Take Two: Genesis 30, Proverbs 21

The strain on the two sisters becomes obvious in this chapter. Rachel was unable to bear a son for Jacob as her sister did. This was a great distress on her. So, she gave Jacob her maid and bore a son (Dan) for Jacon through her (Gen 30:1-5). Rachel claimed that this was proof that God had heard her pleas and her maid bore a second son (Naphtali) for Jacob (Gen 30:6-8). Gen 30:8 tells us how significant it was to Rachel to bear sons because of the strife she was having with her sister (Jacob's other wife).

Leah was not far behind in the action. She gave her maid to Jacob and bore two sons (Gad and Asher) (Gen 30:9-13). The battle intensified when Reuben (Leah's oldest son) brought mandrakes in from the field. Mandrakes were known for their power as an aphrodisiac and for increasing fertility. Rachel asked for some of the mandrakes and Leah resisted because Rachel had stolen Jacob from her (Gen 30:14-15). Rachel "barters" the evening with Jacob away to Leah in exchange for the fruit. I know it was a barter because Leah met Jacob coming in from the field and told him she had hired him for the night (Gen 30:16).

Some think that "sex" and "close relationships" in an "open" setting are just part of life. In fact, I have had people tell me that they want to have several close relationships (dating) and sexual experiences before mariage so they can "know for certain" that they are going to be happy when they finally marry. God always intended for mariage to be between one man and one woman for life. The struggles between these two sisters is but one example of why. It is not that God desires to withhold and restrict...but that He desires to bless and protect from pain. These two sisters lived daily in conflict and competition with one another. Their own "self-worth" was established in large part based on how Jacob chose between them and whether they could produce children to gain his affection.

In Gen 30:25-41, we see that Jacob asks Laban for permission to leave and take his wives. Laban resists because Jacob has brought Laban great wealth and God has blessed Laban through the blessing of Jacob (Gen 30:27-30). DON'T MISS THAT. As God was blessing Jacob, those around Jacob experienced the blessings of God. (This is a fulfillment of promise and is a theological underpinning that guides the policy toward Israel, even today, for many people.)

Jacob negotiates with Laban to give him all of the "defects" of the flock. (A black sheep was bad and a spotted or speckled goat was bad.) Once Laban agreed, Jacob began intentionally breeding the strong ones of the flock so that they would produce offspring that appeared defective. He did this in retaliation for Laban's treatment of him. The end result was Laban's agreement with Jacob would yield for him only the weakest of the flock and Jacob would gain the greatest share. (Tomorrow's chapter explains more of Jacob's motivation for his actions.)

Proverbs 21:1 is the takeaway today. Yesterday was the inauguration of the 44th President of the United States. He is African-American (which was made much of). Symbolically, it is significant...but practically, it is a disservice to treat him differently because of his race- either for good or bad. I am happy for him and for the evidence of how far a country has come when we demonstrate equality in such a significant way. Scripture commands us as Christ-followers to pray for our leaders...knowing that every leader is established by God for His purpose. This verse in Proverbs is a key motivation as to why we should pray for our leaders. The heart of a man/king is moved by the Spirit of God to seek righteousness. We owe it to the leader to intercede for him as he makes difficult decisions. We owe it to God to follow the leaders he has established. I met some "sad" Christians yesterday whose "man" didn't make it. They were downcast because a Democrat was elected. Friends...God is not a Democrat or a Republican...or even an American. He is Sovereign over all and we rest in His Sovereignty...knowing that He can turn the heart of a king toward Himself.