And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go in unto her.
Jacob asked Laban to give him Rachel as his wife because the seven years of service he had agreed to render for her were completed. Behind that request lay the ancient custom by which a man who had no money or other valuables could serve the bride's father for a set time instead of paying a dowry, with the length of service measured by the value of the dowry and serving also to test the suitor's faithfulness and worthiness before marriage. Laban deceived him by giving him Leah instead of Rachel, yet Jacob retained Leah and also married Rachel. After the deception Laban offered Rachel in return for another seven years of service.
Jacob's love for Rachel made his fourteen years of work seem light, showing how deep and lasting his love was. He loved Rachel most, and his preference for her stirred envy and jealousy between the sisters and embittered his life.
Jacob asked Laban to give him Rachel as his wife because the seven years of service he had agreed to render for her were completed. Behind that request lay the ancient custom by which a man who had no money or other valuables could serve the bride's father for a set time instead of paying a dowry, with the length of service measured by the value of the dowry and serving also to test the suitor's faithfulness and worthiness before marriage. Laban deceived him by giving him Leah instead of Rachel, yet Jacob retained Leah and also married Rachel. After the deception Laban offered Rachel in return for another seven years of service.
Jacob's love for Rachel made his fourteen years of work seem light, showing how deep and lasting his love was. He loved Rachel most, and his preference for her stirred envy and jealousy between the sisters and embittered his life.