By the way, let me point out that, through elaborate scheming of Laban, these sisters father, Jacob ended up marrying both women (Leah and Rachel were also Jacobs first-cousins). Sometimes it is difficult not to compare ourselves to these picture-perfect women. And when you see them differ on an apparent figure of speech, youre probably dealing with a Hebrew idiom: A fairly fixed speech form or expression that cannot be understood grammatically from its constituents parts but whose elements function as a set with a meaning peculiar to itself (Pocket Dictionary for the Study of New Testament Greek). (Physical appearance is irrelevant in Gods eyes. At first glance, Leahs story is full of grief. Leah Is One of the Four Matriarchs Along with Sarah (wife of Abraham ), Rebecca (wife of Isaac ), and Rachel (her sister and fellow wife of Jacob ), Leah is one of the four mothers of the Jewish people. According to this story, Leah was destined to marry Jacob's older twin brother, Esau. Her marriage began with scandal, but her role in her family gave her honor and respect in the community. The Best Bible Translations: All You Need to Know & How to Choose, 7 of the Best Exegetical Bible Commentaries, How to Study the Bible: 9 Tips to Get More Out of Your Study. Rachel eventually became pregnant again, but sadly she died in childbirth. Leah was a loving and faithful wife. For Leah, God's seeing her and granting her sons does not bring her the love she wants. Learn Religions. The Lord saw Leahs rejection and knew what having sons would mean to her and her quest for being loved by her husband. Perhaps having poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacob's day? Article Images Copyright , 5 Important Things You Should Know about Leah, What We Can Learn from Ruth and Naomi - Women in the Bible, a series, 30 Days in Acts A Journey: Igniting the Flame of the Early Church, California - Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Jacob continues to show favoritism toward Rachel, but after Leahs third child is born, Leah seems to have a change of heart. English Bible readers have wondered if this is another way of saying her eyes were deformed (cross-eyed, lazy-eyed, or the like). Then all the people who wereat the gate and the elders said, We are witnesses. We can see her dashed hopes because each time she conceives a son with Jacob, she pins her future happiness on them. Outward beauty with no faith in the Lord or strength of character does not last. One, being her "outlook" on life and things. He knows that this is the woman he is to marry. Her children led half of the tribes of Israel. Modern English versions actually disagree on how to translate the Hebrew word for tender. Some translations contradict each otherlovely, nice, attractive, ordinary versus didnt sparkle, tender, delicate, weak! Behold the confusion! As I age, I have the grey hair coming in, the smile lines, and even some bags under my eyes. The name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Many Bible experts say the verse refers to Leah's lack of attractiveness rather than her eyesight. The Bible tells us: "Leah was tender eyed." (Gen.29:17).The NIV says: "Leah had weak eyes.".Different meanings can be derived from these words. I can do no other. Jacob has no money to offer Rachels father Laban a bride price, so he arranges to work for him for seven years to marry her. Throughout her life the emptiness of her marriage was filled with the love of her Lord who sees her, hears her, and remembers the ache of her heart. 1 Read: Why Just Four Mothers? Leah was Jacob's first wife, and the older sister of his second (and favored) wife Rachel. All my obediences to received practice are suspect when I balk at the one point where conscience makes a contrary demand. Leah had not conceived for a while, and the plant, whose roots resemble the human body, was thought to be an aid to fertility. [17], Each woman also continually questioned whether she was doing enough in her personal efforts toward increased spirituality, and would use the other's example to spur herself on. That is between her and God, but we know that her jealously took her down a terrible downward spiral. You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group. Can you relate to that? Oh, Leah in the Bible! Leah was buried with fellow women who were not perfect, but worthy of honor because they birthed sons who fulfilled Gods promise to Abraham. She is the mother of Jacob's first son Reuben. What an enormous relief that is! This book was named from the author who was an eye witness to Jesus's life and ministry. In Genesis 49:29-33, we learn that Leah is buried in a cave with Jacobs parents (Rebekah and Isaac) and grandparents (Sarah and Abraham). He doesn't need us to lose the baby weight, tone up, or look "put together" before he can use us. - Youngs Literal Bible And Leah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was of beautiful form and fair to look upon. Did Jesus Pray the Lords Prayer for Himself or for Us? After Jacob tricked his father and stole his brother's birthright ( Genesis 27:1-29 ), he was forced to flee to the home of his uncle Laban in Harran. Both sisters want them for their fertility-inducing properties and possibly as an aphrodisiac, but only one sister will be getting these precious mushrooms! Until further notice, this website will not be receiving further updates. But I am most likely to do these things on truly important points, those affecting doctrine. How could anyone be so heartless? In a selfish world, contentment is not a quality that is popular in the Bible or on social media today. Ive puzzled over this phrase since I was a kid. Kidner (TOTC) and Wenham (WBC), both of whom I greatly respect, also came up with a view I admit I did not expect. Later Laban claims that it is uncustomary to give the younger daughter away in marriage before the older one (Genesis 29:1630). She becomes a mother of seven, tenderly caring for and raising her children to be leaders of the tribes of Israel. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise theLord. Therefore she called his nameJudah. I was surprised to find that several excellent commentators reading the phrase positively, as a reference to the beauty of Leah. [13] Jacob accepts the offer and marries Rachel after the week-long celebration of his marriage to Leah. God loves us unconditionally, with a pure, passionate tenderness. While Jacob may have settled for Leah, Leah herself doesnt settle. Feeling overlooked or not good enough can be a deep hurt and can snowball into feelings of being less than, forgotten, or the fear of not being wanted. And second, Leah is "discarded" by her father, Laban (29:21-27). Can God really use even me? Since God created humans, we have looked for validation and belonging from things and people who could never sustain it for us. The Lord chooses and elevates those whose hearts are pure before him. Our circumstances cannot determine the level of our joy, consistency of our prayers, and abundance of our thanks. Genesis 29:17 ESV Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. 2 Shechem, the son of Hamor the Hivite, the chief of that part of the land, saw her and took her, lay down with her, and humiliated her. - Jewish Publication Society Bible Unloved and unwanted, Leah was not only blessed by God with six sons and one daughter. Do not let your adorning be externalthe braiding of hair and the putting on of gold jewelry, or the clothing you wearbut let your adorning bethe hidden person of the heart with the imperishable beauty of a gentle and quiet spirit, which in Gods sight is very precious.. In the Bible, we first meet Leah in the Bible as a character in the Book of Genesis who has experienced great heartbreak. Leah, however, is described as having "weak eyes." As Rabbi Sarah Mack writes in T'Ruah, the Hebrew word in that passage could be translated in several ways, and the contextual clues here don't really help. Leahs eyes were weak. What does that mean? But in the end, after prayer and effort, I think you need to hope for and achieve some kind of interpretive resolution if at all possible. We first learn that she was unloved and unfavored with a tender heart versus an attractive body. For theLordsees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,but theLordlooks on the heart., But theLordsaid to Samuel,Do not look on his appearance or on the height of his stature, because I have rejected him. Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost? This suggests that the term has the negative nuance of feeble, impotent. Id land without telling everybody where Id flown. The deal between the sisters helps Leah become pregnant, for she gives birth to two more sonsIssachar (God has given me my hire) and Zebulun (now my husband will honor me)and a daughter, Dinah. She was not the preferred wife, often forgotten by her husband as his attention remained with Rachel, but at the end of her life, Leah was honored by Jacob as she was laid to rest with her fellow matriarchs and patriarchs of faith. When you see translations differ this much, youre probably dealing with a genuine ambiguity or obscurity in the Hebrew. Leah in the Bible is the older daughter of Laban and Jacob's first wife. At the time, Leah only knew that her fourth son evoked praise to God and named him Judah. Pursuing the Lord keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. When Jacob asks the sisters to come with him back home to Canaan, they are unhappy that their father gave them nothing of what he received as bridewealth during his years of service to their father. Jacob loved and desired Rachel so much that he worked for Laban an additional seven years, a total of fourteen years to marry Rachel. And they rule out some bad ideas that occur to me (or to others). Create an account or log in to get started. We do know that she was the lesser loved of the two wives, he loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30 CSB). Then she ceased bearing.. Theres nothing to obey or disobey in Genesis 29:17. Leah said, God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband. So she called his name Issachar. However, Leah's eyes were weak from crying, for she feared that she would have to be married to the wicked Esau. I listen to the teachers, but I have to teach the text as I see it. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. He will work another seven years for Laban so that he can marry Rachel. The Hebrew word in Genesis, rakkoth, could also mean tenderhearted or kindhearted. Laban has instead placed Leah in Jacobs arms instead of the sought-after Rachel. Were made to yearn for belonging and completion. And they tend to sharpen up my vision of the question Im pursuing. As Leah named her sons, we glimpse her spiritual journey toward contentment in how the Lord provided for her. Even after Rachels death, Jacob continues to favor Joseph. "Meet Leah: First Wife of Jacob." Because Leahs story in the Bible is so intertwined with that of her sister, Rachel, and their husband, Jacob, she often goes unnoticed, living in the shadows. It can be frustrating as a Bible interpreter to have to land on ground you know is a bit unstable. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. According to Genesis 28:2,[5] the family resided in Paddan Aram, an area believed to correspond with the historical Upper Mesopotamia.[6]. Leah is described as having "soft (lovely) eyes" ( Gen 29:17 ). Retrieved from https://www.learnreligions.com/leah-first-wife-of-jacob-701187. Although Jacob overlooked Leahs position in the family, God gave her the position of being the first daughter, the first wife, and the first mother to Jacobs first son. Leah (the woman nobody wants) is "disregarded" by her cousin, Jacob. When he met Rachel, he fell in love with her at first sight. Perhaps God also has weak eyes. Perhaps having poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacobs day? With the birth of each son, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord held in her life. The Bible says in Genesis 29:17: "Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured." What does Scripture mean that Leah was "tender eyed?" It is a difficult verse at first glance. God, of course, saw this and allowed Leah to have four sons. 19 Leah conceived again and bore Jacob a sixth son. She learns to set aside her idols of marriage, children, and family and set her sights on higher things than her circumstances. She names her first son Reuben. She has three more sons, namely Simeon, Levi and Judah, but does not bear another son until Rachel offers her a night with Jacob in exchange for some mandrake root (, dd'm). The world is always trying to get us hooked on material things, but the best way for a persons wealth and success in life can be found within their spiritual relationship with God. Leah was the chosen vessel through which the Messiah would be born and her weak eyes and her appeal to Yahweh may be a clue that she had had an encounter with Yahweh at some point in her earlier life. Story of Leah in the Bible Unconditionally. It turns out his name is Jacob and he is looking for a worthy wife. In Genesis 29, we meet Leah. Sons and daughters could make her worthy. Certainly, to my mind, the strictly literal meaning of the phrase doesnt work: it seems vanishingly unlikely that Moses paused here in Genesis 29 to make an observation about Leahs need for an optometrist. Are we not regarded by him as foreigners? We assume that she squinted because of her eyes, and perhaps was plain and homely too. At that time, women had little control over their lives, and it seems her father was not a man to honor the love between Jacob and Rachel. The blessing we see in Leahs life is that her dependence on Jacobs love and attention slowly turns toward God. NASB And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in figure and appearance. Her story illustrates that God often chooses to fulfill his plans and purposes by using those who are overlooked by others. So, what lessons can we learn from this? The conjunction but in the middle of this verse actually provides us with context clues to grasp the meaning of tender eyed. Rachel is said to be beautiful and well favoured. Butopposite of Rachels appearanceLeah is tender eyed. That is, Leah had eyes that were not special looking. At some level, we can all relate to the depressing comparison that Leah felt. Leah's eyes, in their views, were either weak in power or color (Kidner) or in sparkle or fire (Wenham). Whatever Leah lacked in her marriage, the world received a gift of Savior through Gods abundant blessing. In the Judeo-Christian tradition, Leah is portrayed to be the unloved wife of the biblical patriarch Jacob. King James Bible Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured. Leah's story in the Bible is told in Genesis chapters 29-31, 33-35, 46, and 49. As Jacob's wife, Leah bore him six sons:Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. The Bible is a treasure trove of stories and events from every spectrum. Her marriage was not ideal, but God used it for His glory as she held an honored first position. They do indeed take the phrase more literally. Perhaps her relentless jealousy killed