Thoughts on the readings for January 17th (Genesis 30; Psalm 34; Matthew 19)

houghts on the readings for January 17th (Genesis 30; Psalm 34; Matthew 19) Genesis 30 tells of Rachel’s exasperation in seeking children; demands from Jacob that he give her children. Rachel gives Bilhah her maid to Jacob. A son is born and named Dan (meaning “vindication”, or “judgment”) claiming that she (Rachel) has God on her side. We notice that Rachel is making this contest with her sister personal. Another son is born to Bilhah and named Naphtali – speaking of the struggle, or wrestle Rachel saw between herself and Leah. Taking up the contest Leah gives her maid, Zilpah, to Jacob. A son is produced and called Gad – meaning “a troop” – telling of another son to come. Zilpah produces a second son, who Leah names Asher (“blessed”, or “happy”). Surely Jacob would be happy with the 6 sons produced thus far by Leah and her maid. Reuben found wild mandrakes in the field; believed by the ancients to be a potential aphrodisiac and a fertility booster. Rachel asks for these and in return promises Leah access to Jacob. This results in a 5th son for Leah – named Issachar(meaning “hired” ie Jacob in exchange for the mandrakes). Leah next produced a 6th son, Zebulon – indicating “dwelling” – in the hope of Jacob becoming Leah’s companion. Lastly Leah gave birth to a daughter, Dinah. Rachel is finally remembered by God and has a son Joseph – meaning “add”, or “increasing” – in the hope of having a further son. Jacob served Laban for 6 more years in order to provide for his large family. Tricky Laban during this time changed Jacob’s contract 10 times. No matter how unlikely it was for Jacob to increase his herds of sheep and cattle the Almighty blessed and prospered him, as had been promised at Bethel in chapter 28. Jacob’s honesty and integrity were endorsed by God in what the cattle produced. Laban’s deceit and dishonesty were at this time punished by the LORD. Whilst there was some value in the selective breeding Jacob practised; there was no science behind the putting of the poplar trees before the eyes of the cattle at watering time. Cont .... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-january-17th-genesis-30-psalm-34-matthew-19/