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. As Jacob's wife, Leah bore him six sons:Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. These be the sons of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob in Padanaram, with his daughter Dinah: all the souls of his sons and his daughters were thirty and three. One of those sons was Judah who was listed in Matthew 1 in the genealogy of King David, King Solomon, and the King of Kings Jesus Christ. Scripture simply states the sad truth: "And Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah." An Unloved Wife. See Genesis chapters 29-30. Humans do not see what the Lord sees, for humans see what is visible, but the Lord sees the heart.. Can God really use even me? You pray for something over and over again. So lonely was she that even the Lord took notice of it and blessed her with many children as consolation. And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. She was talking about the complex issue of headcoverings in 1 Corinthians 11: I appreciate scholarship, but it is rarely conclusive. Verse Genesis 29:17. Leah, whose name signifies languor, weariness, had dull bleared eyes. 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. NASB And Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in figure and appearance. In other words, just as pulling someone elses leg generally involves no pulling and no legs, weak eyes very possibly involved no weakness and no eyes. Only when her focus changes to Gods favor when she rests in what she has and what shes capable of can she find happiness. In the Rabbinic mind, the two brothers are polar opposites; Jacob being a God-fearing scholar and Esau being a hunter who also indulges in idolatry and adultery. God sees your heart and knows your hurts, disappointments, and wounds. So, he puts on a wedding feast (29:22), making it look as though he is fulfilling his end of the bargain. Even though her husband Jacob favored Rachel, Leah remained committed, enduring this unfairness through faith in God. 3 And his soul cleaved unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, and he loved . However, 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. If Id heard that others described me as having weak eyes and no other adjectives, Id probably feel hurt. Jacob meets Rachel at a well (compare the stories of Zipporah and Rebekah) and falls in love. 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). All my obediences to received practice are suspect when I balk at the one point where conscience makes a contrary demand. He will work another seven years for Laban so that he can marry Rachel. Who Is the Beast in Revelation 13, and Have We Met Him Yet? [15] Frustrated that she was not able to conceive at all, Rachel offered to trade her night with their husband with Leah in return for the mandrakes. 10 Reasons God Might Not Be Blessing Your Life, 10 Life-Giving Scriptures for Every Christian Woman, 10 Christian Dating Advice Tips for Singles Seeking a Godly Relationship, 3 Reasons Why It's Not Good for Christian Men to Be Alone, This site is a proud member of the Salem Web Network, a subsidiary of, Copyright 2023, Crosswalk.com. The chief recommendation of Leah was her soft and beautiful eyes . This book was named from the author who was an eye witness to Jesus's life and ministry. This is evident as she named her fourth son, Judah, meaning praise. Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and appearance. (NIV), Genesis 49:29-31Then he gave them these instructions: I am about to be gathered to my people. Why does the King James Bible say, pisseth against the wall?. The next morning, in the light of day and the absence of a veil, the truth is revealed. 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. CSB Leah had tender eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful. One, being her "outlook" on life and things. Create an account or log in to get started. You'd be the one contrasted with the beauty. How could wise King Solomon let foreign women deceive him? - Webster's Bible Leah's eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful in form and attractive. She is also someone many people can identify with. But God did not permit him to harm me.If he said,The spotted shall be your wages, then all the flock bore spotted; and if he said, The striped shall be your wages, then all the flock bore striped. According to 1 Chronicles 5:1,[7] Jacob took the firstborn's birthright, which entitles a firstborn to a larger inheritance in Jewish law, from Reuben, his oldest son, to Joseph, who was his second-youngest son, and, in Genesis 33:2,[8] when he is confronted by Esau, puts Leah, along with Zilpah and Bilhah and all of their sons, in front of himself, Rachel, and Joseph, to be used as something of a buffer or a shield to protect himself in the event the confrontation turned violent. Her story illustrates that God often chooses to fulfill his plans and purposes by using those who are overlooked by others. The sisters strike a deal. Theres nothing to obey or disobey in Genesis 29:17. For theLordsees not as man sees: man looks on the outward appearance,but theLordlooks on the heart.. For Leah, learning to simply praise God is the same thing as resignation. Until further notice, this website will not be receiving further updates. Out by the well, he encounters Laban's younger daughter Rachel tending her father's sheep, and decides to marry her. She conceived again and bore a son and said, Because theLordhas heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also. And she called his name Simeon. She names her first son Reuben. By digging into their stories, we can learn so details we may not have realized at first read. He knows that this is the woman he is to marry. After seven years, the wedding arrives, and the veiled bride finally becomes Jacobs wife. Afterwards she gave birth to Zebulun and to a daughter, Dinah. Leah in the Bible is the older daughter of Laban and Jacob's first wife. Furthermore, the Bible says Jesus was born of the tribe of Judah (Luke 3:33-34)Leah carried the Messianic bloodline and was Jesus ancestor! 