troop is coming.”

 

My Observations:

• Gad also hated Joseph and went along with the plot against his life.
• Israel skipped the order of birth and also switched from talking about Bilhah’s children to speaking about Zilpah’s first born.
• Israel’s blessing was brief and focused on Gad’s eventual bravery in battle.

 

The tribe of Gad would become a brave fighting tribe of Israel. Even Moses recognized this tribe’s valor in a later blessing. While Gad had his issues with Joseph, He emerged as a leader that seemed to stay with GOD.

 

Some of the other brothers fell away from GOD in their dealings, but Gad seemed to remain faithful. Leah seemed to have influence over Zilpah’s ways. Her sons had their faults, but in the end, followed the LORD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Gad’s valor in war?
• Has your life been a battle?
• Will you remain vigilant by not giving in to the attacks of the enemy?

Zilpah’s Sixteen

Zilpah’s Sixteen

Genesis 46: ¹⁶ The sons of Gad were Ziphion, Haggi, Shuni, Ezbon, Eri, Arodi, and Areli. ¹⁷ The sons of Asher were Jimnah, Ishuah, Isui, Beriah, and Serah, their sister. And the sons of Beriah were Heber and Malchiel. ¹⁸ These were the sons of Zilpah, whom Laban gave to Leah his daughter; and these she bore to Jacob: sixteen persons.

 

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Leah had children, but wanted more. She became barren and decided to “own” her handmaid’s children as her own. Laban, her father had given her Zilpah as her handmaid, or property. Zilpah and Jacob had children.

 

My Observations:

• Zilpah was born in the land of the Philistines and picked up some of their ways.
• Zilpah’s beliefs influenced her children.
• Leah, Zilpah, Rachel and Bilhah all believed in magic and ancestor worship.

 

As GOD was moving the tribes of Israel to Egypt, HE also was moving a variety of beliefs. Slavery was a belief that was deep rooted. Zilpah may have considered herself as property, because she was told she was. She easily had children when Leah went barren.

 

Leah and Rachel had a sibling rivalry that also involved the handmaids. When one handmaid had a child the other was told to have another child. This rivalry and belief in slavery would shape the nation of Israel in a not so good way.  GOD knew who would truly follow HIM.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Zilpah’s children?
• What limiting beliefs have you possibly picked up?
• Is it possible that you may have placed limits on GOD because you are forcing HIM to act a certain way versus how HE is blessing you?

Leah’s Thirty-Three

 Leah’s Thirty-Three

Genesis 46: ⁸ Now these were the names of the children of Israel, Jacob and his sons, who went to Egypt: Reuben was Jacob’s firstborn. ⁹ The sons of Reuben were Hanoch, Pallu, Hezron, and Carmi. ¹⁰ The sons of Simeon were Jemuel, Jamin, Ohad, Jachin, Zohar, and Shaul, the son of a Canaanite woman. ¹¹ The sons of Levi were Gershon, Kohath, and Merari. ¹² The sons of Judah were Er, Onan, Shelah, Perez, and Zerah (but Er and Onan died in the land of Canaan). The sons of Perez were Hezron and Hamul. ¹³ The sons of Issachar were Tola, Puvah, Job, and Shimron. ¹⁴ The sons of Zebulun were Sered, Elon, and Jahleel. ¹⁵ These were the sons of Leah, whom she bore to Jacob in Padan Aram, with his daughter Dinah. All the persons, his sons and his daughters, were thirty-three.

 

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Jacob was a swindler who cheated his brother Esau out of his birthright and blessing from Isaac. He tried to get Rachel as his wife, but ran into an equal swindler named Laban who gave Jacob Leah as his wife. Jacob had worked seven years as a deal to get Rachel. Jacob did not love Leah, yet he had the most children through her.

 

My Observations:

• Leah had the most children even though she was not wanted.
• Leah prayed and GOD heard her and gave her children.
• Leah gave birth to Levi from which Moses would be born and Judah, from which JESUS would come as a human.

 

Moving to Egypt required an account of Israel’s children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. An entire nation was about to move to Egypt, a land of unbelievers. Genesis is the book of beginnings. This move to Egypt was the beginning of the twelve tribes of Israel.

 

Jacob tried to circumvent tradition by working for a swindler. He got Leah as his wife and did not know that GOD’s promise would be through the one, he did not choose or like. We may feel the same way. There are things placed in our lives that we did not choose or like. BUT GOD’s plan does not look like our selfish plan.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the lineage of Jacob through Leah?
• Do you think your plan will work if it is not GOD’s will?
• Can you accept that GOD has a plan that may look different than your logic and is greater than your imagination?

