Genesis 29: Jacob in Laban’s House

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Core message

The one who schemed is schemed against. Yet God watches the unloved and advances the promise through unexpected lines.

Flow

• Well encounter: Jacob helps and greets Rachel.
• Laban’s deal: seven years’ service.
• Wedding swap: Leah first; Rachel after another seven-year pledge.
• Leah bears Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah; Rachel still barren.

Key verses

• 29:10-11 Help and welcome at the well.
  • Practice: lead with generosity where you arrive.
• 29:25 “Why have you deceived me?”
  • Practice: reckon with how deceit fractures trust.
• 29:31-35 Names of Leah’s sons.
  • Practice: voice pain to God; let praise grow in hardship.

Literary/Theological notes

• Mirror justice: Jacob’s deception returns through Laban.
• Name arc shows Leah’s journey from ache to praise.
• Judah’s birth signals the promise line emerging from the unloved.

Today’s application

• Repent of justifying deceitful means; pursue repair.
• When feeling unseen, trust God’s seeing and speaking over you.
• Use naming/words to shift from lament to praise.

FAQ

Why did Laban deceive Jacob?
Custom was an excuse; he sought more labor. Jacob’s past trickery is mirrored back.

What do the sons’ names convey?
“See, hear, attach, praise”—a progression from pain toward worship in Leah’s heart.