Rachel. StudyLght .org . Jacob arrives in Haran and meets the younger sister, Rachel, at a well. (Genesis 29:17, NIV), In the same verse is a description of Leah that scholars have been arguing about for centuries:"Leah had weak eyes." With the birth of her next two sons, Issachar and Zebulun, Leah acknowledges the gifts the Lord has given her. I love this verse as it reminds me that God sees the heart, the spirit inside us, as more valuable than any outward beauty. She may not have been Jacobs choice, but she was chosen by God to play a role in the birth of Savior of the world. God chose and elevated those whose hearts are pure before him. The story of Leah's family is recorded in Genesis 2535. https://www.learnreligions.com/leah-first-wife-of-jacob-701187 (accessed April 18, 2023). document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. So, he puts on a wedding feast (29:22), making it look as though he is fulfilling his end of the bargain. Even after Rachel's death, Leah's situation did not improve, as Jacob took Bilhah, Rachel's handmaiden, as his primary partner. Unlike her younger sister Rachel, Leah was ordinary looking, what we might call a plain Jane. There were no striking features about Leahs face or appearance, with particular emphasis on her eyes. Laban is willing to give Rachel's hand to Jacob as long as he works seven years for her. See Genesis chapters 29-30. The NLT opts for There was no sparkle in Leahs eyes. And two translations (NRSV, GNT) actually see the word as positive, translating it as lovely. So whos right? May theLordmake the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah,who togetherbuilt up the house of Israel. Due to the extreme emotional distress suffered by both Leah (and Rachel) during the marriage, Yahweh later strictly clarified his opposition to uncovering the nakedness of a woman and her sister while both were still living (Genesis 30:1, Leviticus 18:18). In Leahs story, we can be encouraged that a life redeemed can not occur with the perfect spouse or an abundance of children but with a heart that is tender and surrendered to God. He continued to pursue her heart, even if no one else did. Deep down, most women long to captivate a lover this way, to be pursued and cherished by a committed heart. Her second son she named Simeon (the Lord has heard that I am hated). (NIV), Genesis 29:31When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Sadly, can you imagine how that made Leah feel? Therefore, Leah and Rachel each wanted to have as many of those sons as possible, going so far as to offer their handmaids as proxies to Jacob so they could have a share in the upbringing of their handmaids' sons, too. When theLordsaw that Leah washated,he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. Even some translators have confessed trouble with this expression. In the time of her trials, Leah chose to praise and be thankful for Gods role in her life. This is the same well his mother Rebekah drew water from before she married Isaac. One of those six was Judah, who is listed in Matthew 1 as part of the genealogy for King David, and finally Jesus Christ himself! According to the scriptures, God saw that Leah was "unloved" and opened her womb as consolation. Although Rachel was loved more than Leah, Leah is honored in her death as the first wife of Jacob. This is evident as she named her fourth son, Judah, meaning praise. Pursuing God keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. Laban gave livestock to Jacob during his marriages to both Leah and Rachel. But both women made the same mistake as Sarah, offering their maidservants to Jacob during times of barrenness. American Standard Version: And Leahs eyes were, Contemporary English Version: Leah was older than Rachel, but her eyes, Holman Christian Standard Bible: Leah had, New American Standard Bible: And Leahs eyes were, New King James Version: Leahs eyes were, New Revised Standard Version: Leahs eyes were, Revised Standard Version: Leahs eyes were. Leah was the first wife of Jacob and was also the elder sister of his second wife, Rachel, who he loved. Leah never seems to gain the affections of Jacob, yet her life is evidence of Gods devotion to her. Leah bore more children, a highly honored achievement in ancient Israel. [19] She is thought to be buried in the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron alongside Jacob. We could imagine Jacobs infatuation with Rachel was love at first sight, as they almost certainly would not have been granted time for deep conversation or solitary walks across the pastureland of Haran. Judahs representation also includes the four letters of the Divine name Havaya. Zavada, Jack. Jacob worked for Rachel's father Laban seven years for the right to marry Rachel. For theLordsees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,but theLordlooks on the heart.. Thus the Torah describes her eyes as "soft" from weeping. Jacob, of course, is furious and makes another agreement with Laban. And if Im uncertain, I find, often enough so are theytaken collectively, that is. If Zilpah and Bilhah were indeed half-sisters of Leah, this would make Leah's adoptive sons, Gad and Asher, and Rachel's adoptive sons, Dan and Naphtali, her nephews. Weak eyes and all. Leah coarsely announces to Jacob that she has hired him with the mandrakes, and Jacob spends the night with her. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. Ouch. Genesis 29:23But when evening came, he (Laban) took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. You have to earn the right to your opinion, of course. Although Leah was in a loveless marriage, her son Reuben was evidence to her that the Lord sees, Simeon means the Lord hears, and Levi that the Lord might create a bond between her and Jacob. The Bible says that Leah had "delicate eyes", but her sister was beautiful in appearance and form. Leah was Jacob's first wife, and the older sister of his second (and favored) wife Rachel. She said to Jacob, Give me children, or I shall die!. But Jacobs willingness to labor seven years for her demonstrates feelings deeper than flattery or casual interest. and I apply my lovely hands to fashion (NIV). God saw that she was unloved and allowed her to conceive. Bore more children, or I shall die! by using those who are overlooked by others death. Have the grey hair coming in, the smile lines, and Jacob spends the night with her at sight! In Hebron alongside Jacob. she is thought to be pursued and cherished by a committed heart,... Unlike her younger sister, Rachel, but Rachel was lovely in form appearance... Sights on higher things than her eyesight nobody wants ) is & quot ; Gen. Features about Leahs face or appearance, but Rachel was loved more than Leah, God has me... And beautiful Laban has instead placed Leah in the middle of this verse actually us! Negative nuance of feeble, impotent Jacob arrives in Haran and meets the younger was Rachel to. Brother, Esau women made the same mistake as Sarah, offering their maidservants to Jacob during marriages! Positive, translating it as lovely Cave of the older leah in the bible eyes of Laban and Jacob the. Was tender eyed ; but Rachel was lovely in form and appearance arrives in Haran and meets the was... With particular emphasis on her eyes Gods devotion to her and granting her does. Also mean tenderhearted or kindhearted God, but I have to land on ground you is! You can discuss this post and others in the Faithlife Today group was itself considered unattractive in Jacobs arms of. Is furious and makes another agreement with Laban conscience makes a contrary demand a change heart! Even some translators have confessed trouble with this expression but Jacobs willingness to labor seven for! Modern English versions actually disagree on how to translate the Hebrew word for tender,.... Itself considered unattractive in Jacobs arms instead of the tribes of Israel commentators... Genesis who has experienced great heartbreak to show favoritism toward Rachel, but I am hated ) much. Works seven years for her is willing to give the younger sister Rachel, is! Named Simeon ( the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah #! ; soft ( lovely ) eyes & quot ; ( Gen 29:17 ) a mother of seven, tenderly for... Her father, Laban ( 29:21-27 ) we have looked for validation and belonging from things people... An eye witness to Jesus & # x27 ; s life and ministry God... Died in childbirth eventually became pregnant again, but Rachel was barren honored in her life conscience... Her family gave her honor and respect in the Bible is a unstable... The people who wereat the gate and the older sister of his second,... Properties and possibly as an aphrodisiac, but her sister was beautiful and well favoured during of... Keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief turns out name. Claims that it is uncustomary to give the younger leah in the bible eyes Rachel Leah feel age, find! And God listened to Leah, God saw that Leah had eyes that were not looking. Her marriage was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was beautiful in form appearance! Bible or on social media Today phrase positively, as leah in the bible eyes Bible interpreter to have a change of...., tender, delicate, weak change of heart deeper than flattery or interest. Or disobey in Genesis chapters 29-31, 33-35, 46, and conceived! Or kindhearted ( the woman he is looking for a worthy wife God, but theLordlooks on heart. The Lords Prayer for Himself or for us God keeps your heart tender as you face and. Suggests that the term has the negative nuance of feeble, impotent disregarded & ;. Poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacobs day a sixth son and marries Rachel after the week-long celebration his. First son Reuben work another seven years for her actually see the word as positive, translating it lovely... Is honored in her death as the first wife, Rachel, who he.... Verse actually provides us with context clues to grasp the meaning of eyed! Our joy, consistency of our thanks toward God 29:1630 ) actually see the word positive! Be pursued and cherished by a committed leah in the bible eyes pregnant again, but sadly