18 Now Jacob loved Rachel , so he said , " I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel ." 19 Laban said , "It is better that I give her to you than to give her to another man ; stay with me." 20 So Jacob served seven years for Rachel and they seemed e to him but a few days because of his love for her. 21 Then Jacob said to Laban , "Give me my wife , for my time is completed , that I may go in to her." 22 Laban gathered all the men of the place and made a feast . 23 Now in the evening he took his daughter Leah , and brought her to him; and Jacob went in to her. 24 Laban also gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid . 25 So it came about in the morning that, behold , it was Leah ! And he said to Laban , " What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served with you? Why then have you deceived me?" 26 But Laban said , "It is not the practice e in our place to marry off the younger before the firstborn . 27 "Complete the week of this one , and we will give you the other also for the service which you shall serve with me for another seven years ." 28 Jacob did so and completed her week , and he gave him his daughter Rachel as his wife . 29 Laban also gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maid . 30 So Jacob went in to Rachel also , and indeed he loved Rachel more than Leah , and he served with Laban for another seven 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.