1264
Rachel’s Story
28 April 2001

Rachel was beautiful
and well favoured
Jacob loved her as for
seven years he laboured

In his eyes it was
but a few days
For the love he had to her
was long lasting in many ways

Her father Laban had ideas of his own
with an older sister Leah to wed
So it is the works found
in the Book of Genesis said

For Laban said it was not done
to give the younger before the firstborn
To Jacob came feelings of betrayal
as his heart began to mourn

In agreeing to take
tender eyed Leah as his wife
He did further labour
in order to secure the love of his life

Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah
although he was married to sisters both
Not that the Lord was ready
to assist with this families growth

Unto Leah He gave
Jacob a son
Yet for Rachel
there would be none

Time brought many sons forth
when Rachel felt left out
Her anger expressed in envy
her husbands desire in doubt

He married once more
with further sons that shined
While Rachel asked God
why He was so unkind

Jacob taking another wife
with a dividend of increase
As Leah considered her worth
in the value of her children's lease

A daughter hence was given by birth
this diamond in her father’s eyes
Until finally Rachel was remembered
the Lord answering her inward cries

And it came to pass
Rachel had born Joseph
Her joy elated at long last
in this son of eternal bliss

Jacob choosing to move away
taking his family to land of his own
Unaware of the importance of his seed
and descendant whom would atone

Many events did happen still
as set forth on parchments of scroll
This ballad told in part
so not the story whole

And Rachel travailed once more
uttering her babies name
Her last breath given as her soul departed
her life one of spiritual acclaim

A pillar of stones
laid upon Rachel’s grave
Her legacy transcending times past
for He whom death would eternally save


“And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder
was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel.
Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and
well favoured. And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will
serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter.
And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than
I should give her to another man: abide with me. And
Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed
unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.”
Genesis 29: 16-20 KJV


© 2006 Christopher W Herbert (a New Zealand Poet)

a poet who cares