Berean Bible Study Genesis 29-30

One Flesh, Polygyny, Authority, Concubines

One Flesh: Gen 29:14, 21-23, 27-30

Polygyny: Gen 29:14, 30:1, 8, 14-18, 20, 22-23 Lev 18:18

Authority: Gen 29:19, 26

Concubines: Gen 30:3-4, 9, 18

Introduction Gen 29:14-30:24

 Parental Advisory
 Devoted study of marriage for about 2 years. Still learning new things.
 The following passages touch on the controversial topics of how marriage
begins, polygyny, authority, & concubines.
 I don’t think these passages are sufficient for forming strong beliefs for these
topics, but I do hope to at least begin a discussion on these matters so we might
seek the truth as we continue on in the scriptures.

Gen 29:14-15 (A Hint At One Flesh)

 Bone and flesh used together like Gen 2:23. Word study also shows flesh
describing union throughout scripture, though only when paired with bone.
 1 Cor 6:15-16 “One Flesh” with prostitute.
 Sex at core, but meant to create family.

Gen 29:16-24 (No License? No Pastor?)

 This is all descriptive and not prescriptive.
 Marriage begins…?
 It was acknowledged as marriage without a license or pastor. Perhaps without
consent.
 Transfer of authority. “Took” “Give” Wife essential means woman or taken
woman. Husband usually means man or owner.
 Next part connects.

Gen 29:25-30 (The Abuser is Laban!)

 Laban caused strife, but Jacob reaped what he sowed.
 No mention of feast for Rachel.
 More possessive language.

Gen 29:31-35 (Divine Commentary?)

 YHWH responsible for fertility.
 Leah’s perception revealed. Are those YHWH’s thoughts though?
  Leah being unloved and thinking her children will cause Jacob to be closer to her
indicates there is partiality, which shows itself more next chapter.
 Does the blessing of children indicate approval of the way they are living?

Gen 30:1-8 (Concubines & Rival Sisters)

 I’ll address a common conclusion people come to about polygyny based on this
passage later.
 The word for concubine isn’t used, but Bilhah being Rachel’s maidservant and
bearing children on her behalf can be seen to be similar to the more legal term of
concubine.
 Concubines seem to be a wife in every aspect, save for inheritance rights.
Sometimes, as shown here, we see an authority one wife has over the other, but
that doesn’t seem to be essential. It seems a common connection is concubines
lack a dowry, bride price, and contract.
 Rachel mentions “wrestling with her sister.” Leviticus 18:18

Gen 30:9-13 (Competition?)

 Leah does the same as Rachel. May seem competitive, but it is also a huge
blessing and honor to have as many children as possible.

Gen 30:14-16 (Duality of Rivalry)

 Strange and probably unwise family arrangement, but not criticized.
 We see here that both Rachel and Leah are hurt by their father’s deception.
Rachel was the promised bride, but Leah was put first. While Leah was taken
first, but Rachel is loved more. Seems to me they are all trying to make the best of
a difficult situation.

Gen 30:17-24 (Why Validate This?)

 YHWH is definitely giving these ladies the wrong impression if he keeps listening
to their prayers and giving them children if so much of what they are doing is
wrong. Perhaps it is just not for everybody or for every context.
 Rachel watched Leah’s womb open again after attributing it to being blessed for
giving her maidservants, then Rachel’s womb is opened. Perhaps Leah and
Rachel were humbled when they both gave Jacob their maidservants. Leah first,
as she enjoyed the fruits of that decision and then Rachel after seeing Leah having
her own children and praying for one of her own as well.

In Closing
 Quickly address the conclusions many come to about polygyny because of these
passages.
 Polygyny produced the strife.
 First, not a hint of disapproval or criticism
 There were a lot of blessings surrounding these challenges.
 Laban’s deception and the context of rival sisters is much more likely why there
was so much contention.
 Are monogamy only marriages without blemish?
 The 12 Tribes came from a plural marriage.
 Ultimately it seems to be a family working through a difficult context, with The
Most High involved in giving them what they need when they need it.