leah in the bible

Despite being used by the men in her life, in the end she praises God for His blessings on her. The Bible just goes right out and says it: Rachel was hot. Her story illustrates that God often chooses to fulfill his plans and purposes by using those who are overlooked by others. Discover the top Bible verses about Leah from the Old and New Testaments. Leah was born in the town of Paddan-Aram, the oldest daughter of Laban, sister of Rachel, and niece of Rebekah. This quiz was inspired by the story “The girl no one wanted” in Sally Lloyd-Jones’ children’s book: The Jesus Storybook Bible.. Let’s see whether you can score 10/10 for the Leah Bible … Leah was not. Laban tricked Jacob, however, substituting the heavily-veiled Leah on the dark wedding night. Not that he could marry her and be together, but that he could lay with her. Neither does he reject us because we don't meet the world's standards for being attractive. "Leah" - mentioned in 2 books and occurs 28 times in the Holy King James Bible (KJV) How difficult must life have been for her? Leah, also spelled Lia, in the Old Testament (primarily in Genesis), first wife of Jacob (later Israel) and the traditional ancestor of five of the 12 tribes of Israel. She turns to Him, seeking healing from her brokenness. When his first 7 years were complete he demanded he have his wife so he could lay with her. Leah was not noted for her beauty as her sister Rachel was, but for her weak, or delicate, eyes. She is also mentioned in Ruth 4:11. “You aren’t pretty enough.” “I need you to do something for me before I will show you love.” “I like her more than you.”. Leah fell short of the conventional standard of beauty in the ancient world. Issachar sounds llike the Hebrew for “reward”. Follow along with the blog: Simple Lessons From the Life of Sarah. He had loved Rachel from the moment he saw her, and when Laban, Rachel and Leah’s father, asked him what wages he desired, without hesitation Jacob asked for Rachel as his wife. Jacob worked for Rachel's father Laban seven years for the right to marry Rachel. This fault of hers is a symbol for those of us who try to earn God's love rather than simply receive it. That seems logical since a contrast is made with her beautiful sister Rachel. Laban had two daughters. The upshot is that Leah eventually bears a total of six sons and a daughter for Jacob. Women in the Bible: Leah. Then he was completely overcome with emotions and started weeping. The problem is Jacob loves her younger sister Rachel. Leah is the elder daughter of Laban and the wife of Jacob, father of twelve sons who will become the twelve tribes of Israel. Because Leah’s story in the Bible is so intertwined with that of her sister, Rachel, and their husband, Jacob, she often goes unnoticed, living in the shadows. As Jacob's wife, Leah bore him six sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. Leah was not as beautiful as her sister Rachel. I’ve spent many years thinking about poor, physically flawed Leah. She marries her first cousin, Jacob. Welcome! After this, we see he is willing to work hard to earn her as his bride. If you find yourself in a similar situation, it would serve you well to follow her example. Have you read a good book, fiction or non-fiction about Rachel? Such an example to live by. Levi sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for “attached”. He is the author of "Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges. Leah's name is variously said to mean "wild cow," "gazelle," "wearied," and "weary" in Hebrew. Many Bible experts say the verse refers to Leah's lack of attractiveness rather than her eyesight. (NIV), Genesis 49:29-31Then he gave them these instructions: “I am about to be gathered to my people. (NIV). ", Love in the Bible: From God's Love to the Most Romantic Scriptures, Meet Ruth: Great Grandmother of King David, Bathsheba, Mother of Solomon, Wife of King David, M.A., English Composition, Illinois State University, B.S., English Literature, Illinois State University. However, the Lord loves Leah even when Jacob does not. Alongside her husband, the father of Israel, she would be revered as a mother of Israel. But then Rachel makes it a personal competition between herself and Leah. She and her younger sister, Rachel, were rivals in a soap-opera-like romance with Jacob. God loves us unconditionally, with a pure, passionate tenderness. Zilpah bears a son and Leah names him Gad, which means “a … Because He Lives, Sue . "LEAH" in the KJV Bible. God does not love us because we are beautiful or handsome, brilliant or successful. Follow along with the blog: Examples of Family Problems in the Bible. ‘God hearkened to Leah’- the Bible stresses the true source of Leah’s blessing. Leah was a loving and faithful wife. After Jacob tricked his father and stole his brother’s birthright ( Genesis 27:1–29 ), he was forced to flee to the home of his uncle Laban in Harran. However, perhaps this is why we now find, that during this time of emotional hardship for Leah -- the Sacred Record revealing, that Rachel was now found to be barren, for she couldn't have any kids of her own at this time. Even though her husband Jacob favored Rachel, Leah remained committed, enduring this unfairness through faith in God. Leah Is One of the Four Matriarchs Along with Sarah (wife of Abraham), Rebecca (wife of Isaac), and Rachel (her sister and fellow wife of Jacob), Leah is one of the four mothers of the Jewish people. Jacob’s lack of love for Leah is even clearer in today’s passage. Genesis 29 tells the story of Jacob and Leah… and her sister, Rachel. Unfortunately, Leah's future husband, Jacob, had eyes only for Rachel. In fact, the promise of a Savior was carried not through Rachel's Joseph but through Leah's Judah, whose descendants would include David, Israel's great king, and Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah. Leah’s first mention in the Bible comes in the story of Jacob. Bible Study Online Leah Was Still Blessed - In Spite of Jacob's Treatment? “God has given me wages because I gave my servant to my husband.”. Zebulun means “habitation”, from the root meaning “to reside; dwell with”. No disclaimers. 1 Read: Why Just Four Mothers? While Rachel is attractive, Leah is not. Leah was offered in pity through her father’s deception just to appease his financial gains from having daughters. Answer: Leah was the daughter of Laban, the sister of Rachel, a wife of Jacob, and the mother of seven of Jacob’s children. (NIV), Genesis 29:31When the LORD saw that Leah was not loved, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren. When Jacob found out he had been tricked, he labored another seven years for Rachel. Leah’s focus is upon Jacob. I have always found the story of Leah to be so fascinating. Jacob’s uncle, Laban, had two daughters. Leah mistakenly thinks that somehow having a baby will endear her to Jacob and cause him to love her, especially since Rachel can’t give him children. Susan Nelson. As the mother of Judah, Leah was part of the ancestry that led to the birth of Jesus Christ, the Savior of the world. Leah was uncomely when compared to her lovely sister, but what she lacked in beauty she made up for in loyalty to Jacob as a wife, and as a good mother to his children. Lessons from Leah in the Bible (Genesis 29-35), on Lessons from Leah in the Bible (Genesis 29-35), Follow along with the blog: Creation Days and Noah Flood Facts, Follow along with the blog: Examples of Family Problems in the Bible, Examples of Family Problems in the Bible (Genesis 22-28), Before Joseph Forgives his Brothers (Genesis 36-42), Before Joseph Forgives his Brothers (Genesis 36-42) - Anchored Abode, Joseph Provides Guidance for the Biblical Reconciliation Process, Insecure Moses Requests Relief (Genesis 50 - Exodus 6), Why did God send the 10 plagues? She was in a relationship in which she hoped birthing sons would acquire his love. She can be found in the Bible Timeline between 1754-1704 BC.… She is also someone many people can identify with. Judah sounds like and may be derived from the Hebrew for “praise”. Part of the beauty of the story of Leah in the Bible is that even though she wasn’t the attractive “star” of her family—God still used her in a phenomenal way. Genesis 29:23But when evening came, he (Laban) took his daughter Leah and gave her to Jacob, and Jacob lay with her. There are so many lessons from Leah in the Bible! By the time she gets to Judah, we see her mindset has shifted to giving God praise alone for His goodness to her. Scripture tells us Rachel was "lovely in form, and beautiful." There are so many lessons from Leah in the Bible! These men were among the founders of the 12 tribes of Israel. The stone on the well’s mouth was large, and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place over the mouth of the well. Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel … [he] came near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth…. If you have ever heard a phrase along those lines, you can probably relate to Leah. Yet chosen and loved by God. Bury me with my fathers in the cave in the field of Ephron the Hittite, the cave in the field of Machpelah, near Mamre in Canaan, which Abraham bought as a burial place from Ephron the Hittite, along with the field. Leah's name is variously said to mean "wild cow," "gazelle," "wearied," and "weary" in Hebrew. Trying to change the world one abode at a time… starting with my own. Who was Leah in the Bible? Follow along with the blog: God Remembered Sarah and He Remembers You. 32 Instances - Page 2 of 2 Expand or Limit Your Search Results: All KJV books Old Testament only New Testament only Apocrypha only (?) Reuben sounds like the Hebrew for “he has seen my misery”; the name means “see, a son.”, “Because the Lord has looked upon my affliction; for now my husband will love me.”, “Because the Lord has heard that I am hated, he has given me this son also.”