I'm thinking this chapter is how soap operas got started, lol. Jealousy, competition, seeking approval, seeking love. Every human being wants to be shown love. But we have to be willing to show love and not just expect it. We can't let jealousy interfere and destroy the love that we need to show to others.
Daily Bible Challenge: Day 30-Genesis 30
The baby competition was on! It seems like the idea was whoever would deliver the most boys would win. There are good reasons why marriage is supposed to be between one man and one woman. We get a glimpse of how life in this family was out of control! It gets so crazy in this chapter that there’s an argument over mandrakes and a deal made about who Jacob will sleep with that night in exchange for some of that food. Jacob together with the 4 women end up having 12 sons and at least 1 daughter although there may actually be more daughters, but only Dinah is mentioned. Favoritism, jealousy and deception continue on with this generation, but we will also get to see love, forgiveness and restoration with these brothers as God’s plan is unveiled.
The parody for today is called Here Come the Sons.
https://youtu.be/dxi84qrGcPI
Each of the 3 patriarchs (Abraham, Isaac, Jacob) had wives who had difficulty conceiving children. Note how each man handled the issue: Abraham had relations with his wife’s maid to have a child; Isaac prayed to God; Jacob followed his grandfather’s example and had children by his wives’ maidservants (now his wives too) leading to sad and bitter consequences. Although this was an acceptable custom, Jacob could have refused. The same is true for us today … just because something is socially acceptable doesn’t mean it is wise or right.
Yeap …soap opera
But sad… 2 young ladies fighting for one mans love.
That mandrake must be pretty good
Question Jacob was being dishonest about the love stock, yes?
Question he had the animals face the branches in the trough thinking they would produce spotted offspring?