Previous Challenge Entry (Level 2 – Intermediate)
Topic: Charade (08/14/08)
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TITLE: Home to Roost | Previous Challenge Entry
By Arlene Baker
08/20/08 -
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“There, there, my son,” Rebekah soothed. “How many times have I told you that God promised me you will lord over your brother? Be patient!”
“Patient!” Jacob snorted. “Father gets older by the day and he has yet to bless me. Are you sure God spoke to you? Why didn’t he tell Father I am the one who is supposed to get the birthright and blessing? I had to trick the birthright out of Esau. I must have the blessing as well.”
Rachel looked into her favorite son’s flashing brown eyes. “Hush, my son. I know a way to insure you get the blessing. Trust me and do exactly as I say.”
Jacob kicked at a stone while rubbing smug hands together. They did it. He and his mother managed to trick his father for the blessing. There was a cost of course, when Esau found out. Threatening to kill him, Mother decided he should go visit her brother just until Esau cooled off. And last night, God himself had come to him in a dream and promised to be with him always. Could life get any better?
“Uncle Laban!” Jacob met his uncle with a firm hug and kisses to both cheeks. "Mother sent me to work with you and learn your trade."
“Jacob, my nephew. With pleasure I welcome you to my family and your family. May I introduce to you my lovely daughters? Leah, my eldest, and Rachel, the youngest.”
Jacob’s heart melted as he gazed upon his two young cousins. Or rather, as he gazed on the one. Cousin Leah received only a passing glance while her sister filled his heart, mind and eyes. Beautiful beyond description, Rachel coyly looked up at him through heavy lashes.
“My Uncle, I am so happy to meet you and your lovely daughters,” Jacob exclaimed, still looking fully at Rachel. Could life get any better?
A month later, Jacob approached his uncle. “I love Rachel. I must have her for my wife.”
“You love Rachel? Ah, I am well pleased by this. Come, work for me seven years and after that, she is your bride.”
Time flew as Jacob worked, waited and dreamed. At last his seven year promise was fulfilled and he went to his uncle.
“Give me Rachel for my wife. I have served my time.”
“Of course, my son. I will call all our family and friends. This very night you shall have your bride.”
Eagerly, Jacob hurried his heavily veiled bride to his bedchamber to consummate their marriage union. When she belonged to him in every sense, he fell into a satisfied sleep.
The next morning, Jacob awakened with deep contentment. Could life get any better? He rolled over to greet his new wife.
What? By his side slept Leah. Leah? Where was Rachel, the woman he had loved and worked for all these years?
Jacob stormed out of his tent to Laban’s; not even bothering to call out a welcome before entering. Angrily he threw back the flap.
“What’s the meaning of this?” He demanded. “I worked for Rachel, not Leah. I have consummated our union and now it’s too late. You tricked me!” He roared as he lunged toward Laban.
“My son,” Laban responded softly. “How could you abide here seven years and not know the customs of our land? The younger daughter cannot be wed before the elder.”
Whatever a man sows, that he will also reap. Galatians 6:7
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I'd have liked a bit more than dialogue to put me inside this story--some bits and pieces of ancient Biblical life, perhaps.
I've often wondered how he felt after he learned Laban's ulterior motives!