Genesis 30 continues the soap opera of Jacob. The chapter begins with the wives fighting over him and both offering their maid servants to him so they could have more babies. Jacob is one busy guy trying to sleep with all these women. I was a bit amused to read Rachel’s reaction that started this chapter: “When Rachel realized that she wasn’t having any children for Jacob, she became jealous of her sister”. Hello Rachel – Leah has four sons by now. How did you miss it this long? She takes matters into her own hands and gives Bilhah to give her some sons. Leah retaliates and gives Zilpah to Jacob and gets another couple sons. Then an interesting transaction takes place as Rachel, who was somewhat in the driver seat as Jacobs favorite wife, trades the opportunity for Jacob to sleep with Leah for some mandrakes that Leah’s son Reuben had gathered. According to the commentaries, this fruit was known as being important for love. Here is a short description: “Both among the Greeks and Orientals this plant was held in high repute, as being of a prolific virtue, and helping conception”. Rachel trades a night with Jacob for something she thinks will help her get pregnant. Of course, as you might expect, Leah gets pregnant again, and then again and gives Jacob a couple more sons and then a daughter. What a drama we have happening.
Then something curious comes up in scripture: “And then God remembered Rachel. God listened to her and opened her womb”. Rachel appears to have given up on manipulating the situation herself and prayed. We are 10 sons into it now, and she finally stops to just ask God about it and viola – He is listening and takes action. Wow does this ever seem like a familiar situation. Try and fix it on our own, do all we can, and when it seems we have lost hope, then ask God. God gives Rachel a son and she names him Joseph. The rest of the chapter records the dealings between Laban and Jacob over money. Jacob asks for his due for having worked for Laban for many years. Laban cuts a deal and then tries to manipulate it by hiding what he agreed to give to Jacob. Jacob takes matters into his own hands and works to influence the flocks to create spotted offspring which were to be his. A bit more soap opera stuff here – father in law and son in law positioning for wealth. Both are blessed and have more than enough but Jacob ends up the winner here. Oh that we would just learn to trust God and not try to manipulate His will. We need to pray and let Him run things.
Posted by asorensen 