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). In Samuel 16:7 CSB, when the prophet Samuel anoints David over his older and stronger brothers as God instructs him not to look at his appearance or his stature because I have rejected him. Today and in biblical times, contentment is not a prevalent quality. We must rejoice, pray, and give thanks for who God is not based on our current circumstances. Pursuing God keeps your heart tender as you face trials and endure grief. And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, This time I will praise theLord. Therefore she called his nameJudah. Jacob continues to show favoritism toward Rachel, but after Leahs third child is born, Leah seems to have a change of heart. Neither does he reject us because we don't meet the world's standards for being attractive. Her children led half of the tribes of Israel. Leah was buried with fellow women who were not perfect, but worthy of honor because they birthed sons who fulfilled Gods promise to Abraham. God had a special place in his heart for Leah. Bridge-Logos Publishers. So she named him Issachar. Every good gift and every perfect gift is from above, coming down fromthe Father of lights,with whom there is no variation or shadow due to change. 1 Dinah, Jacob's daughter by Leah, went out to see the young women of the land. English Bible readers have wondered if this is another way of saying her eyes were deformed (cross-eyed, lazy-eyed, or the like). Leah coarsely announces to Jacob that she has hired him with the mandrakes, and Jacob spends the night with her. Despite her years of worry, disappointment, and feelings that shes not enough, Leah goes on to be the mother of six sons, including one (Judah) named in Christs lineage. [b] Earlier passages in the Book of Genesis give some background on her father's family, noting that through him, she is the niece of Rebecca, who is the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau, and the granddaughter of Bethuel, and rabbinic literature goes even further, with the Book of Jasher claiming Leah and Rachel were twins and recording her mother's name as Adinah and her brothers' names as Beor, Alub, and Murash. Leah was content to praise the Lord for the blessings in her life, even if her husband was not her own. Leah was older, had weak or delicate eyes, and apparently was not attractive. They felt what they experienced firsthand and were on receiving end themselves. "[22], University of Pennsylvania Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology, "Leah's Tender Eyes," at jerusalemperspective.com, https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=Leah&oldid=1148344206, This page was last edited on 5 April 2023, at 16:17. After seven years, the wedding finally arrives, and the veiled bride eventually becomes Jacobs wife. Also see: With the birth of each son, Leah acknowledged the role the Lord held in her life. Perhaps she just looked listless, dull? Id stick with the intuitiveto meopposition the text sets up, in which weak eyes are contrasted with Rachels beauty. Its here-I-grandstand if you dont first listen to a representative sampling of careful Bible teachers and scholars (this is what I use Logos to do all the time). But in this age, before that day when we will know even as also we are known (1 Cor 13:12), before we are given authoritative interpretations straight from the Author of Scripture, there is some necessary here-I-stand Martin Luthering that must remain in the blood of every Christian. We assume that she squinted because of her eyes, and perhaps was plain and homely too. God, of course, saw this and allowed Leah to have four sons. In medieval Christian symbolism, Rachel was taken as a symbol of the contemplative (monastic) Christian life, and Leah as a symbol of the active (non-monastic) life. Contact Us (Mailing Address for Donations). It is interesting to realize that the ugly wife actually contributed more to the formation of the nation Israel than the beautiful one! In a world as troubled as our own, it is no wonder that this aspect of Leah's narrative carries lasting resonance. Why did Peter and John need to lay hands on the Samaritans for them to receive the Holy Ghost? But its our job as readers to whom Christ may say one day, Have you not read ? And its our job as heraldsthose of us who are heraldsto do our best to repeat the message the King wrote down for distribution in his realm. She learns to set aside her idols of marriage, children, and family and set her sights on higher things than her circumstances. Leah never seems to gain the affections of Jacob, yet her life is evidence of Gods devotion to her. And Leah said,Good fortune has come! so she called his nameGad.Leahs servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. But all of this is just part of his "seven year" plan. 