Read Genesis 30 – “EGAD!”
My grandmother’s voice rings in my head as Jacob is passed from sister to servant and back again in Leah and Rachel’s competition for sons. And Gad is the name of Leah’s son, by her servant Zilpah in verse :11. Gad means “How fortunate I am!” I’m not sure if my grandmother saw the correlation.
I found verse :16 to be the most shocking. I almost feel sorry for Jacob.
At last, Rachel is remembered by God and blessed with a son named Joseph. The meaning of his name is “May the LORD add yet another son to my family.” :24 I found that such a strange name, it is like telling God, this one is not enough.
Meanwhile, they are still living on Laban’s estate and Jacob is still laboring for him without wage. Jacob has made him a wealthy man. He asks Laban for his wages in the form of all the speckled, spotted and black sheep and goats. I admire how this form of payment is indisputable. Laban agrees, but in :35 we see him playing dirty once again!
Jacob does not mention the injustice, he simply continues tending the flock, and imparts a technique to ensure the strongest females would give birth to spotted, speckled or black animals. “As a result, Jacob became very wealthy, with large flocks of sheep and goats, female and male servants, and many camels and donkeys.” :43
Beloved, may these verses remind you that small and corrupt people will come and go throughout your life. Keep your eyes on Jesus, walk closely with Him and watch what happens… que in my grandmother singing, “Turn your eyes upon Jesus… Look full in his wonderful face… And the things of earth will grow strangely dim… In the light of his glory and grace.”🎶
Judy in the Sky 