Rachel and Leah (Old Testament Character Study) by Douglas Jacoby

R4E130930 – Rachel and Leah (Old Testament Character Study) by Douglas Jacoby

You can download the full audiobook recording on qobuz or amazon or itunes.

Hebrew words:

Rakhel (Rachel)
- Sounds like “ewe.”
- Appears 47x in the Bible (all but once in the O.T.).
- She bore Jacob two sons, Joseph and Benjamin.
Le’ah (Leah)
- Sounds like “weary.” It is less likely it means “dull” or “wild cow.”
- Interpreters often suggest her eyes lacked luster.
- Appears 34x in the O.T.
- She bore Jacob six sons and one daughter (Dinah).
Yosef (Joseph, pronounced “yo-SAFE”) — may he add / increase

Further study:

Genesis:
- Excerpts used in the podcast: 29:23-24, 31; 30:1-3, 22-24; 31:14-20; 33:1-2; 35:16-19; 48:7.
- Broader sections: Genesis 28-31, 33, 35, 48
- 28 and 24 — going back to the people of God when seeking a spouse.
Other passages cited:
- The Shulammite: Song of Songs 1:8, 6:13.
- Leviticus 18:18: Mosaic law forbade (simultaneously) marrying sisters.

Some things we learn about God:

God blesses those who marry within the faith.
God’s plan is monogamous marriage. Polygamy does not work, and only leads to great dysfunction.
Superstitions are vain. God is the one in control. He cannot be controlled by magic.
Those the Lord has chosen to bless do not always have the smoothest relationships — even (especially?) within their own families.
The objects of our prayers often have a high price tag. Be careful what you pray for!
With the Lord, it isn’t just quantity, but quality. Though Leah had seven children, and Rachel only two, these two gave rise to:
- The first king of Israel and his N.T. namesake, Saul of Tarsus.
- A man, Joseph, whose sons’ descendants would not only constitute a plurality within Israel, but who himself would save his brothers, father, and in fact millions. Moreover, there are numerous parallels between Joseph and Christ.

For kids (devotional discussion):

Share some selective readings, e.g. from chapters 28, 29, and 30.
Talk about the two sisters. What were they like? How were they different? How was their relationship?
Explain that they both wanted children, and jealously competed with each other. What do you want? Is there a toy, privilege, or anything else you very much want? How do your siblings compete with you (and vice-versa)?
What makes us happier: sharing, or wanting it all for ourselves?
Explain that mothers sometimes die in giving birth. Read 35:16-19. Ask how Jacob felt, and then read 48:7.
In what ways should we want to be like Rachel? (This is a good question for girls, and even for boys.) Focus on her character.

Key verses: