Genesis 30:1-24 Family Feud

When Laban tricked Jacob by giving him Leah rather than Rachel for a wife, the sisters became rivals. Leah felt unloved because Jacob loved Rachel more. Chapter 30. The rivalry brought about disharmony in the home.

When Rachel saw that she could not have children she became jealous of her sister and said Jacob, “Give me children or I’ll die” (30:1). Jacob became furious with her asking, “Am I in the place of God, who has kept you from having children” (30:2).

This animosity in the family would not have arisen had Laban not tricked Jacob. It reminds us of the importance of being honest with each other and treating each other fairly. When we devise schemes in order to orchestrate our desired outcomes, the result is often much different than we had expected. Regardless of the result, the Lord is never pleased with our scheming.

Jacob had been a schemer when he took the blessing from his brother Esau. Now he was experiencing first-hand the results of scheming. His wives were feuding with each other, and Jacob was enraged.

In addition, the wives should have trusted the Lord not only for children but also trusted him when children did not arrive. Both Rachel and Jacob admit that God is responsible for bringing children into the world (30:1-2). Because God had not given Rachel children, it was wrong for her to be jealous of her sister and to announce, “Give me children or I’ll die” (30:1).

A small child demands to get his way by stamping his feet and throwing a tantrum. Adults also have methods of demanding their own way. Anger, harsh words and passive-aggressive behavior are just a few examples. When we engage in these behaviors we are not trusting the Lord for the situation. Rather than scheme and display anger, we should commit our way to the Lord and worship Him. Our joy should not diminish because He has not done exactly what we want Him to do.

Is there something that is taking away your peace today? Do you have a situation that is bringing anger rather than joy? Has someone tricked you? Do you feel that God is not near to you?

God is near. We must learn to depend upon Him moment by moment and commit our way unto Him no matter what the circumstance. He will bless us according to His own plan and timetable.

We need to leave the results up to Him. Our responsibility is to worship, pray and serve. When we respond to situations in that way, we will have harmony in our home and harmony with God.

“Commit your future to the Lord! Trust in Him, and He will act on your behalf.”
- Psalm 37:4