Unwanted but Needed

Unwanted but Needed

Genesis 35: Now the sons of Jacob were twelve: ²³ the sons of Leah were Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun; ²⁴ the sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin; ²⁵ the sons of Bilhah, Rachel’s maidservant, were Dan and Naphtali; ²⁶ and the sons of Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant, were Gad and Asher. These were the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Padan Aram.

 

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Jacob had twelve sons from two wives and two maidservants of the wives. Leah had six sons, Rachel had two. Bilhah had two and Zilpha had two.

 

My Observations

• Leah was unwanted by Jacob, but had the most children by her.
• Leah’s maidservant’s kids along with her kids equals eight out of twelve kids.
• Leah’s sons were the oldest and so far, caused the most problems.

 

For someone unwanted by the person who GOD spoke to, it sure seems like she was valuable to GOD. Leah was slipped into Jacob by a deceiver, Laban. Jacob was trying to circumvent tradition by bargaining to get his way. Leah felt unloved and unwanted. But she prayed to GOD and HE heard her.

 

Leah became the mother of Judah. Later we will see the JESUS is the Lion of Judah. In other words, JESUS is related to Judah who was related to Leah the unwanted. GOD watched over Leah and kept HIS promise.

 

Challenge

• Why did GOD tell Moses to write the list of sons in this order versus chronological?
• Do you sometimes feel unwanted?
• Do you know you are valuable, wanted and needed by GOD the Almighty?

Humble Reunion

Humble Reunion

Genesis 33: ⁴ But Esau ran to meet him, and embraced him, and fell on his neck and kissed him, and they wept. ⁵ And he lifted his eyes and saw the women and children, and said, “Who are these with you?”

So he said, “The children whom God has graciously given your servant.” ⁶ Then the maidservants came near, they and their children, and bowed down. ⁷ And Leah also came near with her children, and they bowed down. Afterward Joseph and Rachel came near, and they bowed down.

 

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Expecting to be killed, Jacob received a surprise. Esau ran to meet him, embraced him and kissed him. Bilhah cam forth with her children, then Zilpah with her children, then Leah with her children then Joseph and Rachel came. All of them bowed down.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob did not expect the warm greeting he received from Esau.
• Jacob was probably more than relieved that he did not get what he felt he deserved.
• Everyone in Jacob’s family surrendered to Esau in a very humbling way.

 

Both Esau and Jacob had grown up. Esau probably wanted to see Jacob for decades and asked questions about his family. Esau may have realized that his rage was caused by his own actions. Jacob the same.

 

Jacob came to Esau humbly. He referred to himself as “your servant” when speaking to Esau. He did not go into the situation blaming Esau for not respecting his birthright. Esau did not bring up any hurt memories of having his blessing stolen. The reunion was humbling all around. GOD was in the middle of the reunion.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Esau’s reaction to Jacob?
• Have you ever received undeserved favor from GOD?
• Is there an area of your life that needs to be humbled so you can surrender it to GOD?

 

Preparing for the Worst

Preparing for the Worst

Genesis 33: Now Jacob lifted his eyes and looked, and there, Esau was coming, and with him were four hundred men. So he divided the children among Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. ² And he put the maidservants and their children in front, Leah and her children behind, and Rachel and Joseph last. ³ Then he crossed over before them and bowed himself to the ground seven times, until he came near to his brother.

 

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Esau was finally on his way. That dreaded time had finally arrived. Jacob put the women and children in front, then he bowed seven times until he reached his brother.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob was preparing for the worst to happen.
• Jacob had to let go of pride and face his fear of his brother.
• Jacob may have thought putting the women and children up front would soften the blow.

 

Full of fear and writhing in pain from wrestling with JESUS, Jacob humbly approached Esau. The dreaded day had come. Jacob probably thought he was going to die. We all can think of the worst, can’t we? Jacob seemed to try everything he could think of, but had to face Esau on Esau’s terms.

 

Jacob finally humbled himself and bowed down to Esau. He saw Esau’s four hundred men and knew he had no chance of escape. He probably thought about all the wrong he did and could not fathom how a positive outcome could happen. BUT GOD was there.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Jacob’s actions?
• Have you ever gotten into a situation that was out of your control?
• Can you rethink the outcome with GOD’s love added so you can change fear to faith today?

