Jacob and Rachel
Ilumi Kids · Stories
Jacob traveled for many days until he reached a distant land. Near a well, he saw some shepherds with their sheep. Jacob went up to them and asked, 'Do you know a man named Laban?'
The shepherds replied yes and pointed into the distance. 'Look, here comes his daughter, Rachel, with the sheep!' they said.
Jacob arrived in the land of his uncle Laban and fell in love with Rachel. He promised to work seven years to marry her, and the time flew by because he loved her so much. But Laban tricked him and gave him Leah, the older daughter. Jacob worked seven more years and finally married Rachel.
Where it is in the Bible: Genesis 29:1-30
True love is patient and keeps going; and those who trick others can be tricked too.
After reading, use these questions to help your child remember and apply the story.
Jacob traveled for many days until he reached a distant land. Near a well, he saw some shepherds with their sheep. Jacob went up to them and asked, 'Do you know a man named Laban?'
The shepherds replied yes and pointed into the distance. 'Look, here comes his daughter, Rachel, with the sheep!' they said.
When Jacob saw Rachel, his heart beat faster. She was beautiful and cared for the sheep tenderly. He ran to help, rolled the heavy stone from the mouth of the well, and gave water to her flock.
Full of joy, Jacob kissed Rachel and cried. He had finally found his family!
Jacob: I am your cousin, Rebekah's son!
Laban welcomed Jacob into his home with a big celebration. After some time, Jacob told Laban that he loved Rachel and wanted to marry her. He promised to work for Laban for seven years in exchange for Rachel's hand.
Jacob loved Rachel so much that the time flew by. To him, seven years seemed like only a few days, he was so happy.
These years seemed like only a few days to Jacob because he loved Rachel so much. — Genesis 29:20
Finally, the wedding day arrived! There was a big party that lasted all night. Jacob was very happy to finally marry the woman he loved.
But the next morning, Jacob had a very sad surprise. Laban had tricked him! The woman by his side was not Rachel, but Leah, her older sister.
Jacob was very upset and went to talk to Laban. Laban explained that in his land, the older daughter always married first. But he made a new promise to Jacob.
'Work for me for seven more years, and you can also marry Rachel,' he said. Because Jacob's love for Rachel was enormous, he agreed. And so, after more work, Jacob finally married his beloved Rachel, and God took care of the large family they formed.
