20 And Jacob did seven years' work for Rachel; and because of his love for her it seemed to him only a very little time. 21 Then Jacob said to Laban, Give me my wife so that I may have her, for the days are ended. 22 And Laban got together all the men of the place and gave a feast. 23 And in the evening he took Leah, his daughter, and gave her to him, and he went in to her. 24 And Laban gave Zilpah, his servant-girl, to Leah, to be her waiting-woman. 25 And in the morning Jacob saw that it was Leah: and he said to Laban, What have you done to me? was I not working for you so that I might have Rachel? why have you been false to me? 26 And Laban said, In our country we do not let the younger daughter be married before the older. 27 Let the week of the bride-feast come to its end and then we will give you the other in addition, if you will be my servant for another seven years. 28 And Jacob did so; and when the week was ended, Laban gave him his daughter Rachel for his wife. 29 And Laban gave Rachel his servant-girl Bilhah to be her waiting-woman. 30 Then Jacob took Rachel as his wife, and his love for her was greater than his love for Leah; and he went on working for Laban for another seven years.

The Children Born to Jacob

31 Now the Lord, seeing that Leah was not loved, gave her a child; while Rachel had no children. 32 And Leah was with child, and gave birth to a son to whom she gave the name Reuben: for she said, The Lord has seen my sorrow; now my husband will have love for me. 33 Then she became with child again, and gave birth to a son; and said, Because it has come to the Lord's ears that I am not loved, he has given me this son in addition: and she gave him the name Simeon. 34 And she was with child again, and gave birth to a son; and said, Now at last my husband will be united to me, because I have given him three sons: so he was named Levi. 35 And she was with child again, and gave birth to a son: and she said, This time I will give praise to the Lord: so he was named Judah; after this she had no more children for a time.

Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 29:20-35

Commentary on Genesis 29:15-30

(Read Genesis 29:15-30)

During the month that Jacob spent as a guest, he was not idle. Wherever we are, it is good to employ ourselves in some useful business. Laban was desirous that Jacob should continue with him. Inferior relations must not be imposed upon; it is our duty to reward them. Jacob made known to Laban the affection he had for his daughter Rachel. And having no wordly goods with which to endow her, he promises seven years' service Love makes long and hard services short and easy; hence we read of the labour of love, 1 Corinthians 7:2.

Commentary on Genesis 29:31-35

(Read Genesis 29:31-35)

The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1 Corinthians 7:33,34. She thankfully acknowledges the kind providence of God in hearing her. Whatever supports and comforts us under afflictions, or tends to our deliverance from them, God must be owned in it. Her fourth son she called Judah, or praise, saying, Now will I praise the Lord. This was he, of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came. Whatever is the matter of our rejoicing, ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. Fresh favours should quicken us to praise God for former favours; Now will I praise the Lord more and better than I have done. All our praises must centre in Christ, both as the matter of them, and as the Mediator of them. He descended after the flesh from him whose name was "Praise," and He is our praise. Is Christ formed in my heart? Now will I praise the Lord.