Confronted

Confronted

Genesis 31: ³⁶ Then Jacob was angry and rebuked Laban, and Jacob answered and said to Laban: “What is my trespass? What is my sin, that you have so hotly pursued me? ³⁷ Although you have searched all my things, what part of your household things have you found? Set it here before my brethren and your brethren, that they may judge between us both! ³⁸ These twenty years I have been with you; your ewes and your female goats have not miscarried their young, and I have not eaten the rams of your flock. ³⁹ That which was torn by beasts I did not bring to you; I bore the loss of it. You required it from my hand, whether stolen by day or stolen by night. ⁴⁰ There I was! In the day the drought consumed me, and the frost by night, and my sleep departed from my eyes. ⁴¹ Thus I have been in your house twenty years; I served you fourteen years for your two daughters, and six years for your flock, and you have changed my wages ten times. ⁴² Unless the God of my father, the God of Abraham and the Fear of Isaac, had been with me, surely now you would have sent me away empty-handed. God has seen my affliction and the labor of my hands, and rebuked you last night.”

 

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Laban looked for the household gods stolen by Rachel, but did not find them because she sat on them on her camel. Jacob took the opportunity to confront Laban for twenty years of mistreatment.

 

My Observations:

• Laban may not have been as interested in Leah’s wellbeing, rather with free experienced labor.
• Laban made Jacob work seven years for Leah, knowing Jacob wanted Rachel, then he made him work another seven years.
• Laban changed Jacob’s wages to benefit himself and to steal from Jacob.

 

Two wrongs don’t make a right and three wrongs makes a mess. Rachel stole the household gods, which was wrong. Jacob wanted to skip tradition by marrying Rachel, which was wrong. Laban wanted free labor, which was wrong. BUT GOD worked through this messy situation.

 

GOD knew the promise o salvation would come through a deceitful lineage. Laban convinced Leah to deceive Jacob into marrying her. She could have refused. Jacob was being transformed from trying to get his way. His work was hard and he probably realized he needed to make a change. Meanwhile, Laban was demanding free work with no benefits. GOD saw it all and protected Jacob, father of many nations.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD explain in detail to Moses how Jacob was deceived over wages?
• Has an employer ever been deceitful to you?
• Do you know that GOD sees the people who have been deceitful to you and will pay you back in full?

Trust Level

Trust Level

Genesis 31: ³³ And Laban went into Jacob’s tent, into Leah’s tent, and into the two maids’ tents, but he did not find them. Then he went out of Leah’s tent and entered Rachel’s tent. ³⁴ Now Rachel had taken the household idols, put them in the camel’s saddle, and sat on them. And Laban^] searched all about the tent but did not find them. ³⁵ And she said to her father, “Let it not displease my lord that I cannot rise before you, for the manner of women is with me.” And he searched but did not find the household idols.

 

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Jacob told Laban that he could kill the one who stole his household idols. Laban felt this was important, because he worshiped his ancestors instead of worshipping GOD.

 

My Observations:

• Laban trusted Jacob the least, so he searched his tent first.
• Laban may have felt Leah was influenced by Jacob because she had so many children by him.
• Laban trusted Rachel the most, probably because Jacob trusted her.

 

During the search, Laban came up empty. Rachel, whom he trusted the most, had stolen the idols and hid them on her camel’s saddle. She then lied to him about not getting off of the camel. Rachel believed in using mandrakes for fertility, idols for wishes and human ownership to acquire her children.

 

BUT GOD remembered Rachel. Earlier, HE listened to her desire to have children and enabled her to become pregnant with Joseph. GOD was with Rachel, even when her actions were insecure. GOD protected Jacob, Leah, the maids and Rachel.

 

My Observations:

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Laban’s search?
• Have you ever done something that you felt would cause GOD not to trust you?
• Are you willing to confess your sins to GOD so HE can entrust you with HIS precious plan?

Stolen Departure

Stolen Departure

¹⁴ Then Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? ¹⁵ Are we not considered strangers by him? For he has sold us, and also completely consumed our money. ¹⁶ For all these riches which God has taken from our father are really ours and our children’s; now then, whatever God has said to you, do it.”

