The love which Jacob bore for Rachel has been through all time the symbol of constancy. Seven years he served for her, and so great was his love, so pure his delight in her presence that the time seemed but as a day. Had this simple, absorbing affection not been interfered with by Laban, how different would have been the tranquil life of Jacob and Rachel, developing undisturbed by the inevitable jealousies and vexations connected with the double marriage. Still this love was the solace of Jacob's troubled life and remained unabated until Rachel died and then found expression in tenderness for Benjamin. "the son of my right hand." It was no accident, but has a great significance, that this most ardent and faithful of Jewish lovers should have deeper spiritual experiences than any of his predecessors. C. B. C. CHAPTER X. Genesis xxix, xxxi. 18 And Jacob loved Rachel; and said I will serve thee seven years for Rachel thy younger daughter. 19 And Laban said, It is better that I give her to thee, than that I should give her to another man; abide with me. 20 And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her. 21 And Jacob said unto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled. 22 And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast. 23 And it came to pass in the evening that be took Leah his daughter, and brought her to him. 26 And Laban said, It must not be so done in our country, to give the younger before the firstborn. 27 We will give thee Rachel also thou shalt serve with me yet seven other years. 28 And Jacob did so, and he gave him Rachel his daughter to wife also. 29 And it came to pass, when Rachel had borne Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto my mine own place, and to my country. 26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go; for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. 17 Then Jacob rose up, and set his sons and his wives upon camels; 18 And he carried away all his cattle, and all his goods which he had gotten, the cattle of his getting, which he had gotten in Padan-aram, for to go to Isaac his father in the land of Canaan. 19 And Laban went to shear his sheep; and Rachel had stolen the images that were her father's 20 And Jacob stole away unawares to Laban the Syrian, in that he told him not that he fled; 22 And it was told Laban on the third day, that Jacob was fled. 23 And he took his brethren with him, and pursued after him seven days' journey; and they overtook him in the mount Gilead.