The story of Jacob working hard to marry Rachel is a tale of love, patience, and perseverance. It is found in the Bible, in Genesis 29:1-30. Let’s learn about Jacob’s journey and his love for Rachel.
Jacob Meets Rachel
Bible Verse: Genesis 29:10-11
“When Jacob saw Rachel daughter of Laban, his mother’s brother, and Laban’s sheep, he went over and rolled the stone away from the mouth of the well and watered his uncle’s sheep. Then Jacob kissed Rachel and began to weep aloud.”
Jacob traveled to his mother’s homeland and met Rachel at a well. He helped her by watering her sheep. Jacob was very happy to meet Rachel, who was his cousin, and he cried because he was so touched.
Jacob’s Agreement with Laban
Bible Verse: Genesis 29:18-20
“Jacob was in love with Rachel and said, ‘I’ll work for you seven years in return for your younger daughter Rachel.’ Laban said, ‘It’s better that I give her to you than to some other man. Stay here with me.’ So Jacob served seven years to get Rachel, but they seemed like only a few days to him because of his love for her.”
Jacob loved Rachel and wanted to marry her. He made a deal with Rachel’s father, Laban. Jacob agreed to work for Laban for seven years to be able to marry Rachel. He loved her so much that these seven years felt like just a few days to him.
The Wedding Deception
Bible Verse: Genesis 29:23-25
“But when evening came, he took his daughter Leah and brought her to Jacob, and Jacob made love to her… When morning came, there was Leah! So Jacob said to Laban, ‘What is this you have done to me? I served you for Rachel, didn’t I? Why have you deceived me?'”
After working for seven years, Jacob was ready to marry Rachel. But Laban tricked Jacob by giving him Leah, Rachel’s older sister, instead. Jacob did not realize it was Leah until the next morning.
Jacob’s Continued Service for Rachel
Bible Verse: Genesis 29:27-28
“Finish this daughter’s bridal week; then we will give you the younger one also, in return for another seven years of work.’ And Jacob did so. He finished the week with Leah, and then Laban gave him his daughter Rachel to be his wife.”
Laban told Jacob that if he wanted to marry Rachel as well, he would need to work another seven years. Jacob agreed and worked for seven more years because of his love for Rachel.