How Laban Persuaded His Townsmen to Swap Leah for Rachel

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 29:22

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And Laban gathered" (Genesis 29:22). He made an assembly with all the men of the place and said to them: You saw that before this pious one came among us water was scarce, and even the one stone that was upon the mouth of the well we were not able to roll until we gathered all the flocks, and afterward they would roll it; but now, by his merit, the waters have gushed forth, and he alone rolled the stone. And behold, he asks for Rachel. If I give her to him, he will go away from us; but if it is your will, I will give him Leah, and he will serve yet again for Rachel. And they said to him: Yes. For were it not so, Jacob would have had grounds to seize Laban in judgment — except that the men of his place came with him.

Themes

DeceptionMatriarchsPatriarchsJacobCreation

Biblical References

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