Bait and Switch

Jacob loved Rachel and so seven years of work seemed like only a few days.

It’s interesting that Rebekah, with Isaac’s approval, sent Jacob to get a wife from among Laban’s daughters with nothing in hand. Abraham sent his servant with loads of goods to demonstrate his wealth and to offer dowry. Jacob shows up empty handed but with a promise from God and a mind for process.

Laban saw the situation for how it suited him. The irony of his unwillingness to abuse his first born daughter Leah is in utter contrast to Jacob, who abused Esau. Even though he perpetrated a despicable “bait and switch”, Laban had the moral high ground in protecting Leah.

Jacob from the community of covenant. Laban from the social contract. It will take the sharpness of both of these to bring into being a community of faith; Israel – the sons of Jacob.

Once again, in the world but not of it.