What does Genesis 29:9 mean?
Jacob has learned from a group of shepherds gathered with their sheep near a well in a field that they are from Haran, Jacob's destination (Genesis 28:1–2). In fact, it turns out they know Jacob's uncle Laban, the very man Jacob has travelled to stay with. Even more, Laban's daughter is arriving with another flock of sheep at this very moment. Her name is Rachel, and she is a shepherdess.Jacob has attempted to order the waiting shepherds to water their flocks and get back out into the field. As one would expect, since he's a stranger, the men did not obey his request (Genesis 29:7–8). According to them, it's necessary to wait until all of the flocks are assembled before they'll roll away the heavy stone covering the mouth of the well.
This story represents an interesting parallel to the experiences of Jacob's own mother, Rebekah. A servant sent by Abraham, Jacob's grandfather, was sent to find a wife for Isaac, Jacob's father (Genesis 24:2–4). That man located Rebekah by using a test performed at a well in this same region (Genesis 24:13–14).
Genesis 29:1–30 describes Jacob's arrival at his uncle's household. Laban is happy to see his nephew, likely for the first time. Jacob falls in love with Laban's more attractive daughter, Rachel, and agrees to work for Laban seven years to marry her. On the wedding night, however, Laban treacherously switches Rachel for her older sister Leah. Jacob agrees to marry Rachel the next week, but now must work another seven years.
Jacob's journey from his home brings him to his uncle's household in Haran. He falls in love with Laban's younger daughter Rachel and agrees to work for Laban for seven years to marry her. When the time comes, Laban switches out Rachel for her older, less attractive sister Leah. Jacob is surprised to find he has consummated the marriage with the wrong sister. Manipulative Laban assures Jacob he can still marry Rachel the next week, as long as he will work another seven years. Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah, but with the Lord's help, unloved Leah bears Jacob his first four sons.
