31 When the Lord saw that Leah was not loved, he enabled her to conceive, but Rachel remained childless.
31 And when the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb: but Rachel was barren.
31 When the Lord saw that Leah was hated, he opened her womb, but Rachel was barren.
31 When God realized that Leah was unloved, he opened her womb. But Rachel was barren.
31 When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren.
31 When the Lord saw that Leah was unloved, he enabled her to have children, but Rachel could not conceive.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 29:31
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.