And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man: abide with me.
Laban agreed that it was better to give Rachel to Jacob than to give her to another man, and he invited Jacob to remain with him. The agreement was that Jacob would serve seven years for Rachel, his labor standing in place of payment for the right to marry her. This reflected the custom by which a suitor who lacked money or property could work for the bride's father for an agreed period, with service accepted instead of money, property, or other valuables as a bride-price or dowry. The required period of service was set according to the value of the dowry.
The arrangement was meant to safeguard marriage by giving time to test the suitor's ability, faithfulness, worth, and depth of affection before the daughter was given to him. In general, the dowry received by the father was given to the daughter at her marriage. After this agreement Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel.
Jacob ultimately served twice seven years for Rachel's sake, and his love made the labor seem light. His later grief at Rachel's death showed how deep and lasting that love was.
Laban agreed that it was better to give Rachel to Jacob than to give her to another man, and he invited Jacob to remain with him. The agreement was that Jacob would serve seven years for Rachel, his labor standing in place of payment for the right to marry her. This reflected the custom by which a suitor who lacked money or property could work for the bride's father for an agreed period, with service accepted instead of money, property, or other valuables as a bride-price or dowry. The required period of service was set according to the value of the dowry.
The arrangement was meant to safeguard marriage by giving time to test the suitor's ability, faithfulness, worth, and depth of affection before the daughter was given to him. In general, the dowry received by the father was given to the daughter at her marriage. After this agreement Laban deceived Jacob by giving him Leah instead of Rachel.
Jacob ultimately served twice seven years for Rachel's sake, and his love made the labor seem light. His later grief at Rachel's death showed how deep and lasting that love was.