The ancient rabbis certainly knew the type. "It profits not if a villain is cast into a sawmill," they said. Neither force nor gentle words can sway a true rascal. And according to the Legends of the Jews, Laban was just such a person. He wasn't content just to deceive Jacob; he even tricked his own wedding guests! : Jacob had already served Laban for seven long years. Finally, he approached his uncle with a heartfelt plea. "The Lord destined me to be the father of twelve tribes," Jacob said. "I am now eighty-four years old, and if I do not take thought of the matter now, when can I?" He's thinking about his legacy, his destiny, the future of his people. He's not getting any younger!
Laban, eventually, agreed to let Jacob marry Rachel. The wedding took place forty-four years after Esau's own marriage.
Now, here's where things get really interesting. The rabbis teach that the Lord often delays the happiness of the righteous, while allowing the wicked to quickly fulfill their desires. Why? It's a question that has plagued theologians for centuries. But in this story, it sets up a fascinating comparison.
You see, Esau had deliberately chosen his fortieth year to marry. He wanted to appear to be following in the footsteps of his father, Isaac, who also married at that age. But the comparison was superficial, even deceitful.
The text compares Esau to a swine that stretches out its feet to appear cloven-hoofed, like a kosher animal, while still being unclean. Until his fortieth year, Esau had a reputation for violating the wives of other men. Then, at his marriage, he pretended to emulate his pious father. What a contrast!
And, according to the narrative, God himself acknowledged the darkness inherent in Esau's choice: "This one, who is designed for stubble, to be burnt by fire, shall take unto wife one of a people also destined for utter destruction."
The woman he married, Judith, a daughter of Heth, was of his own ilk. As the saying goes, "Not for naught does the raven consort with the crow; they are birds of a feather." Like attracts like.
So, what are we to make of this tale? Is it simply a story of deceit and delayed gratification? Perhaps. But it also serves as a powerful reminder that appearances can be deceiving. That true piety isn't about mimicking the righteous, but about living a life of genuine integrity. And that, ultimately, our choices shape our destiny.