Genesis 30:18

Then Leah said, "God has rewarded me for giving my maidservant to my husband." So she named him Issachar.

Study Bible

Then Leah said,
Leah, the first wife of Jacob, is speaking here. Her role in the narrative is significant as she is the mother of six of the twelve tribes of Israel. Leah's statement reflects her ongoing struggle for her husband Jacob's affection, which is a recurring theme in her story. Her words often reveal her deep desire for love and recognition within her family dynamics.

“God has rewarded me
Leah attributes the birth of her son to divine intervention, acknowledging God's role in her life. This reflects the belief in God's sovereignty and involvement in human affairs, a common theme throughout the Bible. Leah's understanding of reward here is tied to her actions and the cultural context of her time, where children were seen as a blessing and a sign of favor from God.

for giving my maidservant to my husband.”
This refers to the practice of surrogate motherhood, which was culturally accepted in the ancient Near East. Leah gave her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife to bear children on her behalf, similar to the earlier account of Sarah and Hagar. This practice highlights the importance of lineage and inheritance in biblical times, as well as the lengths to which individuals would go to secure their family's future.

So she named him Issachar.
The name Issachar is significant and is often interpreted to mean "reward" or "there is recompense." Naming in the Bible often reflects circumstances of birth or prophetic insights into the child's future. Issachar would become one of the tribes of Israel, known for its agricultural prosperity and later, its role in supporting King David. The naming of Issachar ties back to Leah's perception of divine reward and her ongoing narrative of seeking validation and blessing through her children.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Leah
The first wife of Jacob, Leah is the sister of Rachel. She feels unloved compared to Rachel and seeks to earn Jacob's affection through bearing children.

2. Issachar
The fifth son of Leah and the ninth son of Jacob. His name is derived from the Hebrew word "sakar," meaning "wages" or "reward," reflecting Leah's belief that God rewarded her for giving her maidservant to Jacob.

3. Jacob
The patriarch who becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel. His relationships with Leah and Rachel are central to the account of Genesis.

4. God
The divine being who Leah credits with giving her a son as a reward for her actions.

5. Maidservant
Refers to Zilpah, Leah's maidservant, whom Leah gave to Jacob as a wife to bear children on her behalf.

Teaching Points

God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Leah's account reminds us that God is at work even in complex and difficult family situations. He can bring about His purposes through human actions, even when they are flawed.

The Desire for Approval
Leah's naming of Issachar reflects her deep desire for approval and love. This can prompt us to consider where we seek validation and how we can find our worth in God's love rather than human approval.

The Role of Faith in Naming
In biblical times, names often reflected faith and circumstances. Leah's choice to name her son Issachar shows her belief in God's provision and justice.

Understanding God's Rewards
Leah interprets Issachar's birth as a reward from God. This can lead us to reflect on how we perceive God's blessings and rewards in our own lives.

The Complexity of Human Relationships
The account of Leah, