Through My Eyes

A Survivor Looks at the Word of God

Joseph: A Story of Recovery

based on a true story

In another time and another place there lived a man of God named Jacob and his twelve sons. If they were alive today, we would say they were extremely dysfunctional. It began when Jacob was born. His twin, Esau came out first, however, through deceit instigated by Jacob’s mother, Jacob received the blessing meant for the firstborn. As you can imagine, when Esau learned of the deceit, he flew into a rage and threatened to kill his brother. You see, they weren’t much different then than we are today. So Jacob was forced to leave his father’s household, land, and possessions and make it out on his own.

Jacob found a beautiful young maiden named Rachel and agreed to work seven years for her father, Laban, for her hand in marriage. Jacob dreamed about Rachel at night and longed for her more than he had ever thought possible. He loved and wanted her so much and it seemed the seven years would never be over.

When his end of the bargain was fulfilled, he prepared for the wedding. Rachel was also excited for she felt the same type of love for Jacob. However, Laban had other plans. The night the marriage was to be consummated, he locked Rachel up in her room and sent Leah, her older sister to Jacob. He adorned her in a richly wedding costume, head covered so that Jacob would never know until it was too late. When Jacob discovered the treachery, he wailed and moaned in despair. How could he live out his life with a woman he did not love. He didn’t want to hurt Leah, but he worked hard to get Rachel, his only love. She had won him, heart and soul, and he could never belong to another.

His heart ached inside with love for her. He’d do anything. Rachel hated what her father had done. She had been afraid there would be no hope of ever having her love at her side. Then Jacob came up with a plan. He would work seven more years for Rachel. Laban agreed. Fourteen long years. Nothing could take his love for her away. Not even the birth of his sons by Leah could bring the same sparkle in his eye, the smile on his lips, or the love in his heart.

He was overjoyed when Rachel was finally his own. She was so beautiful, so soft and warm. Her eyes danced like the stars and her voice was like a joyous melody filling him with gladness. However, having now two sisters in the same household married to the same man didn’t exactly bring harmony to his life.

The sisters were very jealous of each other. Leah was envious of Rachel because Jacob loved her, and no matter how hard she tried, or many sons she gave him, she could not win his love. On the other hand, Rachel was barren and envied the sons Leah gave to Jacob. In that time and place, bearing a son was a woman’s highest calling in life so that the family name could be carried on from generation to generation.

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