Genesis 29:19
French (La Bible expliquée)
Laban donna son accord: « J'aime mieux la donner à toi qu'à un autre. Reste chez moi. » Dans cette société, une épouse doit être achetée. Jacob ne peut offrir que sa force de travail. Il estime Rachel à un très haut prix. Peut-on trouver dans un roman d'amour plus belles phrases que le v. 20? Mais Jacob, le trompeur, est trompé par Laban; loin de s'en excuser, celui-ci se justifie en invoquant la coutume et extorque à Jacob, qui n'a pas les moyens de refuser, encore sept ans de travail. La supercherie de la première nuit de noces est rendue relativement vraisemblable par l'usage oriental qui veut que la mariée ne participe pas à la fête, mais soit amenée voilée, le soir, à son époux.
What Does This Mean?
Laban tells Jacob that he prefers to give his daughter Rachel to Jacob rather than to someone else. He asks Jacob to stay with him, showing his desire for Jacob to remain part of his family.
Explained for Children
Imagine you have a favorite toy that you really love. Your mom says, 'I think you should give this toy to your best friend, instead of any other friend, because you two get along so well. So, why don't you stay and play with them more?' That's kind of what Laban is saying to Jacob.
Historical Background
The Book of Genesis was written by Moses around 1446-1406 BCE. This verse is part of the narrative about Jacob and his family, written for the Israelites to understand their history and lineage. In the cultural context, marriage alliances were crucial for family ties and prosperity.
Living It Out Today
In modern life, think of a situation where a parent might prefer their child to marry someone they trust and know well, rather than someone unknown. This verse can be seen as a reflection on trust and the preference for known relationships over unknown ones.
Topics
familytrustmarriagealliancedecision-makingpreference
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Frequently Asked Questions
Why does Laban prefer Jacob over other men?
Laban sees Jacob as a trustworthy person who has worked hard for him. He values the relationship and sees Jacob as a good match for his daughter Rachel.
What does Laban's request to 'abide with me' imply?
It implies that Laban wants Jacob to continue living with him and working for him, reinforcing the family bond and ensuring Jacob remains a part of the household.
How does this verse relate to modern family decisions?
It shows how family decisions often involve trust and a preference for known individuals, reflecting the importance of familiarity and trust in making significant decisions like marriage.
What can we learn about relationships from this verse?
We can learn about the importance of trust and the value of familiar relationships. It also highlights how family alliances can influence decisions and strengthen social bonds.