Monday, 16 January 2012

A MAN'S GOT TO DO - A TRUE STORY

There's this story in the book of Genesis, of how a man called Jacob works for a number of years so that he can marry a comely young woman called Rachel. Jacob is tricked into marrying Rachel's older sister Leah, but eventually ends up marrying Rachel too. There's a bit of tension between the two sisters and the Bible tells us that Jacob loves Rachel more than Leah. And yet, despite that, Jacob still manages to have 4 children by Leah, and that's before we even get to Chapter 30...
One thing the Bible does not do is describe Jacob's reactions. It is fortunate, then, that there was a TV camera on hand as Chapter 30 unfolded:
Rachel to Jacob: “Give me children or I'll die!”
Jacob: “I am not God!”
Rachel: “Then sleep with my servant, Bilhah. She will bear children for me.”
(Jacob mugs to camera, then looks back at Rachel.)
"But darling, I can't. No really. No, I've told you before....no...oh, go on then. You've twisted my arm," he says, rolling his eyes before commencing the arduous task of giving Bilhah one. (Or two. Or even more, as she gets pregnant twice.)
Cut to later, when Leah realizes she isn't getting pregnant anymore. She summons Jacob. "Yes dear, what is it?" he asks. 
Leah says she wants to give her servant Zilpah to him to be his wife. 
(Jacob mugs to camera, turns to Leah as if to protest, then looks Zilpah up and down.)
"Oh, if you really insist," he says, rolling his eyes, before giving Zilpah one. (And another one. And probably several more, because she bears him two sons.)
Cut to later - Rachel is begging Leah to give her some mandrakes. Leah agrees, on one condition...
Cut to that evening, when Jacob is coming home from the fields. He's a bit tired after a day's work, the poor love. Leah comes out to meet him. “You must sleep with me tonight! I've made a deal with Rachel!"
(Jacob mugs to camera and raises his eyebrows as if to say 'can you believe this?')
Jacob to Leah: "Well, I'm a bit knackered to be honest, love. But...oh, if I have to." He drops his tools and chases her straight home, after which time she adds 3 more children to the 4 she's already given him.
And Rachel? She gets pregnant and gives birth too...


Is it just me?

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