10 When Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother , and the sheep of Laban his mother's brother , Jacob went up and rolled the stone from the mouth of the well and watered the flock of Laban his mother's brother . 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel , and lifted his voice and wept . 12 Jacob told Rachel that he was a relative of her father and that he was Rebekah's son , and she ran and told her father . 13 So when Laban heard the news of Jacob his sister's son , he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house . Then he related to Laban all these things . 14 Laban said to him, "Surely you are my bone and my flesh ." And he stayed with him a month .
15 Then Laban said to Jacob , "Because you are my relative , should you therefore serve me for nothing ? Tell me, what shall your wages be?" 16 Now Laban had two daughters ; the name of the older was Leah , and the name of the younger was Rachel . 17 And Leah's eyes were weak , but Rachel was beautiful of form and face . 18 Now Jacob loved Rachel , so he said , " I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel ."
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 29:10-18
Commentary on Genesis 29:9-14
(Read Genesis 29:9-14)
See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment. When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, and was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoid being foolishly ready to believe every thing which is told us, we must take heed of being uncharitably suspicious.
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.