Well, this is just as interesting as the last chapter. yes, Jacob had sexual relationships with 4 women who were given to his household. He didn't go out of what was his to find more women. I think the problems between Rachel and Leah are expected. I was surprised for the bargaining Rachel and Leah did- mandrakes for a lay with Jacob. It must have been Rachels turn to have time with Jacob sexually. Leah's sons were old enough to provide some sustenance for the family. Rachel had not much as much leverage as Leah. Jacob didn't seem to object to the deal, even though he loved Rachel more than Leah, but he cared for both of the
Unlike Jacob and Esau where Jacob was the child of promise and Esau was not, all of Jacob's sons were equally children of the promise, even the children of the maids. God was fulfilling his promise of multiplying Abraham's seed by giving Jacob 12 sons and one daughter. That daughter had to be one tough cookie to grow up among twelve brothers! Notice that she did not have a tribe named after her.
I think that Jacob was told by God what to do with the flocks to ensure that his own would be built up far exceedingly to Laban's. He was not neglecting Laban's flocks at all, but living by the bargain made between them. I think Jacob was still learning how to hear God's voice and act on faith. So, perhaps the 'trick" with the branches was a test of faith.
On the other hand, being a shepherd, he may have known something that Laban did not know, as it was Rachel who shepherded Laban's flocks.
Either way, God was faithful and blessed Jacob and in the process of blessing him, God blessed Laban, too, and Laban noticed.
Gigi Many have tried to figure out the mandrake deal, anytime in the old testament I see a situation where God tells a believer to do something that doesn't make sense its always revealed knowledge specific revelation to bless the individual and to achieve Gods Will same thing with the walls of Jericho, same thing with Elijah pouring water over a burn't sacrifice that God burn't up, these men believed what God said to do and got the results because they believed and did it. Things haven't changed in regards to what God will do for us when we believe and act on the information given. God doesn't change man does. It is walking by the spirit.
Unlike Jacob and Esau where Jacob was the child of promise and Esau was not, all of Jacob's sons were equally children of the promise, even the children of the maids. God was fulfilling his promise of multiplying Abraham's seed by giving Jacob 12 sons and one daughter. That daughter had to be one tough cookie to grow up among twelve brothers! Notice that she did not have a tribe named after her.
I think that Jacob was told by God what to do with the flocks to ensure that his own would be built up far exceedingly to Laban's. He was not neglecting Laban's flocks at all, but living by the bargain made between them. I think Jacob was still learning how to hear God's voice and act on faith. So, perhaps the 'trick" with the branches was a test of faith.
On the other hand, being a shepherd, he may have known something that Laban did not know, as it was Rachel who shepherded Laban's flocks.
Either way, God was faithful and blessed Jacob and in the process of blessing him, God blessed Laban, too, and Laban noticed.
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