Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Leah Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Leah’s story reminds us that God’s favour is not based on human approval. Though unloved by Jacob, she was loved by God and became an important part of His divine plan. Her life teaches us to find fulfilment in God rather than in people’s opinions.
CHARACTER STUDY OF LEAH – FIRST WIFE OF JACOB, MOTHER OF SIX TRIBES
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 29:16-35
Supporting Texts: Genesis 30:9-21, Genesis 49:31, Ruth 4:11
INTRODUCTION:
Leah, the first wife of Jacob, is one of the most overlooked figures in the Bible. She was given to Jacob through deception, endured rejection, and struggled for love and acceptance. Despite these challenges, she remained faithful, bore six of the twelve tribes of Israel, and played a crucial role in God’s plan.
Her life story reflects the pain of being unloved, the power of perseverance, and the ultimate reward of divine favour. Though Jacob favoured Rachel, God saw Leah’s affliction and blessed her abundantly. She teaches us the importance of trusting in God, even when human love fails.
Through Leah, we see how God brings beauty from brokenness. She was not man’s choice, but she was God’s choice for a great purpose. Her legacy continues through her descendants, including King David and Jesus Christ.
1. LEAH’S MARRIAGE THROUGH DECEPTION
Leah was given to Jacob by Laban through trickery, leading to marital struggles.
a) Laban’s Deception – Laban switched Leah for Rachel on Jacob’s wedding night (Genesis 29:23-25).
b) Jacob’s Anger – Jacob was furious when he realised he had married Leah instead of Rachel (Genesis 29:25).
c) Forced to Accept – Jacob had to work an additional seven years for Rachel (Genesis 29:27-30).
d) Leah’s Silent Pain – She entered a marriage where she was unwanted (Genesis 29:31).
e) Biblical Example: Tamar was also caught in a deceptive situation but later found purpose (Genesis 38:13-26).
2. LEAH’S REJECTION AND LONELINESS
Despite being Jacob’s wife, Leah struggled with rejection and a lack of love.
a) Unloved by Jacob – He loved Rachel more than Leah (Genesis 29:30).
b) Longing for Affection – Leah hoped that bearing sons would make Jacob love her (Genesis 29:32).
c) Pain of Comparison – She lived in Rachel’s shadow, feeling inferior (Genesis 30:1).
d) God’s Comfort – The Lord saw her pain and blessed her with children (Genesis 29:31).
e) Biblical Example: Hannah also felt rejected due to barrenness but found favour with God (1 Samuel 1:5-6).
3. LEAH’S FRUITFULNESS AND BLESSINGS
God blessed Leah with many children, making her a matriarch of Israel.
a) Firstborn Son – Reuben – Leah declared that God had seen her affliction (Genesis 29:32).
b) Simeon and Levi – She believed God was hearing her cries (Genesis 29:33-34).
c) Judah – The Line of the Messiah – She praised God despite her struggles (Genesis 29:35).
d) Additional Sons and a Daughter – She gave birth to Issachar, Zebulun, and Dinah (Genesis 30:17-21).
e) Biblical Example: Elizabeth, though once barren, was later fruitful in bearing John the Baptist (Luke 1:13-25).
4. LEAH’S SPIRITUAL GROWTH AND CONTENTMENT
Over time, Leah shifted her focus from seeking Jacob’s love to praising God.
a) Desire for Love Changed – She stopped seeking validation from Jacob (Genesis 29:35).
b) Acknowledging God’s Plan – She realised her worth was in God, not man (Genesis 30:20).
c) Raising a Godly Heritage – Her son, Judah, became the ancestor of Jesus (Matthew 1:2-3).
d) Buried with Honour – Leah was buried in the family tomb with the patriarchs (Genesis 49:31).
e) Biblical Example: Mary, the mother of Jesus, also focused on God’s purpose for her life (Luke 1:38).
5. LEAH’S LEGACY IN GOD’S PLAN
Despite rejection, Leah’s lineage played a crucial role in biblical history.
a) Mother of Six Tribes – Her sons became key leaders of Israel (Genesis 35:23).
b) Judah’s Line Led to the Messiah – Jesus came through Leah’s descendant, Judah (Matthew 1:2-3).
c) Levites Came from Leah – The priesthood originated from her son Levi (Exodus 6:16-19).
d) Her Name Honoured in Israel – Leah is remembered as a mother of the nation (Ruth 4:11).
e) Biblical Example: Sarah’s legacy also lived on through her son, Isaac (Genesis 17:16).
6. LEAH’S STRENGTHS
Despite her struggles, Leah demonstrated admirable qualities.
a) Faithfulness – She remained devoted despite rejection (Genesis 29:32-35).
b) Resilience – She endured emotional pain and still thrived (Genesis 30:20).
c) Motherly Devotion – She cared deeply for her children (Genesis 30:13).
d) Spiritual Growth – She learned to trust in God over time (Genesis 29:35).
e) Biblical Example: Ruth also showed resilience and faithfulness in difficult circumstances (Ruth 1:16-17).
7. LEAH’S WEAKNESSES
Leah also had shortcomings that affected her life.
a) Competing with Rachel – She constantly sought to outdo her sister (Genesis 30:9-10).
b) Desperate for Love – She placed too much hope in Jacob’s affection (Genesis 29:32).
c) Used Her Maid to Gain Favour – She followed Rachel’s example in giving her servant to Jacob (Genesis 30:9-13).
d) Involved in Family Strife – Her rivalry with Rachel led to tension in the home (Genesis 30:15-16).
