GENESIS 29
9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep, for she was a shepherdess. 10 Now as soon as Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, Jacob came near and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. 11 Then Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. 12 And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s kinsman, and that he was Rebekah’s son, and she ran and told her father.13 As soon as Laban heard the news about Jacob, his sister’s son, he ran to meet him and embraced him and kissed him and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things, 14 and Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh!” And he stayed with him a month. – Genesis 29:9-14
GENESIS 29 EMOTIONALLY CHARGED REUNION
A poem inspired by these verses by ILMA
When Jacob saw Rachel, he was overcome with emotions
It must have been such a relief to find his mother’s kin
Jacob was emotionally charged and smitten by Rachel
He couldn’t help himself but kissed Laban’s daughter.
Rachel ran to her father to announce Jacob’s arrival
Laban was overjoyed seeing his sister’s beloved son
He ran to meet him and embraced and kissed him
Then he said to Jacob “You are my bone and my flesh.”
Jacob must have felt relieved finding out from the men in the well that he finally had come to where his relatives lived and that they knew his uncle Laban. After travelling all the way fleeing from his brother’s wrath and seeking refuge for his safety, we find Jacob laying his eyes for the first time on Rachel. He was overjoyed and excited and smitten by her and so emotionally charged that he kissed her. Rachel also enthusiastically runs to her father to bring him the news of Jacob’s arrival. Laban was also so happy to see his nephew whom he probably never laid eyes on since his sister left to be taken away and be Isaac’s wife. What an emotionally charged reunion of their family. It was such a warm welcome they gave Jacob on his arrival at their home.
REFLECTION
- Why do you think Jacob, Rachel and Laban were all emotionally charged here?
