Ugly Praise

Leah was in an "ugly" situation. Actually, the Bible doesn't say that Leah was ugly; it just states that she was tendered eyed. The meaning of those words are unclear though speculation has ranged from "cross-eyed" to having a "weak eye". The NLT translates verse 17 as "she have beautiful eyes." Her name, Leah, is translated as "tired" or "worn". She must have had a worn, tired, weathered look.

Rachel, on the other hand, was evidently very lovely! Her name means "babe" - obviously, she must have been a "babe"! The scripture says that she was very beautiful in shape (vs. 17 - NLT). Jacob immediately fell in love with her and willing worked for seven year for Laban as dowry for Rachel.

At the end of the seven year (which the scripture said seemed but "a few days") period Laban secretly snuck Leah in to marry Jacob. Jacob became very angry and as a result had animosity against Leah, but still greatly loved Rachel.

As a result, the Lord looked upon Leah and opened her womb, she became fruitful! Below are some thoughts about this passage.

1. Leah was in an "ugly" situation - no pun intended!
2. Leah gave birth to her first son - Reuben = "the Lord has looked on me..."
3. Leah gave birth to her second son - Simeon = "the Lord has heard me..."
4. Leah gave birth to her third son - Levi = "the Lord will be joined to me..."
5. Leah gave birth to her fourth son - Judah = "now I will praise the Lord..."

After giving birth to Judah, she "bear" no more; simply put, she was delivered of her burden. Here the summary of my thoughts:

Leah was in an "ugly" circumstance. She desired the Lord to look on her, to hear her, and to be joined to her, but it wasn't until she had Judah ("praise") that she found freedom in an ugly situation. Sometimes we just have to give an "ugly" praise to get out from under the burden. It's easy to praise when things are pretty, but it's the "ugly" praise that brings the breakthrough!

What is interesting is that Judah had a son named Jesse; Jesse had a son named David; David had a son named Nathan; Nathan had a daughter named Mary and Mary had a baby named Jesus - The Lion of the Tribe of Judah!!! Inside of Judah (praise) was the resource (Jesus) for every need!

Created over 2 years ago