tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post5457429600960544296..comments2023-11-02T10:26:12.388-04:00Comments on Rachel Olsen: More on RachelRachel Olsenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/14666181671944102358noreply@blogger.comBlogger79125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-74610388585267673532008-03-21T16:28:00.000-04:002008-03-21T16:28:00.000-04:00Thanks Rachel for the additional insight on Rachel...Thanks Rachel for the additional insight on Rachel and Leah. Both women were in akward positions, which I wouldn't have liked to be in. The good part about is that they fulfulled God's plan. So it's better to fulfill God's plan then to be comfortable.Rena Chttps://www.blogger.com/profile/16113699043462400330noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-63560982560050027582008-03-21T14:50:00.000-04:002008-03-21T14:50:00.000-04:00I'v enjoyed everyone's insight.I'v enjoyed everyone's insight.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-47803890294789711162008-03-21T14:47:00.000-04:002008-03-21T14:47:00.000-04:00Wow! I always felt for Rachel and then I began to...Wow! I always felt for Rachel and then I began to feel for Leah and now after reading this commentary, I feel or Rachel again. I'm so wishy-washy. I have an older sister and there is rivalry and competition in our relationship even today. I can't imagine how awful it would be if we were forced to share a husband (especially hers - hee hee).Michelehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09301155321170639584noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-91718863879500585922008-03-20T13:22:00.000-04:002008-03-20T13:22:00.000-04:00Jean: thanks for sharing your study bible comments...Jean: thanks for sharing your study bible comments on Malachi 1:2-3 and Romans 9:13. We are blessed to have commentaries that help explain God's Word...as I struggle with passages like these that say things that seem contradictory to who are God is...that he HATES Esau. That's just hard for me to grasp. But I can understand it if the meaning of hate is to not choose intimate fellowship...now that sounds like our God. <BR/><BR/>Amen to Lorrie...as I read your words I felt you were speaking my mind regards not know when God wants us to wait or act and that sometimes we don't even get a clear answer with prayer. <BR/><BR/>Thanks ladies,<BR/>Paula, IndianaPaula Vhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/13948349907036852384noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-88301857765761934612008-03-20T12:54:00.000-04:002008-03-20T12:54:00.000-04:00"Oh, what a tangle web we weave, when first we pra..."Oh, what a tangle web we weave, when first we practice to decieve!" this sure seems to fit here. It is sometimes dificult to see God's plan, to disifer when to act and when to wait. God has a plan,but how can webe sure what to do? Sometimes even when we pray, we're not be sure of the answers, do we really hear God or is it our own input and desires we are "hearing" Rachael and Leah were put into a no win situation by their father. In some ways I think they both tried to make the most of it, to please their husband and to please God. We often hear people say how different things are today, how we have so much more to deal with, I don't know I think they had an awful lot to deal with!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-48071781924750943122008-03-20T12:31:00.000-04:002008-03-20T12:31:00.000-04:00I wonder sometimes if the lesson we should learn f...I wonder sometimes if the lesson we should learn from these two sisters is more along the lines of "a bad situation is sprung upon two 'innocent' people, neither of which begins in the wrong, and how they ultimently handle themselves." <BR/><BR/>In this case, in the beginning, everything seems fine between the two siblings. It doesn't mention any resentment or any dislike between the two to start with. Enter Jacob, a fine and handsome young man, who falls head over heels for Rachel. Leah is probably somewhat jealous and Rachel may be a bit of a showoff (as siblings are want to do). Then their father steps in a puts all three individuals into a bad situation. He has Leah (who remained quiet for whatever reason) marry Jacob instead, leaving Rachel in the cold. It's from this point on that we need to see how they all react to everything. I think they did a decent job, I can't fault anyone of them their actions.<BR/><BR/>I feel bad for all involved. Even if you want to look at Laban, it's hard to tell if she's not that great of a guy or if he just wanted the best for Leah, etc.<BR/><BR/>Thanks Rachel for all of your hard work and great information/insight. I love this study. I think I'm driving my husband crazy talking about it!! ^_^Ricahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/18055941446534048548noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-8990265922383820672008-03-20T09:35:00.000-04:002008-03-20T09:35:00.000-04:00I feel for Rachel less than I do for Leah .... a w...I feel for Rachel less than I do for Leah .... a whole lot less,...y? OK! ...here goes!!<BR/> Rachel is selfish, yeah you are the 2nd in everything but you know that you are who everyone wants because you are sooo gorgeous! She is possibly the favourite as well as a mite spoilt by her father. The only thing stopping her from acheiving her goals is her ugly older sister.<BR/>I feel for Leah. She probably would never have married if her father had not tricked Jacob to marry her. If Rachel wasnt so self-centered she would recognise it too!