Because thou art my brother That is, kinsman; shouldst thou therefore serve me for naught? Is that reasonable? If Jacob be so respectful as to give him his service, without demanding any consideration for it, yet Laban will not be so unjust as to take advantage either of his necessity or of his good-nature. Relations frequently look for more from each other than they ought, as if mere affinity were a sufficient reason for expecting to be served gratuitously. But the conduct of the nearest relations toward each other, as well as that of strangers, should be regulated by justice and equity. It appears by computation that Jacob was now seventy years old or upward, when he bound himself apprentice for a wife; probably Rachel was young and scarcely marriageable when Jacob came first, which might make him the more willing to stay for her till his seven years were expired.
Genesis 29:18. I will serve thee seven years for Rachel It was not the custom of those countries for fathers to give a dowry with their daughters, but to receive a considerable present from those who married them; therefore Jacob, having no riches to give, as not being the inheritor of his father's substance, offers his service for seven years instead thereof. It is better that I should give her to thee than to another His answer is ambiguous and crafty. For he does not directly grant Jacob's desire, but only insinuates his consent to it, in such terms as hid his design, which the event showed.