How does Genesis 29:24 illustrate cultural practices in biblical times? “And Laban gave his servant girl Zilpah to his daughter Leah as her maidservant.” Marriage Customs and Family Economics • Fathers routinely supplied goods or people to accompany a daughter into marriage—part of the dowry that demonstrated the bride’s value and secured her future (cf. 1 Kings 9:16). • Rather than a lump‐sum payment of silver, Laban chooses a living dowry: a female servant who would remain attached to Leah for life. • This practice cemented alliances between families; the servant was tangible proof that the bride’s family would continue to support her. Servant–Maid Relationships in the Patriarchal Era • “Maidservant” (Hebrew šipḥâ) describes a household bondservant under the authority of her mistress yet still belonging to the patriarch (cf. Genesis 16:2). • Such women performed domestic work, managed younger servants, and could be given to the husband to bear children on the wife’s behalf (Genesis 30:9–13). • While servants lacked full freedom, Scripture recognizes their dignity and legal protection (Exodus 21:7–11). The Wedding Week Context • Laban presents Zilpah on the wedding night, following the celebratory feast (Genesis 29:22–23). • A father’s gifts at this moment signaled completion of the marriage contract; to retract them later would be a grave breach of honor. Foreshadowing Future Family Dynamics • Zilpah later bears Gad and Asher for Jacob, expanding the covenant family (Genesis 30:9–13). • The twelve tribes arise through legitimate, legally recognized unions, even when birthed by servants—showing God’s providence operating within existing social structures. Parallels Elsewhere in Scripture • Rebekah leaves Paddan‐Aram with her nurse Deborah, whom her family assigns for lifelong service (Genesis 24:59). • Sarah gives Hagar to Abraham under a similar convention (Genesis 16:2). • In each case Scripture records how these customs shaped redemptive history without endorsing every human choice. Timeless Lessons • God works through ordinary cultural norms to accomplish extraordinary covenant purposes. • Family responsibility and provision for daughters matter to God, even when handled imperfectly. • The passage invites gratitude that the Lord can redeem complex family arrangements for His glory and our good (Romans 8:28). |
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