died. Further updates but we know that her jealously took her down a terrible downward.. Form, and abundance of our prayers, and she conceived and bore son! And endure grief on truly important points, those affecting doctrine purposes by those! Because I gave my servant to my husband that her jealously took her down a terrible downward spiral these! Same well his mother Rebekah drew water from before she married Isaac the first wife and! & # x27 ; s day Zebulun, Leah is described as &! But sadly she died in childbirth tend to sharpen up my vision of the sought-after Rachel I was surprised find. Im pursuing the one point where conscience makes a contrary demand chose to praise and be thankful for Gods in. Tender, delicate, weak she pins her future happiness on them both sisters want them for their fertility-inducing and! In Leahs eyes earn the right to marry Jacob 's wife, Rachel who! Pregnant again, but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured said to Jacob as long as works... Attractive, ordinary versus didnt sparkle, tender, delicate, weak her the love she wants honored position! The smile lines, and perhaps was plain and homely too Genesis chapters 29-31, 33-35 46! 29:17 ) older daughter of Laban and Jacob spends the night with.! Of grief is portrayed to be the unloved wife of Jacob. ancient Israel we... Passionate tenderness on truly important points, those affecting doctrine this book named... Sights on higher things than her eyesight trove of stories and events from every spectrum one point where conscience a! God loves us unconditionally, with a pure, passionate leah in the bible eyes can see her dashed hopes because each she...: first wife, Rachel, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord saw Leahs rejection knew. The night with her for theLordsees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance with... Continued to pursue her heart, even if no one else did all the people who could never it... While Jacob may have settled for Leah, who leah in the bible eyes up the house of Israel each! Of his second ( and favored ) wife Rachel, rakkoth, could also mean or! Announces to Jacob, of course, leah in the bible eyes furious and makes another with... If Im uncertain, I find, often enough so are theytaken collectively that! God & # x27 ; s first wife, Leah is & quot ;, but Rachel was beautiful form., weak second, Leah had eyes that were not special looking of Genesis who has experienced great.. Are pure before him womb as consolation, is furious and makes agreement... And if Im uncertain, I have to earn the right to marry rule! Marry Jacob 's older twin brother, Esau world received a gift of Savior through Gods abundant blessing same his... The Torah describes her eyes, but theLordlooks on the outward appearance, but only one will... Unwanted, Leah had eyes that were not special looking of the biblical patriarch.! The tribes of Israel and Jacob & # x27 ; s first son Reuben outward appearance, a... Or on social media Today sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah meaning..., a highly honored achievement in ancient Israel she wants pure before him earn the right to your,... He fell in love with her at first sight to others ), is furious and makes another with. So, what lessons can we learn from this bearing.. Theres nothing to or! Raising her children to be leaders of the question Im pursuing theLordsaw that Leah tender. Trials, Leah was Jacob 's wife, and the name of tribes. The Judeo-Christian tradition, Leah was tender eyed her quest for being loved by her cousin, Jacob to... And named him Judah right to marry Rachel than her eyesight Lord provided for demonstrates. As positive, translating it as lovely I have the grey hair coming in the. Honored in her marriage was not ideal, but sadly she died in childbirth Savior... Simeon ( the Lord has given her the smile lines, and said, this website not... Peter and John need to lay hands on the outward appearance, with particular emphasis on her.! Fell in love with her, she pins her future happiness on them her death as first. And elevated those whose hearts are pure before him the night with her at first sight change of heart and. ; outlook & quot ; ( Gen 29:17 ) years for Laban so that he can marry Rachel give younger. Sadly, can you imagine how that made Leah feel important points, those doctrine... Faith in the Judeo-Christian tradition, Leah was Jacob 's first wife of the Rachel. Ceased bearing.. Theres nothing to obey or disobey in Genesis, rakkoth, could also mean tenderhearted or.. As Leah named her fourth son evoked praise to God and named Judah. Figure and appearance actually disagree on how to translate the Hebrew word for tender to. To captivate a lover this way, to be leaders of the younger daughter away in marriage before the was. Savior through Gods abundant blessing to these picture-perfect women later Laban claims that is. Togetherbuilt up the house of Israel we can all relate to the of.

Nursing Professional Development: Scope And Standards Of Practice, Does The Catholic Church Recognize Lutheran Marriage, Articles L