Matthew Henry’s Modern English CommentaryGenesis 29

Genesis 29:1-8: Jacob's Arrival at Padan-aram In this passage, Jacob continues his journey to Padan-aram after meeting God at Bethel. Even though there is no special vision this time, Jacob travels confidently because of God’s promise to be with him. God’s guidance is seen in the small details of his trip, like arriving at the right place and meeting the right people. Jacob’s experience reminds us that God’s care is with us in ordinary moments, not just in miracles (Genesis 29:1-8 ).v. 1: Jacob set out on his journey and came to the land of the people of the east. He traveled with confidence, trusting in God’s promise .

v. 2: He saw a well in a field with three flocks of sheep lying nearby. The well was covered by a large stone, which kept the water safe and protected the well .

v. 3: The shepherds waited until all the flocks arrived. Then they rolled the stone away, watered the sheep, and put the stone back in its place. This showed cooperation and care for the well and the sheep .

v. 4: Jacob respectfully greeted the shepherds, calling them “my brethren.” He asked them where they were from, showing politeness and friendliness even as a stranger .

v. 5: Jacob asked if they knew Laban, the son of Nahor, and they replied that they did know him .

v. 6: Jacob asked if Laban was well. The shepherds answered that he was, and pointed out that Rachel, Laban’s daughter, was coming with the sheep .

v. 7: Jacob suggested that it was still early in the day, so the shepherds could water their sheep and then take them back to graze. He was eager and practical, wanting to help .

v. 8: The shepherds explained that they had to wait until all the flocks were gathered and the stone was rolled away before they could water the sheep. They politely gave Jacob a reason for their delay .

Genesis 29:9-14: Rachel's Humility and Industry This passage shows how God guided Jacob to meet Rachel, who would become very important in his life. Rachel was humble and hardworking, caring for her father’s sheep. Jacob was moved with emotion when he met her, showing both kindness and family connection. Laban, Rachel’s father, welcomed Jacob warmly as a relative. These events remind us that honest work and respect for family are good in God’s eyes, and that God can guide us to the right people at the right time (Genesis 29:9-14 ).v. 9: Rachel came to the well with her father’s sheep. She was responsible for caring for them, showing humility and hard work .

v. 10: When Jacob saw Rachel and the sheep, he rolled the stone away from the well and helped water the flock. He was eager to serve her and her family .

v. 11: Jacob kissed Rachel and began to cry. He was very happy and touched to meet his family in a foreign land .

v. 12: Jacob explained to Rachel that he was her father’s relative, the son of Rebekah. Rachel quickly ran to tell her father about Jacob .

v. 13: When Laban heard the news, he ran out to meet Jacob. Laban hugged and kissed him, brought him home, and listened to Jacob’s story. Laban welcomed Jacob as family .

v. 14: Laban told Jacob, “You are my own flesh and blood.” Jacob stayed with Laban for a month. This shows family kindness and hospitality (Genesis 29:14; Isaiah 58:7 ).

Genesis 29:15-30: Jacob's Marriage This passage tells how Jacob made an agreement with Laban to marry Rachel, but was tricked into marrying Leah first. Jacob worked hard and honestly for many years to earn his wife. Laban’s deception brought trouble to Jacob, but God still used these events for His plan. The story reminds us to act justly in our relationships and to trust God, even when others are unfair (Genesis 29:15-30 ).v. 15: Laban told Jacob that, even though they were family, Jacob should not work for free. He asked Jacob what he wanted as payment .

v. 16: Laban had two daughters: Leah, the older, and Rachel, the younger .

v. 17: Leah had “tender eyes,” while Rachel was beautiful and attractive. Jacob preferred Rachel .

v. 18: Jacob loved Rachel and offered to work seven years for Laban in exchange for marrying her (Genesis 29:18; Hosea 12:12 ).

v. 19: Laban agreed and said it was better for Rachel to marry Jacob than a stranger. He told Jacob to stay and work for him .

v. 20: Jacob worked seven years for Rachel, but the time seemed short because he loved her so much. Love made his hard work feel easy (Genesis 29:20; Hebrews 6:10 ).

v. 21: When the seven years were finished, Jacob asked Laban to let him marry Rachel as promised .

v. 22: Laban gathered the people and made a wedding feast for Jacob’s marriage .

v. 23: At night, Laban gave his daughter Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel, and Jacob slept with her without realizing the switch .

v. 24: Laban also gave Leah a servant named Zilpah as her maid .

v. 25: In the morning, Jacob discovered he had married Leah, not Rachel. He asked Laban why he had tricked him after working for Rachel .

v. 26: Laban explained that in their country, the older daughter must marry before the younger. However, he should have told Jacob this earlier .

v. 27: Laban told Jacob to finish the bridal week with Leah, and then he could also marry Rachel if he agreed to work another seven years .

v. 28: Jacob did what Laban said. After the week with Leah, Laban gave Rachel to Jacob as a second wife .

v. 29: Laban gave Rachel a servant named Bilhah to be her maid .

v. 30: Jacob married Rachel and loved her more than Leah. He worked another seven years for Laban after marrying Rachel. This whole situation brought challenges to Jacob’s family, but God still worked through it (Genesis 29:30; Leviticus 18:18 ; Matthew 19:5; 1 Corinthians 7:2 ).

Genesis 29:31-35: Increase of Jacob's Family This passage tells how Leah, Jacob's less loved wife, became the mother of his first four sons, while Rachel, his more loved wife, remained childless. God noticed Leah's difficult situation and blessed her with children. The names Leah chose for her sons show both her desire for her husband's love and her gratitude to God. Leah's story shows how God, in His wisdom, gives different blessings and challenges to each person, balancing their lives so that no one is too happy or too sad. Leah was comforted in her hardships by the children God gave her, even though she missed her husband's affection. Her sons' names reflect her hopes and her thankfulness to God for His kindness.v. 31: God saw that Leah was not loved as much as Rachel, so He gave her children, while Rachel could not have any. This shows that God is fair and understands people’s pain. He sometimes gives blessings to those who feel left out, making up for what they lack (Genesis 29:31; 1 Samuel 1:5 ; 1 Corinthians 12:24 ). Leah’s ability to have children was a comfort to her, a lesson for Jacob not to show too much favoritism, and a reminder to Rachel that love is not everything.

v. 32: Leah had a son and named him Reuben, saying, "The Lord

v. 33: Leah had another son, Simeon, and said, "The Lord

v. 34: Leah had a third son, Levi, and said, "Now my husband will be close to me, because I have given him three sons." She still hoped for her husband's love and thought these children would bring them closer . Husbands and wives should care for each other and try to make each other happy (1 Corinthians 7:33,34 ).

v. 35: Leah had a fourth son, Judah, and said, "Now I will praise the Lord