<BR/>I think Leah was more in the shadow of Rachel and thats why God allowed her to be fruitful, can you imagine marrying someone who loves your sister and sleeps with you out of a sense of duty? Yuck!Wouldnt you wonder what he was thinking while you are both making love? is he seeing you or your sister? Note that through all of this we havent heard much complaint from Leah, but the rivalery between the sisters is alive and roaring while Jacob is sleeping with 4 women and having a whale of a time! He doesnt seem to get involved in the powerplay except for being Rachel's pawn. Jacob is controlled through his love for Rachel, what she says, he does! A most pitiful state of affairs!<BR/>Regards!<BR/>Claudette, Kingston JamaicaClaudette in Jamaicahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05935640826197591441noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-90629104146855439292008-03-20T00:33:00.000-04:002008-03-20T00:33:00.000-04:00Josie to expand on what you said: I went and looke...Josie to expand on what you said: I went and looked up Malachi 1:2-3 and Romans 9:13 in my MacArthur Study Bible: God chose Jacob and his offspring unconditionally, and completely apart from any consideration of human merit, God elected Jacob and his descendants to become His heirs of promise. God loves his people not because He afflicted them, but rather He loves them because he elected them. This speaks of love as <BR/>"choosing for intimate fellowship" and hate as "not choosing for intimate fellowship" in the realm of redemption. God chose one for divine blessing and protection, and the other he left to divine judgement. OUCH!Sunshinehttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12624602262377139873noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-59078204988913991312008-03-19T23:55:00.000-04:002008-03-19T23:55:00.000-04:00Your insights are amazing and eye-opening. How ma...Your insights are amazing and eye-opening. How many times do we feel that God has turned His head on us and it becomes 'necessary' to take matters into our own hands? This lesson has helped me see that God never 'turns His head' on us and that He always has our best interests at heart. We have to trust Him and be patient. Thanks, Rachel!Sallyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/05256381666931231472noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-28684517464074490852008-03-19T23:43:00.000-04:002008-03-19T23:43:00.000-04:00Hello. I have finally found a way to post. I have ...Hello. I have finally found a way to post. I have been follwing the readings, I really enjoy them and all your comments and insight. I have to admit I can identify with most of the women. I were Rachel I would have many difficulties with Leah, Labon. I can't wait to find out what the next reading will be.<BR/><BR/>CrysAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-32215224442567577872008-03-19T22:55:00.000-04:002008-03-19T22:55:00.000-04:00Alicee ~ Praise the Lord! Our Lord does answer pra...Alicee ~ Praise the Lord! Our Lord does answer prayers!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-72626082282484901092008-03-19T22:26:00.000-04:002008-03-19T22:26:00.000-04:00I have enjoyed her more from Rachel's side of thin...I have enjoyed her more from Rachel's side of things. I can identify with Rachel feeling like she was in Leah's shadow all the time. I have 3 sisters, 2 older and 1 younger. So I am the 2nd middle child. I definently suffer from the middle child syndrome but only worse because I am the 2nd one. HAHAHA!! I was always being compared to my oldest sister because we look, sound, and sometimes act alike. I had a hard time being my own person because I thought I was suppose to be like her. It took my husband (before we were married) to finally convince me that I was different and I could just be me and quit trying to be like her. In this day and age, we are lucking because we do not have to compete with other wives being married to "our man." We have many chances to have one on one "pillow talk" (as I like to call it) with our husband. We get the honor of spending time with our husband every night. I hate that Rachel never really got that time. Even when she was with him she always worried about Leah. If I was in the same situation, I probably would be worring about Leah, too. Women are just like that. When my husband and I first started dating, I was driving my self crazy thinking about his ex-girlfriend, who just happened to sit right behind us in one of our college class. Finally, after loosing it one night, I was crying and he hugged me and told me that I was the one he chose. Rachel never really could feel like the only one with Jacob. Because he did choose her but he also has 3 other women. I think back on the stupid time in my life and think that is like God with us. We finally hit rock bottom and God picks us up, hugs us, and says "I chose you, so stop worrying." Isn't God wonderfully!!! I don't know where all this ramble about the past came from but that is just what I thought about when I think of the love triangle between Rachel, Jacob, and Leah.beckyhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/12846331181197673829noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-28720331551782275002008-03-19T21:43:00.000-04:002008-03-19T21:43:00.000-04:00I am caught up again. Thank you so much for this. ...I am caught up again. Thank you so <BR/>much for this. It is wonderful to <BR/>be learning so much. Rachel, you are a shining light, giving me this, just when I was at a point of needing it so much.