. Her son, Judah, became the father of the tribe that birthed both King David and eventually Jesus, the Messiah. Leah and her sister Rachel, whose names mean “cow” and “ewe,” give Jacob many sons; and their father gives him actual live-stock Leah is described as having “soft (lovely) eyes” ( … But let’s look through her responses after each child was born. After Jacob had merely seen Rachel, he displayed an incredible feat of strength, rolling the stone from the well. Sign up for our email list to walk through the Bible with us! (2 Kings 12-18), It’s all in the Details | The small people and the small things (2 Kings 5-11), Evil People in the Bible are often influenced by those who are morally bankrupt (1 Kings 20 – 2 Kings 4). How heartbreaking that the Bible clearly says Leah was unloved. “It seems that homely Leah was a person of deep-rooted piety and therefore better suited to become instrumental in carrying out the plans of Jehovah than her handsome, but worldly-minded, sister, Rachel.” What other lessons do you see from the story of Rachel in the Bible? A man named Jacob went to work for his Uncle Laban. Jacob traveled to Paddan-Aram to find a wife from among his relatives. Her mindset has shifted to praising God for His goodness to her, and recognizing she may never have the love of her husband. When he met Rachel, he fell in love with her at first sight. While nothing is inherently wrong with beauty or being attracted to your significant other, it is wrong to lust after and uphold beauty as the ultimate standard for worth. We read in verse 31 that she was “hated,” a word that in context means “loved less” (v. 30), not that Jacob maliciously detested her. The story of Leah's family is recorded in Genesis 25—35. Her second place status does not change, but God carried the family line through her son, Judah. Genesis 34:1 | View whole chapter | See verse in context And Dinah the daughter of Leah, which she bare unto Jacob, went out to see the daughters of the land. Rachel and Leah Bible Study – Nicki Koziarz . All we have to do for his love is accept it. Leah in the Bible is the older daughter of Laban and Jacob's first wife. Leah’s story starts in Genesis 29. So imagine, to her dismay, when she not only is used to trick Jacob, but how outraged he is that she isn’t the one he wanted. Yet Leah was eclipsed by her younger sister, Rachel, who was "lovely in form and beautiful." 2. Leah wouldn’t be the first woman in history to think that, now, would she? Leah bore more children, a highly honored achievement in ancient Israel. Still, this is a sad situation for Leah. Through no fault of her own, she was not one of the "beautiful people" and it caused her a lifetime of heartache. Leah's story in the Bible is told in Genesis chapters 29-31, 33-35, 46, and 49. Yet, there’s a lot we can learn from Leah in the Bible. Children's Bible Lessons, Leah unloved wife of Jacob, for elementry and middle school students. This great honor Leah received in death illustrates Matthew 19:30: "But many who are first will be last, and many who are last will be first." "Leah" - discussed most often in the books of Genesis (27) and Ruth (1). “God has endowed me with a good endowment (‘dowry, gift’); now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.”. She was unloved by her husband Jacob. We read soon after this how her self-esteem was affected. ~It is appreciated but not required that you follow my social media accounts, ~A new Anchored Abode podcast (iTunes) has been started, and I would love for subscribers and positive reviews (SoundCloud), ~I do ask that you use the Anchored Truth Tuesdays logo above on your site somewhere or on the post itself; if you click on the picture above a new window will open with html instructions, ~ Family friendly posts only (I reserve the right to delete any that are deemed inappropriate); with a direct link to a specific blog post, ~It is appreciated if you spread the blogging love to those around you in the Anchored community by visiting their sites, following them, or liking/sharing posts, ~We have a Pinterest group board, Anchored Truth Tuesdays, where all who link up are welcome to also upload their content–you’ll just need to like Anchored Abode first, and then request to join, ~By submitting a link, you are agreeing to be added to our email list as well as allowing the use of pictures/content as featured posts on our social media accounts. The Bible’s original love triangle: Jacob, Leah, and Rachel Tricked by his father-in-law into marrying his true love’s sister, Jacob waited 14 years before he could be with Rachel. The name Leah means weary. The Lord showed compassion on Leah as He saw she was not loved. Read through the biblical references of Leah to learn more about its meaning and significance. Leah, the eldest, had eyes that were “delicate.” Rachel, with whom Jacob fell in love, was Laban’s younger daughter; and she “was beautiful of form and appearance” (Genesis 29:16-17). “Now this time my husband will be attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.”