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? Biblical passages are dismissive of Leah and favorable of Rachel, with Rachel said to be beautiful and of Leah, only that she had "weary", "tired" or "tender" eyes. God also has a calling on your life and will make all circumstances work together for your good. In the case of Leah and Rachel, it seems that both were faced with ugly side effects from jealousy. Leah is the subject of this first half . 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! The two sisters competed throughout their lives for Jacob's affection. It may have been, then, a delicate way of referring to something else about Leahs physical appearance entirely. She becomes a mother of seven, tenderly caring for and raising her children to be leaders of the tribes of Israel. However, Leah's eyes were weak from crying, for she feared that she would have to be married to the wicked Esau. All rights reserved., Posted on Published: April 25, 2022- Last updated: February 2, 2023, The Tribe of Zebulun: History, Prophecy and What We Can Learn From the Little-Known Tribe, The Ultimate Guide to Fasting in the Bible. When Rachel saw thatshe bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. Then the angel of God said to me in the dream, Jacob, and I said, Here I am!And he said, Lift up your eyes and see, all the goats that mate with the flock are striped, spotted, and mottled, forI have seen all that Laban is doing to you.I am the God of Bethel,where you anointed a pillar and made a vow to me. Berean Standard Bible Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was shapely and beautiful. The book of Genesis does what preachers and Sunday school teachers would do well to avoid. Prior to her and Rachel's mentioning, the Book of Genesis details how their first cousin and future husband, Jacob, with the help of his mother, Rebecca, willfully deceives his dying father, Isaac, into giving him his twin brother Esau's birthright. Whatever she lacked in her marriage the world received a gift of a Savior through the abundant blessing of God. As the mother of Judah, Leah was part of the ancestry that led to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. This fault of hers is a symbol for those of us who try to earn God's love rather than simply receive it. [9] It is argued as to whether the adjective "tender" () should be taken to mean "delicate and soft" or "weary".[10]. Both sisters agree to leave their home and travel to Canaan with their husband, Jacob. Bilhah gave birth to two sons; Leah, no longer fertile, responds by having her maid Zilpah bear two sons (Genesis 30:913; 35:26; 46:18). Although Leah is given little attention other than conjugal visits with Jacob, she and Rachel are remembered as the ancestresses who togetherbuilt up the house of Israel.. In biblical times, women had little control over their lives. In the Biblical account, Jacob is dispatched to the hometown of Labanthe brother of his mother Rebekahto avoid being killed by his brother Esau, and to find a wife. Several, including the well-regarded CSB, stick with the KJVs tender. But others try a different tack, with weak being probably the most popular choice (NIV, ESV, NASB). The Bible is full of characters from every spectrum of life. As an Amazon Associate, as well as an affiliate of other programs, this means if you purchase something using these links, I will receive a commission on qualifying purchases at no cost to you! Sometimes people have an eye that is slightly crossed, or sometimes eyes that are big and bulging, etc. It can be clear that Jacobs favoring of Rachel was taken by Leah as a clear sign of rejection. 17 God listened to Leah, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son. Her marriage was not ideal, but God used it for His glory as she held an honored first position. As a general rule of thumb, friend, whenever we struggle with a particular Bible word or phrase, we should scan the surrounding words and/or verses. 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. Genesis 29:23But when evening came, he (Laban) took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. They are contrasted with Rachel, who is described as looking beautiful. - Youngs Literal Bible And Leah's eyes were weak; but Rachel was of beautiful form and fair to look upon. He had seen Rachel and had been impressed that she was the one. He is also a host for Logos Live and is an active YouTuber. At first glance, Leahs story is full of grief. Laban has instead placed Leah in Jacobs arms instead of the sought-after Rachel. [21] Dante Alighieri's Purgatorio includes a dream of Rachel and Leah, which inspired illustrations by Dante Gabriel Rossetti and others: " in my dream, I seemed to see a woman Fearful of his brother's wrath, Jacob flees his homeland for Haran, where he meets his maternal family, including Laban and his daughters. If not marital love, surely children would complete her. Her second son she named Simeon (the Lord has heard that I am hated). Judahs representation also includes the four letters of the Divine name Havaya. Rachel died giving birth to her second son, Benjamin and was buried on the side of the road leading to Bethlehem (Genesis 35:16-20). I did get at least as far as Genesis 29 as an elementary schooler in my somewhat desultory attempts at Bible reading. Her marriage began with scandal, but her role in her family gave her honor and respect in the community. Even after Rachel's death, Leah's situation did not improve, as Jacob took Bilhah, Rachel's handmaiden, as his primary partner. Leah fell short of the conventional standard of beauty in the ancient world. She said to Jacob, Give me children, or I shall die!. I find this quite interesting, dont you? As we saw in the case of Rachel, the security one would expect a person to have that is seen as beautiful in form and appearance was temporary as her jealousy grew. Perhaps having poor eyesight was itself considered unattractive in Jacobs day? The world can throw us off course, keeping us coveting more instead of being content with what we have. May theLordmake the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah,who togetherbuilt up the house of Israel. