Definition: And Leah said, God hath endued me [with] a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this verse from Genesis 30:20. It's a really important story about God’s plan for Jacob (later known as Israel). Here’s what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Story: Jacob is struggling: Jacob was a man with many sons, but he was lonely and unhappy because his wife, Rachel, didn't want to marry him. God intervenes: God decides that Jacob needs a good match for his children. He’s going to help him find a wife. A special blessing: God gives Jacob a very special blessing – he chooses Leah as his wife. Leah's reaction: Leah is overjoyed and says, "God has endued me [with] a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.” What does it mean literally? “Endued me” : This means God gave Leah something valuable. "A good dowry": This is a large sum of money that was given to Leah as a sign of her respect and commitment to Jacob. It was a significant amount of wealth. "Now will my husband dwell with me": Leah’s husband, who was initially a stranger, will now live with her. “Because I have borne him six sons” : This is the key part! Leah says that she gave birth to six sons. The Meaning & Significance: This verse highlights several important themes: God’s Sovereignty and Providence: It shows that God actively intervened in Jacob's life, choosing a specific outcome that wasn’t entirely his own. He was working behind the scenes to help him find a fulfilling marriage. Jacob’s Responsibility: Leah is grateful for this blessing because it allows her to have a family. It also highlights that she played a vital role in giving birth to these sons. God’s Plan & Purpose: It shows God's plan and purpose in the story of Jacob's life – He wants to create a large family, and this blessing is a way to achieve that goal. In essence, the verse describes a moment where God actively helps Jacob find a happy and fulfilling marriage by giving him a wonderful wife and a significant blessing. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these points in more detail? Connect this story to other Bible stories or themes?