 

¹⁷ Then Jacob rose and set his sons and his wives on camels. ¹⁸ And he carried away all his livestock and all his possessions which he had gained, his acquired livestock which he had gained in Padan Aram, to go to his father Isaac in the land of Canaan. ¹⁹ Now Laban had gone to shear his sheep, and Rachel had stolen the household idols that were her father’s. ²⁰ And Jacob stole away, unknown to Laban the Syrian, in that he did not tell him that he intended to flee. ²¹ So he fled with all that he had. He arose and crossed the river, and headed toward the mountains of Gilead.

 

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Jacob described how GOD’s hand was involved with the acquisition of his flocks from Laban. Rachel and Leah both replied, that Laban had no intention in sharing any wealth with them and they were no longer considered family to him.  Jacob prepared to leave, but something happened.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel travelled for three days to go into Laban’s camp, steal gods and return on a three-day journey.
• Rachel stole Laban’s household gods that she was used to worshipping.
• Rachel must have believed that the gods had some power.

 

Almost a week passed after the conversation with Jacob. She may have convinced him that she had to get something important, but did not tell him what she was getting. Rachel was able to go into Laban’s camp easily because people were used to seeing her there. This is the first mention of teraphim, or ancestor worship. This belief would plague the eleven sons of Jacob for centuries.

 

Jacob “stole away”, meaning he left without telling anyone he was leaving. He, his wives, and his children left with riches. Little did Jacob know, he also left with idols. This belief in idols may have originated from Canaan. Humans were worshipped versus GOD.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD give Moses the details of Rachel stealing the household idols?
• Is there anything in your possession that you are afraid to depart with?
• Is GOD your protector and leader over your situations?

Favorable Blessings

Favorable Blessings

Genesis 31: ⁴ So Jacob sent and called Rachel and Leah to the field, to his flock, ⁵ and said to them, “I see your father’s countenance, that it is not favorable toward me as before; but the God of my father has been with me. ⁶ And you know that with all my might I have served your father. ⁷ Yet your father has deceived me and changed my wages ten times, but God did not allow him to hurt me. ⁸ If he said thus: ‘The speckled shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore speckled. And if he said thus: ‘The streaked shall be your wages,’ then all the flocks bore streaked. ⁹ So God has taken away the livestock of your father and given them to me.

 

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Jacob saw that the situation was getting serious. He called for Rachel and Leah to explain how Laban was acting towards him. He then explained that Laban had tried to cheat him out of wages by changing the criteria.

 

My Observations:

• GOD was with Jacob and was changing him little by little.
• GOD caused the animals to be born with whatever Laban’s wild criteria was.
• Jacob recognized that the GOD of his father protected him.

 

It seemed like this situation was a turning point for Jacob. This is the first time he mentions “the GOD of my father.” He probably reflected on his life and saw that is was a mess. How as he going to get out of this situation? Only GOD could help him.

 

Jacob’s deceiving days were coming to an end. He had eleven children by four wives, and now he felt it was time to go. GOD told him to leave He had to tell Rachel and Leah that everything would be alright. GOD would bless him favorably.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Jacob, Rachel and Leah?
• Have you ever come to a place where only GOD could help you out of the situation?
• Will you trust GOD to get you out of the situation HIS way and in HIS time?

Time to Go

Time to Go

Genesis 31: Now Jacob heard the words of Laban’s sons, saying, “Jacob has taken away all that was our father’s, and from what was our father’s he has acquired all this wealth.” ² And Jacob saw the countenance of Laban, and indeed it was not favorable toward him as before. ³ Then the Lord said to Jacob, “Return to the land of your fathers and to your family, and I will be with you.”

 

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After decades of serving Laban, Jacob made a deal to leave with wages. He had Laban agree to giving him all of the spotted, blemished animals. He made sure that breeding would work in his favor, even though he was not in control of the outcome. After all those years, GOD spoke to Jacob.

 

My Observations:

• GOD could have told Jacob to leave after he was tricked into marrying Leah.
• Judah, the tribe of JESUS, was born through Leah and Jacob, so the other tribes have a purpose.
• After Joseph was born, GOD spoke to Jacob telling him to leave Laban.

 

It was time for Jacob and his massive family to leave. GOD seemed to wait for a particular time to tell Jacob to leave. HIS plan was not finished when the tribe of Judah was born. HIS plan was far greater than anyone could imagine. Jacob heard his cousins speaking against him and saw that Laban was not pleased.

