My older sister has had a few problems, and they've affected my life, too. According to the laws of the time, an elder daughter should marry first. And I had expected that to be the case with us. My father made an agreement in which I was to marry my cousin, but when the time came for our marriage, he tricked us all, and substituted my sister instead. Then my father struck another bargain with our cousin–which allowed our marriage to occur. This resulted of course with two sisters married to the same man, a polygamous household. The first four sons in the household were all children of my sister. And both of us had maids who bore him sons. Still, I could gave no children to my husband. I was bitter when my sister bore him two more sons and a daughter. At last I had a son to whom I gave a name meaning, "God hath taken away my reproach." (Genesis 30:23). .
I must admit that this life has been hard on my sister, too. She was always considered less attractive, and you know how unhappy she must have been to always feel like she wasn't the one desired as a bride. Moreover, our father's tricks have forced us, our children, and our husband to remain here in Mesopotamia for about twenty years. For awhile, our husband seemed content, perhaps fearing that returning home would invoke the anger of his brother whom he had wronged. But lately, he seems hopeful that they could be reconciled, and he longs for his old home. Together, my sister and I have agreed to help our husband to gather the household and go with him to his homeland of Canaan. Our plan is that while Father is off sheep-
Copyright ©2004. Beverly Whitaker
Rachel
Gen. 29 – Gen. 30 – Gen. 31 – Gen. 33:1, 2, 7 – Gen. 35 – Gen. 46 –
Gen. 48:7 – Ruth 4:11 – I Sam. 10:2 – Jer. 31:15 – Matthew 2:18
Gen. 48:7 – Ruth 4:11 – I Sam. 10:2 – Jer. 31:15 – Matthew 2:18