Genesis 30: 14-16 (ESV)

Originally published 12/04/2014

· Rachel and Leah were jealous, competitive, and manipulative, while Jacob was not providing much leadership to the home. "In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes (perhaps considered a fertility aid) in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, 'Please give me some of your son's mandrakes,' But she said to her, 'Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son's mandrakes also?' Rachel said, 'Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son's mandrakes.' When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, 'You must come in to me, for I have hired you with my son's mandrakes.' So he lay with her that night. And God listened to Leah and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son" Genesis 30:14-16 (ESV). This is so messy that it is embarrassing but the Bible lets us know that even its heroes were not perfect but still God was at work to bring them to obey him. Lord, remind me when I see things that are not right happen to me and others that you are at work in everyone of our lives to bring us to live in obedience to you.


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