Genesis 29:1-30

29:1-20 | Jacob met Rachel at a well and loved her, but he had arrived in Padan Aram without possessions or lavish gifts - a great disadvantage in securing a wife in those times. So he served seven years for Rachel in place of a dowry.

29:21-23 | Weddings in biblical times featured a huge feast. Afterward, the bridegroom was escorted to the tent of the bride where the marriage was consummated. Jacob probably drank too much at the feast and did not realize Laban gave him Leah rather than Rachel. Laban deceived Jacob, just as Jacob had deceived both Esau and Isaac.

29:28 | Polygamy was practiced in ancient times but often produced family struggles. That Jacob fulfilled her week probably refers to the expectations that a newly married couple would “honeymoon” for a week. With his obligation to Leah complete, Jacob finally married Rachel.