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-57327039291740448042008-03-19T21:12:00.000-04:002008-03-19T21:12:00.000-04:00I'm loving this study. Thank you Rachel O and all ...I'm loving this study. Thank you Rachel O and all you dear sisters for sharing your insight and your hearts. I'm learning so much - things I never saw before. As I share with my husband we are gaining so much understanding together. We have gone through some terrible times. This study on Rachel has been showing us that our problems are simply what we can see from where we stand - God's plans go far beyond us and our childrens children. We are not victims, but simply vessels of God's grace and faithfulness. <BR/>Jo Beth, IllinoisAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-58562259920673417672008-03-19T21:08:00.000-04:002008-03-19T21:08:00.000-04:00It is a hectic week but trying to keep up.Thanks R...It is a hectic week but trying to keep up.<BR/><BR/>Thanks Rachel for taking the time.<BR/><BR/>Rachael sure is an interesting woman of the Bible.bonniemhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09147033419551009427noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-9664239530240937532008-03-19T19:19:00.000-04:002008-03-19T19:19:00.000-04:00thank you Rachel for this study. there is so much...thank you Rachel for this study. there is so much to digest. <BR/>Donna: I am beginning to see a pattern to my response to certain people or circumstances is rooted in fear of rejection, anticipation of rejection, perception of rejection...<BR/>These women of the Bible are fascinating because like us they are not one dimensional...as we are known to each other the deeper and richer parts of our character are revealed - it is amazing to know that when we surrender it all to God that He makes something beautiful out of lives...and yet I am so slow to do this.<BR/>I am so grateful that we can all do this study together.<BR/>Be Blessed<BR/>Debrah - Shirley New Yorkdebrahhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/15291497901318105342noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-49180714233870691382008-03-19T17:50:00.000-04:002008-03-19T17:50:00.000-04:00Thank you so much for the extra notes. I have to a...Thank you so much for the extra notes. I have to admit having read the Bible passages and yesterdays notes I really didn't know what to think of Rachels story. But todays notes really showed me the heartache of living in her sisters shadow. And of feeling betrayed by her father. I have been so blessed that my father though not a Christian has always made me feel so special and as the eldest of 5 children I wonder if my siblings felt they were in my shadow or that our parents favoured me in any way. I can also understand the actions of Rachels father. It must have broken his heart to see his older daughter overlooked and he did what he could to make her happy. As parents we don't want our children to be slighted do we? Oh there's so much to take from this study..<BR/>Thank you again Rachel and God Bless you and all the ladies reading this.<BR/>Sandra - EnglandAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-89160952322716112312008-03-19T17:46:00.000-04:002008-03-19T17:46:00.000-04:00This study has opened my eyes to what I read in th...This study has opened my eyes to what I read in the Bible. I was telling my husband what Rachel O. said about Rachel sleeping with Jacob a week after Leah became his wife. I went to the Bible and read the scriptures to him. He did not remember reading that. As I read through several chapters it was like reading a novel, everything seemed to take on meaning and the good part was that my husband sat and listened as I read. We will have been married 46yrs in Sept. and have never shared the Bible together. God has answered my prayers within the last month as we have shared another book and prayed together. So ladies don't ever give up GOD DOES ANSWER OUR PRAYERS in His own timing. Why this long I don't know but I praise God for it.<BR/><BR/>I am an only child who was loved by my mother to the extent she held on to me even after I was married. My father never showed me any love except as a baby I am told. There was resentment there on my part because of some of the things both my parents did, but God helped me to forgive them before they left this world and He showed me 3 times that my father had accepted Jesus as His Saviour.<BR/>I guess there are things in a lot of people's lifes, like Rachel and Leah that is hard to understand but when we give God full control then He can work things for our good. <BR/><BR/>I have enjoyed reading all the comments and especially the coments of Rachel O. You put things in a better light and helped me to understand the story of Leah and Rachel and how there are others today who are holding grudges toward each other. I have 3 cousins who are sisters and there is a division between 2 of them and their older sister. Two of the sisters have shared with me. I believe they need to read the story of Leah and Rachel. <BR/><BR/>May God bless all of you and I hope you all have a great Holiday celebrating the Resurrection of our Lord who will one day come back to take us to be with Him, the Father and the Holy Spirit. Things happen in our lives that we don't understand but one day we will know why we had to go through so many struggles. I look forward to that day.