Unloved Leah
September 23rd, 2009
"When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb; but Rachel was barren" (Genesis 29:31).
Poor Leah! Unattractive, unhappy, and unloved, she wanted desperately to have her husband Jacob's affection. She longed to be desired by him, to know his tender touch and feel his warm embrace. But sadly, her desires were unfulfilled. Her husband's heart was set on another woman - Rachel, Leah's younger sister. She was the apple of his eye, while Leah was the thorn in his side, the woman he wished he never had.
Despite their passionless marriage, the Lord loved Leah. He blessed her and made her exceedingly fruitful. While Rachel was barren, she became the mother of six boys: Reuben, Jacob's firstborn, and Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar and Zebulun. They grew up and became the fathers of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. Their births are recorded in Genesis 29-30. When you read the record, take note of the special significance of their Hebrew names, especially Reuben, Simeon, Levi and Judah:
Reuben (''See a son!'') ''So Leah conceived and bore a son, and she called his name Reuben; for she said, 'The LORD has surely looked on my affliction...''' (Gen. 29:32).
Simeon (''Hearing''). ''Then she conceived again and bore a son, and said, 'Because the LORD has heard that I am unloved, He has therefore given me this son also.''' (Gen. 29:33).
Levi (''Attached''). ''She conceived again and bore a son, and said, 'Now this time my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.''' (Gen. 29:34).
Judah (''Praise''). ''And she conceived again and bore a son, and said, 'Now I will praise the LORD.' Therefore she called his name Judah'' (Gen. 29:34).
The birth of baby Judah signaled an important development in Leah's life of faith. After giving birth to four sons, her heart was deeply moved. She sensed the hand of God in her life, and for the first time she felt truly loved! Not by her husband, but by the Lord Himself. She rejoiced and said, ''Now I will praise the LORD!''
Knowing God's love in a real and intimate way is something that will bring you lasting joy. Think about Christ and meditate often on the love of the cross. 1John 4:9 says, ''And God showed His love for us by sending His only Son into the world, so that we might have life through Him.'' Yes, life is filled with challenges, hardships and pains. But you and I can truly praise God for His unfailing and immeasurable love. While the Lord loved Leah and gave her sons, He has blessed us even more exceedingly through His one and only Son.
In His strong love,
Demitri
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