Genesis 29

Ah, young love! There is nothing like working for seven years for the girl of your dreams, only to have your father-in-law do a 'wife swap' on your wedding night and give you his other daughter. It makes me wonder if the reason Laban gave - that tradition insisted the older daughter marry before the younger - was really his reason. Perhaps he just wanted another seven years of work from Jacob, or maybe he was concerned that Leah wouldn't get married otherwise (there is an indication that she may not have been as visually appealing as Rachel).

Even more, though, I wonder how Jacob managed to sleep with Leah on his wedding night and not realize till the morning that he had been tricked! Maybe he was drunk, as Lot had been earlier in Genesis, but if he was that far gone then they used to brew some serious wine. If not, then I think he had some explaining to do his intended. Of course, Rachel must also have known what was going on - so perhaps she didn't care that she would have to share her husband with her sister. Things like this are a very strong reminder that life back then was quite different from what it is today.