Genesis 29

Genesis 29 focuses on Jacob's arrival in Haran and his marriages to Leah and Rachel, daughters of his uncle Laban. Jacob arrived in Haran and met Rachel at a well where shepherds were gathering. He removed a stone covering the well and watered her flock. Jacob identified himself as Rachel's relative (Rebekah's son), kissed her, and wept. Rachel ran to tell her father Laban. Laban welcomed Jacob into his home. After a month, Laban offered Jacob wages for his work. Jacob fell in love with Rachel, Laban's younger daughter, and offered to work seven years for her hand in marriage. Laban agreed. The seven years passed quickly for Jacob because of his love for Rachel. On the wedding night, Laban deceived Jacob by substituting his older daughter Leah in the darkness. When Jacob discovered the deception the next morning, he confronted Laban, who explained it was not their custom to give the younger daughter in marriage before the older one. Laban offered Rachel to Jacob in exchange for another seven years of service, after completing the bridal week with Leah. Jacob agreed and married Rachel as well, though he loved Rachel more than Leah. Genesis 29 concludes with Leah bearing four sons for Jacob — Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah — while Rachel remained barren.