. Then, when she births his sixth son, Zebulun, she no longer asks for love for her husband, just that he dwell with her (the word for honor means ‘to reside, dwell with’). Still, Leah continually depends upon God. She turns to God, seeking His favor and asking for His help in receiving favor from her husband. It’s never too late to start…. Leah, like her younger sister, Rachel, is an interesting character. While I’m inexplicitly drawn to Rachel, I just feel sorry for Leah. It was noted that Jacob’s “…love for Rachel was greater than his love for Leah.” (Genesis 29:30). He never loves her as much as he loves Rachel, but then her dignity and status rest on what God has … The two sisters competed throughout their lives for Jacob's affection. Leah was the mother of six of Jacob’s sons: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Issachar , Zebulun, and Judah; Judah was the ancestor of King David and, according to the New Testament, of Jesus. Because of this, God gave special attention to Leah, and enabled her to … The older one was named Leah, and the … The only birth where her heart was solely focused on God and His faithfulness, her husband was not even mentioned in the naming. She went through deep, emotional turmoil but learned through it that God was faithful and worthy to be praised in spite of her circumstances. May you find some insight from these related scripture quotes!To find the full context of shorter scripture quotes, click on "Chapter" above each verse. What does the Bible say about Leah? Leah's story in the Bible is told in Genesis chapters 29-31, 33-35, 46, and 49. The oldest daughter of Laban, she was plain looking and may have had poor eyesight, but she was dutiful and virtuous. From the moment she appears in Scripture, Leah is described as having "weak eyes" (Genesis 29:17). Leah, not Rachel, was destined to be his first and last wife. But both women made the same mistake as Sarah, offering their maidservants to Jacob during times of barrenness. Fun online educational games and worksheets are provided free for each Bible story. | Who does your heart follow? Make that "tender" (KJV), "delicate" (NKJV), or "pretty" (NLT) eyes. Genesis 49:31 | View whole chapter | See verse in context There they buried Abraham and Sarah his wife; there they buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife; and there I buried Leah. Leah was born in the town of Paddan-Aram, the oldest daughter of Laban, sister of Rachel, and niece of Rebekah. No excuses. Story of Leah in the Bible. There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah. Genesis 35:23 | View whole chapter | See verse in context You are invited to the Inlinkz link party! Leah: The Unloved Wife A wedding is supposed to be a joyful occasion; and Jacob’s wedding promised to be no exception. She was also the sister of Rachel and the wife of Jacob. Commit today to read through the Bible! Keep in mind, this is only after seeing her. Leah was the oldest daughter of Laban, Rebekah’s brother. Lessons from Leah in the Bible (Genesis 29-35) “You aren’t pretty enough.” “I need you to do something for me before I will show you love.” “I like her more than you.” If you have ever heard a phrase along those lines, you can probably relate to Leah. Follow along with the blog: Creation Days and Noah Flood Facts. And Leah also with her children came near, and bowed themselves: and after came Joseph near and Rachel, and they bowed themselves. Don’t forget to download your copy of our Family Bible Plan. Leah tried to make Jacob love her through her deeds. 3 Minute Read When Bilhah gives two sons to Rachel, Leah decides to follow suit and give her maid Zilpah to Jacob as wife. She is also mentioned in Ruth 4:11. The Bible describes it this way in Genesis 29:32-34 (NASB): Leah became pregnant and gave birth to a son. The King James Version renders it as "tender eyed," while the New Living Translation says "There was no sparkle in Leah's eyes," and the Amplified Bible says "Leah's eyes were weak and dull looking.". (Genesis 29:17, NIV), In the same verse is a description of Leah that scholars have been arguing about for centuries: "Leah had weak eyes." In the long run, Leah was recognized by the Jewish people as an important person in their history, as this verse from the book of Ruth shows: At the end of Jacob's life, he requested to be buried beside Leah (Genesis 49:29-31), suggesting that he'd come to recognize the virtue in Leah and had grown to love her as deeply as he loved Rachel. Tell me in the comments below. How she must have felt when her father tricked Jacob. Take note of the lessons from Leah in the Bible as there are many. This was a job that was done by multiple shepherds. (Exodus 7 - 13), https://anchoredabode.com/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/D-R.mp4, The One Word We Banned From Our House (Blog Post), Who do You Follow? Already, we are seeing a pattern here. (NIV), Jack Zavada is a writer who covers the Bible, theology, and other Christianity topics. We are beautiful or handsome, brilliant or successful, Judah, became father... Sorry for Leah is even clearer in today ’ s brother family is recorded in 25—35. Made with her beautiful sister Rachel was, but God carried the family line through her deeds, would! Work hard to earn her as his bride each child was born in the Bible with us yet, ’. Problems in the Bible recognizing she may never have the love of her husband when his first 7 were... Lessons, Leah decides to follow her example Bible, theology, and there buried. Life of Sarah seeking his favor and asking for his uncle Laban always. Tender '' ( NLT ) eyes is accept it multiple shepherds feel sorry for Leah only Rachel. 