Genesis 29:28

Key Reflection

In Genesis 29:28, Laban is offering Jacob a deal to marry his daughter Rachel after completing the week of Leah's marriage. According to first-century cultural norms, this practice reflects common customs where a man could have more than one wife and would work for the family to earn them. The seven additional years of service were likely seen as a fair trade by both parties, given the cultural context of arranged marriages and mutual obligations in ancient Near Eastern societies.