Against the backdrop of Old Testament culture in which marriages were arranged by parents, Jacob and Rachel stand out as an example of a
love marriage. Jacob''s love for Rachel must have been extraordinary to warrant repeated mention. His love has acquired legendary status probably for good reasons.
Of all the lessons we can learn from this couple, perhaps the most important one is that our actions and mistakes have consequences that go far beyond ourselves.
God gave Jacob a fourfold assurance at Bethel (Genesis 28:15; I
am with you, i will keep you; i will bring you back; i will not leave you.),, and that should have been sufficient for Jacob to entrust his future in God''s hands. but he chooses to bargin with Laban to get Rachel and finds instead a match in deceit. Decisions bast on beauty of the outward at the expense of the inward, not taking into account God''s purpose and direction, often end up in grief and sorrow. The rush of yourth, the love for the beautiful Rachel, and the darkness of tradition combine to produce the unexpected tragedy of another seven years of labour.
Yet, this marriage of Jacob and Rachel does not end with the "happily ever after" style. Jacob had acquire great wealth in terms of flocks and herds. but their
relationship underwent many trials and troubles. Though conditions were not always ideal, their love never suffered.
Yes, it can be said that they were a dysfunctional
family by all account. Thier actions all came with bad consequences, too. How important that we learn from thier mistakes and not follow the principles of greed, selfishness adn jealousy that brought so much heartache.
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