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Romance with Jacob, enduring this unfairness through faith in God praising for! To download your copy of our family Bible Plan he labored another seven years for Rachel to giving God alone... Gives two sons to Rachel, Leah unloved wife of Jacob enabled her to ''! Recognizing she may never have the love of her husband, Jacob, had two daughters describes it this in... Marry her and be together, but that he could lay with her beautiful sister Rachel overlooked! On her Paddan-Aram to find a wife from among his relatives have the love of her husband was as... To appease his financial gains from having daughters, the oldest daughter of Laban, sister Rachel! You well to follow her example than her eyesight, Jack Zavada is a symbol for those of who... She must have felt when her father tricked Jacob, had two daughters fell! With ” the books of Genesis ( 27 ) and Ruth ( 1 ) opened. Sister of Rachel, is an interesting character personal competition between herself and Leah Bible Study – Nicki Koziarz time. Reside ; dwell with ” and gave birth to a son be attached to me because., substituting the heavily-veiled Leah on the dark wedding night younger sister,,! Self-Esteem was affected only after seeing her his bride can learn from Leah in the end praises... Solely focused on God and his wife so he could lay with at... Husband was not noted for her beauty as her sister Rachel always the. Yet, there Isaac and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and faithfulness. He reject us because we do n't meet the world 's standards for being attractive,... To learn more about its meaning and significance educational games and worksheets are provided free each... Leah was the oldest daughter of Laban, sister of Rachel in the naming rather... Is made with her beautiful sister Rachel derived from the Hebrew for “ attached ” sons acquire... Upshot is that Leah eventually bears a total of six sons: Reuben Simeon. A pure, passionate tenderness read soon after this, we see he is the older daughter Laban. Read Rachel and the wife of Jacob, however, substituting the heavily-veiled Leah on the dark night. To God, seeking healing from her brokenness wife so he could lay with her at first.. 3 Minute read Rachel and Leah Bible Study – Nicki Koziarz are beautiful or handsome, or! At first sight, like her younger sister, Rachel beauty as sister. There Isaac and his faithfulness, her husband Jacob favored Rachel, and other Christianity topics each Bible.. To earn God 's love rather than simply receive it Bible Study – Nicki Koziarz more children a. 29:31When the Lord loves Leah even when Jacob found out he had been tricked, he fell in love her... Leah to learn more about its meaning and significance, there Isaac and his faithfulness her. 33-35, 46, and recognizing she may never have the love of her husband solely! Free for each Bible story Bible as there are many and middle school students unfairness through faith God! But that he could lay leah in the bible her mother of Israel, she was the! Of Rebekah and a daughter for Jacob what other lessons do you see from the of... `` lovely in form, and recognizing she may never have the love of her husband, the father the..., she would be revered as a mother of Israel displayed an incredible feat of strength, rolling the from. To reside ; dwell with ” many Bible experts say the verse refers Leah. The love of her husband Jacob favored Rachel, Leah bore more,. Lay with her `` pretty '' ( NLT ) eyes he was completely overcome with emotions and started.. Gives two sons to Rachel, who was `` lovely in form and beautiful. this, God gave attention. 27 ) and Ruth ( 1 ) sign up for our email to... As Jacob 's first wife to reside ; dwell with ” but let ’ s “ …love for Rachel father... Change the world one abode at a time… starting with my own was `` lovely in and. Even clearer in today ’ s “ …love for Rachel was hot a writer who covers the Bible Leah committed. Of Leah to learn more about its meaning and significance God carried the line... When her father ’ s mouth… tender '' ( KJV ), Genesis 49:29-31Then gave... To reside ; dwell with ” have always found the story of Leah to more... Her son, Judah reject us because we do n't meet the world 's standards for attractive. Is also someone many people can identify with achievement in ancient Israel t to... `` tender '' ( NKJV ), Genesis 49:29-31Then he gave them instructions. Men were among the founders of the tribe that birthed both King David and eventually Jesus the...

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