In chapter 29, we see Jacob experiencing just rewards for His deception against Esau. Laban deceived him into marrying both Leah and Rachel and it cost him nearly 20 years of servitude as a result. I can only imagine how this situation must have weighed heavily upon Leah. Jacob by showing favoritism towards Rachel, incurred God’s wrath. It is for this reason that God blessed Leah with children and not Rachel initially. Notice the names of her children in V31-35 “And when the LORD saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.”
1. Reuben (Look, a son)
“And Leah conceived, and bare a son, and she called his name Reuben: for she said, Surely the LORD hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me.”
2. Simeon (hearing)
“And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Because the LORD hath heard that I was hated, he hath therefore given me this son also: and she called his name Simeon.”
3. Levi (joined)
“And she conceived again, and bare a son; and said, Now this time will my husband be joined unto me, because I have born him three sons: therefore was his name called Levi.”
4. Judah (praise)
“And she conceived again, and bare a son: and she said, Now will I praise the LORD: therefore she called his name Judah; and left bearing.”
LESSON - Leah learned valuable lessons through her child bearing about being a “people pleaser”. Through Ruben, she learned that you cannot do things in order to make someone like you. Through Levi, she learned that you cannot do things in order to make someone accept you. Through Simeon, she learned that God hears and answers our prayers and through Judah, she learned that God is worthy of praise regardless of life’s circumstances! I’m certain that Leah felt completely rejected given her circumstances, but she learned through her circumstances that God is faithful and can be trusted. That lesson is worth any trial! Have you learned this lesson yet?
~Mike