Gen. 29 Jacob comes to the well of Haran, Gen. 29:1–3; inquires of the shepherds concerning Laban, Gen. 29:4–8. They show him Rachel, Laban’s daughter, coming with the sheep, Gen. 29:9. Jacob goeth near to her; waters the flock, Gen. 29:10; tells her who he was, Gen. 29:12.

Heb. Jacob lift up his feet; which may note either the gesture of his body, that he went on foot; or the temper of his mind, that he went not sadly and unwillingly, drawing his legs after him, as we use to say, but readily and cheerfully, being encouraged by God’s word.

They, i.e. the people belonging to that place, watered; or, the flocks were watered; it is an impersonal speech. A great stone was upon the well’s mouth, to preserve the water, which was scarce in those parts, and to keep it pure.

He calls them my brethren, partly in token of respect and affection, and partly because they were of the same nature and employment with himself.

According to the manner of those times, Ex. 2:16, Song 1:7–8, when humility, innocency, simplicity, and industry were in fashion, both among men and women of great quality.

Neither is it time that the cattle should be taken from their pasture, and brought to be watered.

Either because of the greatness of the stone, which they could not remove till more help came; or rather because of the custom, order, and agreement made amongst themselves about it. We cannot, to wit, rightly; or we may not, as that word is used, Gen. 34:14, Gen. 43:32, Gen. 44:26.

Having probably other shepherds under her, who did the meaner offices, whom she was to oversee.

Either with the assistance of others, or by himself, he being then strong and lusty, and putting forth all his might before Rachel.

Jacob kissed Rachel, as the custom of friends then was, both at their first meeting, as Gen. 29:13, Gen. 33:4, Ex. 4:27, Ex. 18:7, and at their departure, as Ruth 1:14, 1 Sam. 20:41, 1 Kings 19:20. Wept tears of joy, like those Gen.

Her father’s brother; his near kinsman; as that word is frequently used, as Gen. 13:8, Gen. 24:27.

The tidings of Jacob; the report of his father’s family, of the cause of his coming in so mean circumstances, of the occurrences in his journey, and of his providential meeting with Rachel at the well.

Thou art my bone and my flesh; of the same bone and flesh with myself, by our common grandfather Terah, and therefore art justly dear to me, and with me thou shalt be in safety. See the same or like expression, Gen. 2:23, Judg. 9:2, 2 Sam. 19:12–13.

Leah was tender-eyed; her eyes were soft and moist, and therefore unsightly.

It being then the custom for men to buy their wives. See Gen. 34:12, Ex. 22:17, 1 Sam. 18:25, 2 Sam. 3:14, Hos. 3:2

An ambiguous and crafty answer, wherein he doth not directly grant his desire, but only insinuates it in such terms as might hide his design, which the event showed.

He speaks not of the time, which in such cases seems long, Prov. 13:12, but of the service of that time, which seemed but little, and far below the worth of Rachel.

[1753] Give me my wife; so she was by promise and contract; persons betrothed or espoused being oft called wives in Scripture, as Matt. 1:18, Matt. 1:20, Luke 2:5. My days are fulfilled, the seven years of service agreed upon, Gen. 29:18.

His kindred and neighbours, according to the custom. See Judg. 14:10–11, John 2:1–2;c. He gathered a great number together, both that the marriage might be more solemn and public, and that Jacob might be overawed by their presence and authority, and not dare to disannul the marriage, and reject…

The occasion of the deceit was the custom of those times, which was to bring the bride to her husband in the dark, and with a veil upon her face: see Gen. 24:65.

Though Laban could not solidly answer the question, yet Jacob could do it, and had just cause to reflect upon his own former action of beguiling his father; for which God had now punished him in the same kind.

This seems to be a false pretence; but if it had been true, custom is to give place to justice, by which he was obliged to perform his contract with him.

Fulfil her week, the seven days usually devoted to the feast and solemnity of marriage, as Judg. 14:12, Judg. 14:15, Judg. 14:17. And this he desired, that a week’s cohabitation with Leah might either knit his affections to her, or at least confirm the contract and marriage with her.

It was not so strange that Laban should give, as that Jacob should take, not only two wives, but two sisters to wife, which seems to be against the law of nature, and was expressly forbidden by God afterward, Lev.

Leah was hated comparatively to Rachel, less loved, slighted. So that word is oft used, as Deut. 21:15, Matt. 6:24, Matt. 10:37, compared with Luke 14:26, John 12:25. Thus variously doth God distribute his favours, that all may be contented and none despised.

The Lord hath looked upon my affliction with an eye of pity and kindness, as that general phrase is oft understood.

The Lord hath heard, i.e. perceived or understood; hearing being oft put for understanding.

This time will my husband be joined unto me in more sincere and fervent affection.

Now will I praise the Lord more solemnly and continually; for otherwise she did praise and acknowledge God for the former mercies. cir. 1749