JACOB TENDING THE FLOCKS OF LABAN.

And while he yet spake with them, Rachel came with herfather's sheep: for she kept them. And it came to pass, whenJacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother's brother, andthe sheep of Laban his mother's brother, that Jacob went near,and rolled the stone from the well's mouth, and watered the flockof Laban his mother's brother. And Jacob kissed Rachel, andlifted up his voice, and wept. And Jacob told Rachel that he washer father's brother, and that he was Rebekah's son: and she ranand told her father.

And it came to pass, when Laban heard the tidings of Jacob hissister's son, that he ran to meet him, and embraced him, andkissed him, and brought him to his house. And he told Laban allthese things. And Laban said to him, Surely thou art my bone andmy flesh. And he abode with him the space of a month. And Labansaid unto Jacob, Because thou art my brother, shouldest thoutherefore serve me for naught? tell me, what shall thy wagesbe?

And Laban had two daughters: the name of the elder was Leah,and the name of the younger was Rachel. Leah was tender eyed; butRachel was beautiful and well favoured.

And Jacob loved Rachel; and said, I will serve thee sevenyears for Rachel thy younger daughter. And Laban said, It isbetter that I give her to thee, than that I should give her toanother man; abide with me.

And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed untohim but a few days, for the love he had for her. And Jacob saidunto Laban, Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that Imay go in unto her.

And Laban gathered together all the men of the place, and madea feast. And it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leahhis daughter, and brought her to him; and he went in unto her.And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid, for anhandmaid. And it came to pass that in the morning, behold, it wasLeah: and he said to Laban, What is this thou hast done unto me?did not I serve with thee for Rachel? wherefore then hast thoubeguiled me? And Laban said, It must not be so done in ourcountry, to give the younger before the firstborn. Fulfil herweek, and we will give thee this also for the service which thoushalt serve with me yet seven other years.

And Jacob did so, and fulfilled her week; and he gave himRachel his daughter to wife also. And Laban gave to Rachel hisdaughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid. And he went in alsounto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and servedwith him yet seven other years.—Genesis xxix, 9-30.