Eleven Sons in Seven Years

Have you noticed that the patriarchs all seem to find their brides at wells? (Rebekah for Isaac – Rachel for Jacob – and Zipporah for Moses). Many of the fathers see this as a picture of baptism, which I would take to be far-fetched if it were not for passages like Ezekiel 16, which speak of how God washed and cleansed his bride, and for that matter, Ephesians 5 which uses the same imagery, “having cleansed her by the washing of water with the word” (5:26).

We are intended to see a parallel between Abraham's servant and Jacob. They both come to a well outside Haran – perhaps even the same well, since both Rebekah and Rachel came to the well.

But the parallel also has its contrasts: Abraham's servant prayed to God and gave thanks to him; Jacob does not. Instead, Jacob uses his brute strength to impress his bride to be!

Jacob must learn through discipline what it means to follow Christ.

Also note the contrast between Abraham's servant who comes with great wealth, and leaves a few days later with the bride in hand – and Jacob who comes alone and empty handed – and must labor for 7 years to obtain his bride...