QT 10/31/2025 Gen30:1–11, Who are we really wresting with?

Genesis 30:1–11 (ESV) —

1 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” 2 Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go in to her, so that she may give birth on my behalf, that even I may have children through her.” 4 So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. 5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 Then Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan. 7 Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Then Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, “Good fortune has come!” so she called his name Gad.

 

NOTE: So starts the great baby race, which Leah wins 8 to 4. Leah produces Judah and Levi, important figures in the Jewish nation. Rachel produces Joseph and Benjamin (tribe of the first king). Almost all of the tribes will produce at least one leader during the period of the judges. It is sad to see the dysfunction in the family as each wife fights for approval and love of Jacob. It is not unexpected given the example of favoritism that Jacob learned from his own mother and father. Yet even in this mess and relational sin, God is working. He is building a nation out of a mess of a family (literally they would try to kill a sibling). And he is teaching individuals. We don't know all that God is doing individually. The names of Leah's children suggest more of spiritual progress, while the names Rachel uses, suggests a competition.

 

What do we learn? Are we wrestling with men (mankind) as Rachel suggests, or are we wrestling with God. I would suggest, given where the story is heading, is that life is really wrestling with God, not other people. And until we surrender to his will, life will be painful.

 

PONDER:

1. Am I wrestling with men?
2. Or am I wrestling with God and learning to surrender my will to his?

 

PRAYER: Father, I learned some time ago that I am wrestling with you. It is my selfish will versus your will. Most of the time, I am surrendering to your will. But my flesh continues to win a battle or two quite often. Give me strength to see what I am really doing, and to surrender to your will for my life.