CRITICAL NOTES.—
Genesis 29:31. Leah was hated.] The word is to be understood relatively, not absolutely. By the usage of the Heb. to be hated, signifies only to be loved less.
Genesis 29:32. Reuben.] The name means, “see ye a son.”
Genesis 29:33. Simeon.] Heb. hearing.
Genesis 29:34. Levi.] Heb. joined. Implies that the husband and wife would be bound together by this threefold cord of attachment.
Genesis 29:35. Judah.] Heb. praise.
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.— Genesis 29:29-35
LEAH AND RACHEL: THEIR TRIALS AND COMPENSATIONS
I. Their trials. Leah was “hated” (Genesis 29:31), i.e., she was loved less than Rachel. By becoming a party to a heartless fraud she lost her husband’s affections. And Rachel, the beloved wife was denied the blessing of children, so coveted by the ancient Hebrew mothers (Genesis 29:31). Both had trials, though of a different kind.
II. Their compensations. Leah was blessed with children, which compensated her for the loss of her husband’s love. The names of the four sons successively born to her were all significant, and betoken that pious habit of mind which recognised the hand of God in all that befel her. She called the firstborn, Reuben, Heb. “see ye a son.” The second, Simeon, Heb. “hearing,” for God had heard her prayer and seen her affliction. The third was named Levi, Heb. “joined.” Now, surely, would the breach be healed and the husband and wife joined together by this threefold cord. The fourth she called Judah, Heb. “praise,” as if recording her thankfulness that she had won the affections of her husband by bearing to him so many sons. Rachel, on the other hand, continued barren. But she was compensated by her beauty, and by the thought that she was first in her husband’s affections. Thus with the evils which fall to the lot of individuals, there are compensations.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Genesis 29:29-31. Here we have punishment tempered with mercy. This is what the cross has done for us; it prevents penalty from being simply penalty; it leaves us not alone to punishment, but mingles all with blessing and forgiveness. Through it life has its bright as well as its dark side. (Robertson.)
Rachel whom he loved is barren; Leah, which was despised, is fruitful. How wisely God weighs out to us our favours and crosses in an equal balance; so tempering our sorrows that we may not oppress, and our joys that they may not transport us; each one hath some matter of envy to others, and of grief to himself.—(Bishop Hall).
Genesis 29:32-35. Children are joining mercies between husband and wife. As many children as parents have, so many bonds of love exist between them.—(Bush).
Signification of the word from which “Judah” is derived: 1 to thank; 2 to commend; 3 to praise; 4 to confess. From this Judah all Jews received their beautiful name.—(Lange).