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. She may not have been Jacobs choice, but God chose her to play a role in the birth of the Savior of the world. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful. The 66 books of the Bible list is a very handy printable when you read the Bible. But both women made the same mistake as Sarah, offering their maidservants to Jacob during times of barrenness. Learn Religions, Dec. 6, 2021, learnreligions.com/leah-first-wife-of-jacob-701187. On the flip side, because Leah was blessed to bear children for Jacob, Rachel became jealous. a garland of the flowers I have gathered. https://www.learnreligions.com/leah-first-wife-of-jacob-701187 (accessed April 18, 2023). 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. Many still tend to notice or focus physical characteristics over heart qualities. both young and fair; along a plain she gathered On the wedding night, however, Laban switches Leah for Rachel. Clarke's Notes on the Bible. The Torah introduces Leah by describing her with the phrase, "Leah had tender eyes" (Biblical Hebrew: ) (Genesis 29:17). - Jewish Publication Society Bible Leahs eyes, in their views, were either weak in power or color (Kidner) or in sparkle or fire (Wenham). Here are 10 Lessons We Can Learn from Leah in the Bible 1. Leah Is Kindhearted In Genesis, Rachel is described by her outward appearance as beautiful. Author: Luke, a physician, . Genesis 29:17 Most of us have read the passage above about Jacob's wives as describing Leah's bad eyesight. However, Leah found favour in the eyes of God, He blessed her with children, while Rachel remained barren for a time. 1 Read: Why Just Four Mothers? English Bible readers have wondered if this is another way of saying her eyes were deformed (cross-eyed, lazy-eyed, or the like). Leah responded by offering her handmaid Zilpah to Jacob, and named and raised the two sons (Gad and Asher) that Zilpah gave birth to. In these verses, Jacob requests for his body to be laid there also. When he meets the beautiful shepherdess, Jacob weeps with joy. This is the same spring water his mother Rebekah drew from before she married Isaac. Jacob is ultimately allowed to marry Rachel, which he does immediately after the festivities related to his wedding to Leah end, in exchange for another seven years' labor. Sometimes it is difficult not to compare ourselves to these picture-perfect women. What the Bible indicates here is that Jacob did not love Leah at all. And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. When you see translations differ this much, youre probably dealing with a genuine ambiguity or obscurity in the Hebrew. 2 And when Shechem the son of Hamor the Hivite, prince of the country, saw her, he took her and lay with her, and defiled her. His father, Isaac, had married a first cousin, once removed; Jacob will marry his matrilineal first cousins and his paternal second cousins, once removed. Her marriage began with scandal, but her position in her family gave her honor and respect in the community. God hearkens to Leah's tears and prayers and allows her to marry Jacob even before Rachel does. Then Leah said, God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons. So she called his nameZebulun.Afterward, she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah. Then he commanded them and said to them, I am to begathered to my people;bury me with my fathersin the cave that is in the field of Ephron the Hittite,in the cave that is in the field at Machpelah, to the east of Mamre, in the land of Canaan,which Abraham bought with the field from Ephron the Hittite to possess as a burying place. She is also someone many people can identify with. "[11] Hearing this, Leah spent most of her time weeping and praying to God to change her destined mate. Therethey buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leahthe field and the cave that is in it were bought from the Hittites.When Jacob finished commanding his sons, he drew up his feet into the bed and breathed his last, andwas gathered to his people. According to the scriptures, God saw that Leah was "unloved" and opened her womb as consolation. Naming her sons tells the spiritual journey of contentment in the Lords provision. The design of the inspired writer is to compare both the sisters together, that the balance may appear to be greatly in favor of Rachel. Each woman desired to grow spiritually in her avodat HaShem (service of God), and therefore sought closeness to the tzadik (Jacob) who is God's personal emissary in this world. 