I lift my eyes up.

Sister Wives

It’s Valentine’s Day. I admit I’m not so good at making sure Valentine’s (and other like holiday’s) are sufficiently covered. As bad as I have it (or make it), I can’t imagine being married to 2 women, especially literal sisters.

Through no fault of his own, this is where Jacob finds himself in Genesis 29.

I don’t know what Jacob did, but he messed it up pretty badly with his wives. These 2 sisters, Rachel and Leah, constantly fought for his love and attention. Both wanted to prove their devotion through children, specifically sons.

Leah, the older and less attractive sister, was not the chosen one. She especially felt the need to win Jacob’s love. She was only married to Jacob through the trickery of her father Laban. However, Genesis tells us God looked on Leah with favor. He saw her plight, so God blessed Leah with the gift of children, 4 boys.

It still didn’t seem to be enough.

What’s in a name?

How do I know it wasn’t enough? We get a glimpse into the heart of Leah when she names her boys.

The first is Rueben (literally “the vision of a son”) and Leah says,

The Lord has noticed my misery, and now my husband will love me.

Next is Simeon (literally “sign”) when Leah states,

The Lord heard that I was unloved and has given me another son.

Third is Levi (literally “join”) and Leah proclaims,

Surely this time my husband will feel affection for me, since I have given him 3 sons!

Leah is hoping these sons will be a vision and sign to Jacob, so they will truly be joined together. It doesn’t work.

Where does hope come from?

Leah needed something. She needed love from her husband. Whether Jacob gave or not, we don’t know. We do know, Leah didn’t find it. She gave Jacob the best she could give, and it still wasn’t enough.

Her need wasn’t met.

After 3 children though, Leah has an epiphany. In fact, she makes a confession. Leah has son number 4 giving birth to Judah (literally “confession”), and says,

Now I will praise the Lord!

Rather than looking for love, affection and acceptance from her husband, she goes to the Lord. She stumbles on what she’s been craving in God. Rather than (justifiably) complain, she confesses praise to God. She’s found comfort in Him.

Are you finding comfort in God, or are you looking for hope in some other source?

It could be your husband or wife. It could be in your children or their success in school, sports or other activities. It could be in money, success or power. It could be in alcohol, drugs or pornography. It could be in your favorite show on television or favorite author in the library.

From time to time we can all find ourselves searching for acceptance, love and hope in the wrong places. What’s important is we recognize it, and readjust as Leah does.

We need to proclaim, “Now I will praise the Lord!”