Genesis 29:13-20

Weak eyes were dull and lacking in luster rather than bright (Genesis 29:17). Fiery eyes were, and still are, considered the height of beauty among Near Eastern people. [Note: Keil and Delitzsch, 1:285; von Rad, p. 291.]

"Regarding marriage generally, the Nuzi tablets provided that if a man worked over a period of time for the father of a girl whom he wished to marry, then he would have the right to take the girl as his wife." [Note: West, p. 70.]

"Seven years was a handsome offer: Jacob was clearly not risking a refusal-a fact which Laban would not fail to note and exploit, as Jacob had exploited Esau’s eagerness (Genesis 25:32)." [Note: Kidner, p. 160.]

Casual laborers received between one-half and one shekel a month in old Babylonia, which was a large marriage gift in exchange for Rachel’s hand. [Note: G. R. Driver and J. C. Miles, eds. and trans., The Babylonian Laws, 1:470-71.]

The chiastic structure of Genesis 29:20-30 focuses attention on the complication caused by deception.

"A Jacob’s payment for his wife (Genesis 29:20)

B Consummation of the marriage to Leah by deception (Genesis 29:21-24)

C Jacob’s accusation against Laban (Genesis 29:25)

C’ Laban’s defense (Genesis 29:26)

B’ Consummation of the marriage to Rachel by negotiation (Genesis 29:27-30 a)

A’ Jacob’s payment for his wife (Genesis 29:30 b)." [Note: Ross, Creation and . . ., p. 498.]