18 And Jacob loved Rachel, and said, I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. 19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee than that I should give her to another man: abide with me. 20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they were in his eyes as single days, because he loved her. 21 And Jacob said to Laban, Give [me] my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in to her. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and made a feast. 23 And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in to her. 24 And Laban gave to her Zilpah, his maidservant, to be maidservant to Leah his daughter. 25 And it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done to me? Have I not served thee for Rachel? Why then hast thou deceived me? 26 And Laban said, It is not so done in our place, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 Fulfil the week [with] this one: then we will give thee the other one also, for the service that thou shalt serve me yet seven other years. 28 And Jacob did so, and fulfilled the week [with] this one, and he gave him Rachel his daughter to be his wife. 29 And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter, Bilhah, his maidservant, to be her maidservant. 30 And he went in also to Rachel; and he loved also Rachel more than Leah. And he served with him yet seven other years.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 29:18-30
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.