The LORD took an active role in expanding Jacob’s family (29:31; 30:17, 22). Leah, Jacob, and Rachel each experience God’s personal care for them.

The LORD met Leah in her misery as an unloved wife through her children. She went from hoping Jacob would love her for bearing his first son (32) to praising the LORD out of gratitude for her fourth (35). Her sorrow was taken away. In the midst of a jealousy-fueled feud with her younger sister she felt fortunate (11), happy (13), rewarded (18), and deserving of honor (20). God’s way of caring for her reminds us of the grace of Jesus to each of us.

Rachel’s jealousy prompts Jacob to take on two more wives (Bilhah 30:3; Zilpah 30:9). Rachel also acknowledges God’s hand in her life (6, 23). God cared for Rachel intimately, not choosing sides.

We can imagine how difficult this home life was for these women and their children! Jacob also met his limitation (30:2) and was manipulated, being traded for mandrakes (16). But through all this God was fulfilling his promise to Abraham (13:16), Isaac (26:4), and Jacob (28:14) to give them uncountable offspring. In these most intimate of relationships and emotions, God reveals his hand even to us in our own family struggles, making us fruitful.
Application: Father, thank you for being present in our difficult family situations. Help us see you at work.
One Word: Praise the Lord who is with us