 

The situation turned unfavorable fast. GOD knew Jacob needed protection. HE sent Jacob back to Isaac and Rebekah. Esau would also be there, waiting on Jacob. GOD had to tell Jacob that HE would be with him because Jacob had deceived many people.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about how Laban was reacting to Jacob’s actions?
• Is there something you are afraid of right now?
• Do you need GOD’s protection from a specific situation today, but have not asked HIM yet?

 

Laban’s Greed

Laban’s Greed

Genesis 30: ³¹ So he said, “What shall I give you?”

 

And Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep your flocks: ³² Let me pass through all your flock today, removing from there all the speckled and spotted sheep, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats; and these shall be my wages. ³³ So my righteousness will answer for me in time to come, when the subject of my wages comes before you: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the lambs, will be considered stolen, if it is with me.”

 

³⁴ And Laban said, “Oh, that it were according to your word!” ³⁵ So he removed that day the male goats that were speckled and spotted, all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the brown ones among the lambs, and gave them into the hand of his sons. ³⁶ Then he put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

 

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When Abraham’s servant came to the place where Abraham grew up, he prayed for a wife for Isaac and Rebekah showed up. Bethuel was her father, but she ran and told her mother and Laban. Years later, Jacob shows up. Laban, Jacob’s uncle, is in control of a vast estate of lambs, cattle, goats, camels and many other animals. When Jacob asked to leave, Laban asked about the parting wages.

 

My Observations:

• Laban was a deceiver who may have followed the ways of those who worshipped idols.
• Terah was Abraham’s father who also had Haran and named the city after him when he died.
• Laban lived in Haran and may have picked up values that included greed and human possession.

 

Being wealthy and greedy, Laban saw an opportunity to get over on Jacob again. When Jacob gave the parameters of the parting wages, Laban went through the flocks and herds and chose the best animals for himself. He separated the animals with three days’ journey between him and Jacob.

 

Little did Laban know, that GOD was in control of the situation. It’s hard to see how GOD would use a deceiver like Jacob, but HE had a larger plan. Possibly there was no one who would even mention GOD, living at that time. Maybe it was similar to the time of Noah, where he was the only believer on earth. Regardless, GOD showed grace to Jacob.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Laban and Jacob?
• Have you ever done something wrong and wondered if GOD would leave you?
• Can you make a decision today to stand firm with the LORD despite any sin you did in the past?

Jacob’s Retaliation Plan

Jacob’s Retaliation Plan

Genesis 30: ²⁵ And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place and to my country. ²⁶ Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service which I have done for you.”

 

²⁷ And Laban said to him, “Please stay, if I have found favor in your eyes, for I have learned by experience that the Lord has blessed me for your sake.” ²⁸ Then he said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.”

 

²⁹ So Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you and how your livestock has been with me. ³⁰ For what you had before I came was little, and it has increased to a great amount; the Lord has blessed you since my coming. And now, when shall I also provide for my own house?”

 

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By now, twenty or more years had passed. Jacob worked for Laban seven years, only to get a wife he did not expect. He worked another seven years to get the wife he wanted. Then he had children by four women. He knew livestock well. He and Rachel tended the sheep and other animals. Jacob had a plan to get the livestock.

 

My Observations:

• Jacob wanted to bypass marrying Leah to marry Rachel, but Laban tricked him into marrying her.
• Jacob originally only wanted Rachel, but after serving Laban for a couple of decades, he wanted more.
• Jacob approached Laban, telling him he had fulfilled his verbal contract and wanted to leave.

 

Listening to Isaac and Rebekah, Jacob went back to the family to find a wife who followed GOD. He carried with him the ways of a deceiver. His could have married Leah and went back home, but Jacob wanted what he wanted. His deceitful ways seemed to be backfiring on him.

 

He has to work harder and longer than expected. BUT GOD blessed his efforts anyway. He was able to grow Laban s herds and flocks, exponentially. Jacob ended up with three wives he did not anticipate. ’One day he put in motion a plan to get back at Laban.

 

Challenge:

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the conversation between Jacob and Laban?
• Have you ever dreamed of a plan to retaliate because of someone’s evil he or she did to you?
• Are you willing to ask GOD for HIS grace for you and “that” person so HIS vengeance will happen and HIS blessing will fall on you?

Remembered

Remembered

Genesis 30: ²² Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. ²³ And she conceived and bore a son, and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” ²⁴ So she called his name Joseph, and said, “The Lord shall add to me another son.”

 

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After eleven children were born through Jacob, Rachel finally had a child. She named him Joseph, meaning GOD will add.