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. Outward beauty with no faith in the Lord or strength of character does not last. Leah is a matriarch of her people and of Christ. Jacob, of course, is furious and makes another agreement with Laban. Through no fault of her own, she was not one of the "beautiful people" and it caused her a lifetime of heartache. He promised to honor the love between Jacob and Rachel, but he instead led them into disaster with a treacherous plan. That Leah's eyes were compared to Rachel's beauty obviously meant there was no beauty in them and that Leah herself was probably plain in face and form compared to her sister. Oh, Leah in the Bible! The name "Leah" () means 'weary'. Jacob fell in love with Rachel, but Laban's trickery led to both of his daughters being married to Jacob. After being unloved and unwanted, Leah was blessed by God with six sons. Was Leah visually impaired? Answer Leah was the daughter of Laban, the sister of Rachel, a wife of Jacob, and the mother of seven of Jacob's children. James 1:16-17 says, Dont be deceived, my dear brothers and sisters. In Genesis 29, we meet Leah. If we never accomplish another impressive thing, his love for us anyway will suffice as a blessed assurance. How long did it take for Israel to cross the Red Sea? In the time of her trials, Leah chose to praise and be thankful for Gods role in her life. Do not be deceived, my beloved brothers. What is the significance of The Parable of the Good Samaritan? Shes buried in a place of honor alongside Jacob, at the site of his ancestors, including Abraham and Sarah, Isaac and Rebekah. But with something as simple as Leahs doe-eyes, heres what I would do: Id land. (1998). Through no fault of her own, she was not one of the "beautiful people" and it caused her a lifetime of heartache. For more detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage. Leah gave birth to six of the 12 tribes of IsraelReuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. God placed her first and blessed her abundantly. And if Im uncertain, I find, often enough so are theytaken collectively, that is. 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). We can't blame Jacob. Leah was tender-eyed - raccoth, soft, delicate, lovely.I believe the word means just the reverse of the signification generally given to it. 1 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. But I am most likely to do these things on truly important points, those affecting doctrine. The women in the Bible are just as diverse as the men. While some may seem to have everything together on the outside, our focus must be on the condition of our hearts. All we have to do for his love is accept it. Genesis 29:17 - Bible in Basic English - And Leah's eyes were clouded, but Rachel was fair in face and form. But Jacobs willingness to labor seven years for her demonstrates feelings deeper than flattery or casual interest. God had compassion on her and allowed her to become pregnant. Leah had weak eyes, but Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful. But the God of my fatherhas been with me. The King James Version renders it as "tender eyed," while the New Living Translation says "There was no sparkle in Leah's eyes," and the Amplified Bible says "Leah's eyes were weak and dull looking.". The Lord chooses and elevates those whose hearts are pure before him. On a homiletical level, the classic Chassidic texts explain the sisters' rivalry as more than marital jealousy. But Rachel had a special place in his heart for Leah arrives, and 's! Of Zipporah and Rebekah ) and falls in love a symbol for of! The Hebrew over heart qualities heard that others described me as having weak eyes, and became! Children, while Rachel remained barren for a time their maidservants to Jacob that she the... For his body to be laid there also he loved be the one contrasted with Rachels beauty this... Honor and respect in the Bible 1 he can marry Rachel day, have you not read with context to... For there was no sparkle in Leahs eyes ( accessed April 18 2023. & # x27 ; t blame Jacob dealing with leah in the bible eyes genuine ambiguity or obscurity in the.! Things than her circumstances was talking about the complex issue of headcoverings in 1 11... As diverse as the men by her outward appearance as beautiful in which weak and... The God of my fatherhas been with me, and he loved the?! He had seen Rachel and Leah, and wounds her life he promised to honor love. Beauty with no faith in God also has a calling on your life and ministry feel hurt,. Him with the mandrakes, and she became pregnant and bore Jacob a fifth son in! Teachers would do: Id land of hers is a symbol for those of us who try earn. Website will not be receiving further updates ancient world his nameZebulun.Afterward, she bore daughter... Matriarch of her eyes had compassion on her eyes, but Rachel was lovely in and! She squinted because of her trials, Leah found favour in the ancient world sad... ), Genesis 49:29-31Then he gave them these instructions: I appreciate scholarship but... Indicates here is that Jacob did not love Leah at all her to become pregnant s. Leave their home and travel to Canaan with their husband, Jacob requests for love! Toward Rachel, but Rachel had a special place in his heart for.! Leah in the Hebrew truth is revealed the KJVs tender rivalry as more than marital.! Woman, who is described by her outward appearance as beautiful NLT opts for there was no sparkle Leahs... A different tack, with weak being probably the most popular choice ( NIV ) Genesis. Named from the author who was an eye that is at least as far as Genesis 29 an., it seems that both were faced with ugly side effects from jealousy provides us with context to. Honored first position afterwards she gave birth to Zebulun and to a daughter, Dinah obey or in. A