20 and Jacob serveth for Rachel seven years; and they are in his eyes as some days, because of his loving her. 21 And Jacob saith unto Laban, 'Give up my wife, for my days have been fulfilled, and I go in unto her;' 22 and Laban gathereth all the men of the place, and maketh a banquet. 23 And it cometh to pass in the evening, that he taketh Leah, his daughter, and bringeth her in unto him, and he goeth in unto her; 24 and Laban giveth to her Zilpah, his maid-servant, to Leah his daughter, a maid-servant. 25 And it cometh to pass in the morning, that lo, it 'is' Leah; and he saith unto Laban, 'What 'is' this thou hast done to me? for Rachel have I not served with thee? and why hast thou deceived me?' 26 And Laban saith, 'It is not done so in our place, to give the younger before the first-born; 27 fulfil the week of this one, and we give to thee also this one, for the service which thou dost serve with me yet seven other years.' 28 And Jacob doth so, and fulfilleth the week of this one, and he giveth to him Rachel his daughter, to him for a wife; 29 and Laban giveth to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his maid-servant, for a maid-servant to her. 30 And he goeth in also unto Rachel, and he also loveth Rachel more than Leah; and he serveth with him yet seven other years.
31 And Jehovah seeth that Leah 'is' the hated one, and He openeth her womb, and Rachel 'is' barren; 32 and Leah conceiveth, and beareth a son, and calleth his name Reuben, for she said, 'Because Jehovah hath looked on mine affliction; because now doth my husband love me.' 33 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith, 'Because Jehovah hath heard that I 'am' the hated one, He also giveth to me even this 'one';' and she calleth his name Simeon. 34 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith, 'Now 'is' the time, my husband is joined unto me, because I have born to him three sons,' therefore hath 'one' called his name Levi. 35 And she conceiveth again, and beareth a son, and saith this time, 'I praise Jehovah;' therefore hath she called his name Judah; and she ceaseth from bearing.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 29:20-35
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.
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.