MPV Commentary

1. Then Jacob continued his journey with renewed energy and enthusiasm after the vision of the ladder. He had been encouraged by tokens of divine favor to press on with his duties (Ne 8:10).

and came into the land of Mesopotamia, a region beyond the Euphrates River.

2. As he approached Haran, Jacob stopped at the well where locals would gather their flocks for watering. This was a common practice in the East, allowing travelers to easily meet with relatives.

3. The well at Haran was covered by a large stone, which required several men to roll away. This was typical of wells in Arabia and other areas where water was scarce.

4. Jacob asked the shepherds why they were idling instead of watering their flocks and sending them back to pasture. He had learned from them that his relatives in Haran were well and that one of the family was expected soon.

8. The shepherds explained that they couldn't proceed until all the flocks were gathered, as it was customary to have all animals present before removing the covering stone in front of the owner or a representative.

9-11. Just then, Rachel arrived with her three flocks. Jacob offered his assistance in watering them, and their conversation was warm and welcoming. He was delighted to be reunited with his Mesopotamian relatives.

12. Jacob told Rachel that he was her brother, using the term "brother" to refer to a remote relative, as was common in the East.

14-20. Jacob stayed with Laban for a month, during which time he worked as a hired shepherd. According to local custom, a stranger was expected to contribute to the household after three days of hospitality. In exchange for his labor, Jacob asked for Rachel's hand in marriage.

17. Leah had soft blue eyes, considered a blemish, while Rachel was beautiful and well-favored, with a comely form that caught Jacob's eye.

18. Jacob proposed serving Laban for seven years to win Rachel as his wife. This was a common practice in the East, where a suitor would offer personal services or gifts to secure a marriage.

21. At the end of the seven years, Jacob requested Rachel as his wife, but Laban deceived him by giving him Leah instead. The local custom allowed for this practice, but it was an injustice nonetheless.

28. Eventually, Laban gave Jacob both Rachel and her sister Bilhah as wives, with Bilhah serving as Rachel's maid.

29. This arrangement was not uncommon in the East, where a father would give his daughter a female slave from his household to control independently of her husband.

31. Leah initially felt overshadowed by Rachel but gained favor when she became pregnant, ensuring her rise in Jacob's and society's esteem.

32-35. Leah gave birth to Reuben, whose name signified her gratitude for God's provision. She also named Simeon, Levi, Judah, Dan, Naphtali, Gad, Asher, Issachar, Zebulun, Dinah, and Joseph, each with a significance that reflected her experiences and emotions.