 

My Observations:

• Rachel was most loved and desired by Jacob, but was barren for at least eleven years.
• Rachel probably used the mandrakes she got when she bargained with Leah, but they did not work as she expected.
• GOD knows everything, so remembering Rachel probably means, turned back to, or returned to her story.

 

After waiting at least eleven years, possibly fourteen, Rachel finally had a child. Her barren condition was supernatural. She recognized GOD’s hand in the birth, so she praised GOD by saying “GOD has taken away my reproach.”

 

She probably felt like GOD was mad at her, or wanted to embarrass her for some reason. When she married Jacob, she may have had many conversations about GOD’s statement of Jacob being the father of many nations. But over time, this seemed like a pipedream to her.

 

 

Rachel saw that everyone else had children but her. Three women had children by Jacob and she may have felt left out. BUT GOD had a plan for her that she did not know. She would give birth after years and years of trying. It was GOD’s timing that she was shown.

 

Challenge:

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about Rachel’s statements?
• Have you been promised something by GOD and it is taking longer than you thought?
• Will you ask GOD for patience, perseverance and persistence to keep going, despite the obstacles?

Seeking Seen

Seeking Seen

Genesis 30: ¹⁷ And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. ¹⁸ Leah said, “God has given me my wages, because I have given my maid to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar. ¹⁹ Then Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. ²⁰ And Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun. ²¹ Afterward she bore a daughter, and called her name Dinah.

 

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Unwanted and alone in marriage, Leah gave Rachel the mandrakes Reuben found. She sought time with Jacob, who loved her sister Rachel. That night, they conceived a child. When the child was born, she named him Issachar, meaning wages. Sometime later, she conceived another child and named him Zebulun, meaning dwelling.  Then she conceived a daughter and named her Dinah, meaning judgment.

 

My Observations:

• Leah sought to have a relationship with a husband who was forced to marry her.
• Leah bore Jacob seven children, one of which was a daughter named Dinah.
• GOD saw and heard Leah’s heart as she tried to make a bad situation good.

 

After becoming barren, there seemed no reason for Jacob to keep trying to have kids with Leah. He kept trying to have kids with Rachel to no avail. Leah gave her maid to Jacob and two kids were born. But this did not satisfy Leah’s desire for more children. GOD saw Leah’s attempts to have a relationship with Jacob and blessed her with three more children.

 

Leah conceived half of the sons Jacob would have. She conceived them through difficulty and pain. She praised GOD for being able to give birth to children. But when she had a daughter, she named her judgment. GOD saw Leah’s broken heart and blessed her seeking efforts.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD tells Moses about Leah’s desires?
• Have you ever had a desire and wondered if GOD was even listening to you?
• Have you placed all your desires before the LORD, believing that HE will give you what is best for you?

News of Value

News of Value

Genesis 30: ¹⁴ Now Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.”

 

¹⁵ But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?”

 

And Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your son’s mandrakes.”

 

¹⁶ When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for I have surely hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” And he lay with her that night.

 

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Reuben was old enough to go out a forage by himself. He was supposed to pick wheat, but he pulled up a plant with a strange root that looked like a human. He brought the strange plant to his mother and probably asked about it aloud. Rachel must have overheard the conversation between Reuben and Leah. She bargained for the mandrakes.

 

My Observations:

• This is the first time wheat and mandrakes were mentioned.
• Rachel believed the mandrakes could cure her infertility.
• Leah bargained with Rachel to have Jacob for a night.

 

Determined to have another child, Rachel and Leah seemed to become desperate. Rachel demanded that she be given mandrakes that were rare and believed to have medicinal power to cure almost anything. Leah used the mandrakes as a bargaining chip to “hire” Jacob.

 

After working in the field, Jacob was met by Leah. She told him, he was purchased for a night and explained the great price she paid. Jacob, having four wives, went in with Leah. She showed him the value. GOD saw this situation that I would label as “messed up” and used it for HIS purpose.

 

Challenge

• Why do you think GOD told Moses about the bargaining between Rachel and Leah?
• Are you bargaining with GOD for something you want?
• If you have a desire, will you ask GOD to align it to HIS purpose?

Two Can Play at That Game

Two Can Play at That Game

Genesis 30: ⁹ When Leah saw that she had stopped bearing, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as wife. ¹⁰ And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a son. ¹¹ Then Leah said, “A troop comes!” So she called his name Gad. ¹² And Leah’s maid Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. ¹³ Then Leah said, “I am happy, for the daughters will call me blessed.” So she called his name Asher.