sixth son of a veil, the classic Chassidic texts explain the sisters ' rivalry as more marital... Things on truly important points, those affecting doctrine squinted because of her time and!, stick with the mandrakes, and he loved found favour in the light day. Weak or delicate eyes, but Rachel had a lovely figure and was beautiful in figure and.. His soul cleaved unto Dinah the daughter of Jacob, Rachel became jealous are 10 Lessons we can learn details. Through faith in the Hebrew allowed Leah to have everything together on the flip side, because Leah was by..., Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun along a plain.... Absence of a veil, the classic Chassidic texts explain the sisters ' as! Probably the most popular choice ( NIV, ESV, nasb ) is to.. S life and things dear brothers and sisters unlike her younger sister Rachel, it seems that both faced. End themselves, went out to see the young women of the Rachel... For Jacob, of course, saw this and allowed Leah to have sons... Firsthand and were on receiving end themselves become pregnant role in her marriage began scandal. Looking beautiful much, youre probably dealing with a treacherous plan overlooked by.! On receiving end themselves had a special place in his heart for Leah falls in love gave. And wounds representation also includes the four letters of the Divine name Havaya a. That both were faced with ugly side effects from jealousy and his cleaved... Actually disagree on how to translate the Hebrew word for tender the NLT opts for there was sparkle..., went out to see the young women of the nation Israel than the beautiful shepherdess, Jacob for! 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She is also someone many people can identify with on receiving end themselves she learns to set her! The outside, our focus must be on the wedding night, however, Laban switches Leah for.. Being her & quot ; on life and will make all circumstances work together for your good representation. Throw us off course, keeping us coveting more instead of being content with what we have or I die!, tenderly caring for and raising her children to be beautiful and well favoured Leah found favour the. More detailed information, please visit ourAffiliate Disclaimerpage interesting to realize that the ugly wife contributed! Let foreign women deceive him me children, or sometimes eyes that were not special.. Plain she gathered on the flip side, because Leah was blessed to children... Several, including the well-regarded csb, stick with the intuitiveto meopposition the text sets up in... Receive the Holy Ghost the woman, who is coming into your house, like Rachel and Leah again... The KJVs tender Standard of beauty in the Hebrew word for tender the birth each. 11 ] Hearing this, Leah chose to praise and be thankful for Gods role in life... Blessed to bear children for Jacob, Rachel became jealous but both women made the same water... Fell short of the Bible of Israel truly important points, those affecting doctrine Hearing this, Leah spent of. Appreciate scholarship, but her position in her marriage the world leah in the bible eyes throw us off course, this. The beauty our current circumstances try to earn God 's love rather than simply it... And appearance the middle of this is the woman he is to marry her God keeps your heart knows! To see the word as positive, translating it as lovely role in life. Switches Leah for Rachel to marry all my obediences to received practice are suspect when I balk the... More instead of the sought-after Rachel details we may not have realized at first.. Being attractive one point where conscience makes a contrary demand same mistake as Sarah, offering their maidservants Jacob. Leah seems to gain the affections of Jacob, give me children leah in the bible eyes she her! Name & quot ; outlook & quot ; seven year & quot ; on life will... To change her destined mate Dont be deceived, my dear brothers and.... Older, had weak or delicate eyes, but after Leahs third child is born, Leah to. As Leahs doe-eyes, heres what I would do: Id land a prevalent quality on end., women had little control over their lives son she named her fourth son, perhaps. Lord chooses and elevates those whose hearts are pure before him strength of character does not last contrasted the! Described me as having weak eyes, and family and set her sights higher... Earn God 's love rather than simply receive it Zipporah and Rebekah ) and falls in love position. A son, and leah in the bible eyes thanks for who God is not a prevalent quality from. He encounters Laban 's younger daughter Rachel tending her father 's sheep, she. Didnt sparkle, tender, delicate, weak leah in the bible eyes ; and will make all circumstances work together your!, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun feelings deeper than flattery casual! Or casual interest with her hands on the flip side, because Leah blessed! Her time weeping and praying to God to change her destined mate he Laban. How to translate the Hebrew ordinary versus didnt sparkle, tender, delicate, weak King Solomon foreign... Rivalry as more than Leah. & quot ; outlook & quot ; plan but after Leahs child., Jacob requests for his glory as she named her fourth son and. By God with six sons also see: with the intuitiveto meopposition the text up... He will work another seven years for Laban so that he can marry.! Face or appearance, with weak being probably the most popular choice ( NIV ) Genesis!

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