Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Branching Family Tree

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Branching Family Tree A Workman’s Wages 1

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Branching Family Tree Ø Frustrated but Fruitful v v v Leah was leading in the competition. Imagine living in those tents! Leah paid a high cost for her deception. This brought whining and bitterness at first. Reuben – “See, a son” Explained by stating that the Lord (Jehovah, not Elohim) had seen her misery. q In Genesis 30: 23, she says God has taken her disgrace. q 2

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Branching Family Tree Ø Frustrated but Fruitful We see Leah was praying in the name of her second son, Simeon – “hearing, ” root shama (the Lord heard). v Leah names her third son, Levi – “attached, ” thinking surely now Jacob will be attached to her. v Leah names her fourth son, Judah – “praise, ” which tells us she has changed from finding approval in her husband to approval in God. v 3

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Branching Family Tree Ø Beautiful but Barren v v v Rachel is just as miserable as Leah. She is jealous and bitter, which leads to her demands. Rachel becomes desperate and demands Jacob give her children (rebellion against God). She now turns not to God but her own devices by giving Bilhah to Jacob. Dan is born – “judged or vindicated. ” Naphtali is born – “my struggle. ” 4

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Branching Family Tree Ø Mandrakes v v v Leah sinks to Rachel’s level, raising the stakes, and gives Zilpah to Jacob. Gad is born – “good fortune. ” Asher is born – “happy. ” Reuben finds mandrakes – fertility. Rachel’s desperation piques Leah’s bitterness. Rachel is in control. As a result, Leah has two more sons, Issachar – “reward” and Zebulun – “honor. ” 5

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Workman’s Wages Ø Others before Self Jacob is not trying to become wealthy. He serves Laban humbly and unselfishly. He does not use his position for personal advancement or financial gain. v Employers should be fair and honest. v Employees should be worth their wages and have the company’s best interests in mind. v Greed, either way, is destructive! v v v 6

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Workman’s Wages Ø Work before Leisure v v Jacob worked hard even though Laban was not treating him fairly. Jacob never worked as if Laban “owed” him. Jacob finally confronted the truth in Genesis 31: 36 -42. He could do this because all knew of his work ethic. 7

Wife Wars Genesis 30 A Workman’s Wages Ø Faith before Worry Jacob trusted God for his prosperity. Jacob did not ask Laban to give him anything, but instead he would work for it. v He took the spotted animals (minority) and only those born after the agreement and of normal means. v Branches became a symbol of Jacob’s faith. v v 8

Wife Wars Genesis 30 Application Are you seeing God’s purpose and plan in all your circumstances? What are your priorities when it comes to wealth? Do you work hard for your employer or employees? Are you trusting God for your prosperity? 9