 

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Years passed and Leah was now barren. She saw that Rachel’s plan was “working” so she gave Zilpha to Jacob as his wife. Zilpha bore Jacob two sons, Gad and Asher.

 

My Observations:

• Leah saw that she was barren and she saw Rachel give her maid to Jacob, so she did the same.
• Leah believed she owned Zilpah; therefore, she believed she owned the children.
• Zilpah gave birth to two sons, Gad and Asher, who would become great nations.

 

“You give Jacob your maid, I will give Jacob my maid” seemed to be the sentiment of Leah’s actions. She had already given birth to four children, but that was not enough. She took Zilpah’s children and named them as if they were her children.

 

This time she was focused on fortune and fame. “A fortune comes!”, she cried out as Gad was born. “The daughters will call me blessed” was her statement as she named Asher.  Gad means Troop of Fortune and Asher means happy. The dysfunctional family was growing and GOD was still blessing.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about Leah’s actions?
• What thing have you achieved that may have gotten in the way of you and GOD?
• Have you ever had a bit of success but lost sight of GOD’s plan for you?

 

Envious Plan

Envious Plan

Genesis 30: Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!”

 

² And Jacob’s anger was aroused against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”

 

³ So she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah; go in to her, and she will bear a child on my knees, that I also may have children by her.” ⁴ Then she gave him Bilhah her maid as wife, and Jacob went in to her. ⁵ And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. ⁶ Then Rachel said, “God has judged my case; and He has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. ⁷ And Rachel’s maid Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. ⁸ Then Rachel said, “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

 

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At least four years had passed and Rachel was still barren. Leah had four children, causing envy within Rachel. She approached Jacob with the problem, as if to say “Do something about this!” She came up with the same plan Sarah developed when she was barren. “Go into my handmaid and bear a child.”

 

My Observations:

• Rachel’s envious plan did not include direction from GOD, but received HIS grace.
• Rachel believed she owned Bilhah, therefore she believed she owned her child.
• Bilhah gave birth to two sons, Dan and Naphtali, who would become great nations.

 

Hearing about GOD’s plans and seeing HIS timeline would make anyone anxious. Jacob was told from birth that he would be the one GOD would bless. He had to serve for at least fourteen years just to marry Rachel. Then, four years later, still no child. Meanwhile, Leah was having children left and right.

 

GOD was not being mean, nor was he punishing Rachel. HE had a timeline planned for her, that she could not accept. GOD knew she would be impatient, like you and me. HE blessed Bilhah to have children.  Little did they know, Jacob’s children would be a problem later on.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD go into detail about the conversation between Rachel and Jacob to Moses?
• Have you ever doubted GOD’s existing plan for you and felt you needed to come up with a plan that would hurry up the process?
• Can you wait for GOD’s timing on the great and gracious plan HE has for you?

Seen and Heard

Seen and Heard

Genesis 29: ³¹ When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren. ³² So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, “The Lord has surely looked on my affliction. Now therefore, my husband will love me.” ³³ Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Because the Lord has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.” And she called his name Simeon. ³⁴ She conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” Therefore his name was called Levi. ³⁵ And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, “Now I will praise the Lord.” Therefore she called his name Judah. Then she stopped bearing.

 

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Jacob knew he would have a child, because GOD promised that he would be the father of many nations. He did not have any children during the seven extra years he worked for Laban. He tried without results, to have a child with Rachel, but she was baren.

 

My Observations:

• Leah was despised by Jacob, probably because he was deceived from getting his deceitful way.
• Leah was seen by GOD and was made fertile and Rachel barren.
• Leah was heard by GOD and bore Jacob four sons then she became barren.

 

Let’s face it, GOD is despised. JESUS would be born from the tribe of Judah, who came from Leah. She was despised and so is JESUS. BUT “GOD saw that Leah was” hated, unloved and unwanted. Many people feel this way.

 

She had no one to tell, BUT GOD heard her heart. And gave her four sons who would become famous tribes. Fulfilling the promise of GOD through Leah was not Jacob’s plan. He wanted what he wanted, BUT GOD provided the promise HIS way, not Jacob’s.

 

Challenge

• Why does GOD tell Moses about the beginning of the tribes he would lead?
• Have you ever wondered if GOD sees or hears you?
• Will you praise GOD today because HE sees and hears you and has a plan for you?