10 and it cometh to pass when Jacob hath seen Rachel, daughter of Laban his mother's brother, and the flock of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob cometh nigh and rolleth the stone from off the mouth of the well, and watereth the flock of Laban his mother's brother. 11 And Jacob kisseth Rachel, and lifteth up his voice, and weepeth, 12 and Jacob declareth to Rachel that he 'is' her father's brother, and that he 'is' Rebekah's son, and she runneth and declareth to her father. 13 And it cometh to pass, when Laban heareth the report of Jacob his sister's son, that he runneth to meet him, and embraceth him, and kisseth him, and bringeth him in unto his house; and he recounteth to Laban all these things, 14 and Laban saith to him, 'Only my bone and my flesh 'art' thou;' and he dwelleth with him a month of days.
15 And Laban saith to Jacob, 'Is it because thou 'art' my brother that thou hast served me for nought? declare to me what 'is' thy hire.' 16 And Laban hath two daughters, the name of the elder 'is' Leah, and the name of the younger Rachel, 17 and the eyes of Leah 'are' tender, and Rachel hath been fair of form and fair of appearance. 18 And Jacob loveth Rachel, and saith, 'I serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter:'
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.