The Secret for Rejected Women

How many women have lived their lives for "that man" and regretted it later? As Christian women, we are to expect only from God, not from any man. There is a woman in the Old Testament (Genesis 29) who eventually came to this knowledge. Her story inspires me every time I read it.

Remember Leah? She was the older sister of the exquisitely beautiful Rachael. Their father, Laban, was somehow related, maybe distantly, to Jacob. Jacob sought out Laban and once he found him, he met Laban's daughter, Rachael, at the well. Jacob fell head-over-hills in love with Rachael the minute he saw her. And he made no secret of his passion! He was truly inspired to stick around!

During that time periord, it was customary for the oldest daughter to be married first, then the next oldest. They were very "organized" in their traditions!

Old Laban gives Jacob a home and a job. Then about a month later, Laban says - my version here - Hey, Jake. Just because we're related doesn't mean you should work for free. What do you think is a fair price for your labor?

Jacob says, I want Rachael! Let me marry Rachael! I'll work seven years for her!

Old Laban, knowing the tradition, says, OK, kid. It's a deal! Now Laban secretly intended to deceive Jacob, and maybe Jacob even deserved to be tricked. He had done his share of deceiving, himself. Even Jacob's name means deceiver. Jacob is encouraged and works seven years, twice the usual time, in return for being given Rachael as his wife.

Seven years later, a big wedding takes place. The bride stands secreted in a thick veil over her face, and is not allowed to speak because of the sacredness of the event. Then the married couple goes to the secret darkness of the tent and consummates the marriage. In case you're wondering how it was that Jacob didn't know he had been swindled, remember: bride's face covered with a thick veil, and she's not allowed to speak because the moment is sacred.