ed by
him, but also because she was the means of his coming to him; for he
said he was forced by the love of the damsel to make this proposal.
Laban was well pleased with this agreement, and consented to give the
damsel to him, as not desirous to meet with any better son-in-law; and
said he would do this, if he would stay with him some time, for he was
not willing to send his daughter to be among the Canaanites, for he
repented of the alliance he had made already by marrying his sister
there. And when Jacob had given his consent to this, he agreed to
stay seven years; for so many years he had resolved to serve his
father-in-law, that, having given a specimen of his virtue, it might
be better known what sort of a man he was. And Jacob, accepting of his
terms, after the time was over, he made the wedding-feast; and when it
was night, without Jacob's perceiving it, he put his other daughter
into bed to him, who was both elder than Rachel, and of no comely
countenance: Jacob lay with her that night, as being both in drink and
in the dark. However, when it was day, he knew what had been done to
him; and he reproached Laban for his unfair proceeding with him; who
asked pardon for that necessity which forced him to do what he did;
for he did not give him Lea out of any ill design, but as overcome by
another greater necessity: that, notwithstanding this, nothing should
hinder him from marrying Rachel; but that when he had served another
seven years, he would give him her whom he loved. Jacob submitted to
this condition, for his love to the damsel did not permit him to do
otherwise; and when another seven years were gone, he took Rachel to
wife.

8. Now each of these had handmaids, by their father's donation. Zilpha
was handmaid to Lea, and Bilha to Rachel; by no means slaves, [35] but
however subject to their mistresses. Now Lea was sorely troubled at
her husband's love to her sister; and she expected she should be better
esteemed if she bare him children: so she entreated God perpetually;
and when she had borne a son, and her husband was on that account better
reconciled to her, she named her son Reubel, because God had had mercy
upon her, in giving her a son, for that is the signification of this
name. After some time she bare three more sons; Simeon, which name
signifies that God had hearkened to her prayer. Then she bare Levi, the
confirmer of their friendship. After him was born Judah, which denotes
thanksgiving. But Rach