Good Morning.
Now Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah’s eyes were delicate, but Rachel was beautiful of form and appearance. (Genesis 29:16-17)
There are some translations that say, “Leah’s eyes were weak,” which then lends itself to the notion that she was inferior in some way, either physically or spiritually. Perhaps it is simply to say that Leah was plain while Rachel was stunning. If that is the case then it tells us that Jacob was intrigued with Rachel’s physical appearance, or shall we say, her outward appearance rather than what was on the inside, necessarily. That tendency can be problematic.
It is also suggested that the reference to Leah’s eyes spoke of her spiritual attributes and not in a negative way. To the contrary, it is inferred that she had spiritual vision and insight because her eyes were “delicate” or “tender.” The implication is that her value was in what she was not how she appeared. Juxtapose that with the fact that the beautiful one would, later on, pilfer her father’s idols. Perhaps that is to suggest that Rachel was actually the weaker one.
If so, this is just another example of the fact that all that glitters is not gold. We can’t always evaluate someone’s worth by what we see on the outside but must take the time to consider their other strengths and/or weaknesses by their attitudes and actions. The Bible says that our Father doesn’t look upon the outward appearance but upon the heart. Likewise we are to examine someone’s fruit before we determine their value in our lives. As Jacob would eventually realize, those we wouldn’t ordinarily take a second look at might be someone who factors importantly in our lives.
Blessings and Shalom,
Bill
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