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-29565495874785429112008-03-19T17:29:00.000-04:002008-03-19T17:29:00.000-04:00Hey Sweatpea, to answer your question about names ...Hey Sweatpea, <BR/>to answer your question about names of people in the bible. Most common people were known by what tribe they belonged to and where they lived. Here's an example, Jesus' earthly father, Joseph would be known as Joseph bar David of Bethlehem. Joseph was from the tribe of David and was born in Bethlehem. Hope that helps. Those who were not commoners, meaning kings and magistrates, were referred to by title and areas of authority. Don't mix up the Jews and Gentiles though. These name rules only apply to Jews.<BR/><BR/>Now my comment. Thanks Rachel O for sharing things from Rachel's perspective. It seems that Jacob, Rachel and Leah were all trapped in this marriage. I can identify with Rachel as the youngest of 5 in my family and wearing handmedown clothes, dealing with sibling rivalry and feeling invisible.<BR/><BR/>Now I understand more about the dynamics between Joseph and his brothers. Why Joseph was an arrogant little snot who tattled on his brothers when he was young, and declared he would rule them one day. I wonder how much of the conflict between brothers was due to Leah's influence on her sons.Also, Jacob's favoring of Joseph and Joseph growing up without his mother didn't make things any easier.Lisahttps://www.blogger.com/profile/09669439421915044193noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-56266095484818910442008-03-19T16:51:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:51:00.000-04:00Thanks, Rachel. I really liked the personal in-her...Thanks, Rachel. I really liked the personal in-her-shoes look. Some of those things I didn't even think about before. This story just reaffirms how faithful and loving our God really is; He understands ALL of our (women) emotional rollercoaters and the different ways we think about and solve things compared to the way men see things and solve them. He will relate and remember us and do for us in His timing, which is perfect.<BR/>--from WisconsinAnonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-56042908531431115142008-03-19T16:34:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:34:00.000-04:00Thank you for your insight Rachel. Considering Ra...Thank you for your insight Rachel. Considering Rachel's feelings helps shed light on some things. I'm interested in learning more about Leah.Anonymousnoreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-48624018031509319422008-03-19T16:22:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:22:00.000-04:00Wow. I'm so glad that I decided to follow this st...Wow. I'm so glad that I decided to follow this study. Rachel, you have such great insight. You just make it seem so simple. Yet, I feel like, why didn't I think of that.Hallie's Momhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14577962706675383091noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-33273182973317174542008-03-19T16:15:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:15:00.000-04:00This study is GREAT!. I needed to grow more as a C...This study is GREAT!. I needed to grow more as a Christian and you are helping me so much with all of this. I feel so full and over flowing with all of these comments. I've been printing off some of this and sharing these with my "Circle of Friends". <BR/>Thank you again for your love for God and His word. Thank you for sharing your heart Rachel. <BR/>As I said before my cup runs over and my saucer is full... <BR/>from:central Louisianasharronhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/10856136066113360423noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-86236170004698025912008-03-19T16:05:00.000-04:002008-03-19T16:05:00.000-04:00I want to respond "anonymous" about Esau's role. E...I want to respond "anonymous" about Esau's role. Esau was not destined to be a part of building the 12 tibes of Isreal. The Bible readings are clear that Esau would be subserviant to Jacob. Esau does marry into the Ishmeal side of the family, and Ishmeal also fathered 12 tribes, fulfilling part of the covenant with Abraham that his decendants would be numerous and that he would be "the father of many nations."<BR/><BR/>I also agree with "a god chaser" that I always felt Leah was in some way set aside and may have been in Rachaels' shadow. I pondered that yesterday in my posting, so I am looking forward to the posting on Leah tomorrow. I think the posting on Rachael today did shed a lot of light on how she may have felt and certainly explained the idols better to me. Thank you again.<BR/><BR/>God's Blessing to all of you who are participating in this study!Karenhttps://www.blogger.com/profile/14136477750219038935noreply@blogger.comtag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6451874990236641064.post-44387020598890613892008-03-19T15:56:00.000-04:002008-03-19T15:56:00.000-04:00Thanks Rachel! I love the fact that we are only in...Thanks Rachel! I love the fact that we are only in the 1st book of the Bible and we can already see stories of women who have made huge mistakes, lived selfishly and tried to race before God...so much better than stories of perfection! God knows us so well to have included these stories that we can learn from and see that in the end it is God and his love and grace that saves us. What an awesome God. I pray that we will all be able to really hear His voice over the top of our own desires!!!Anonymousnoreply@blogger.com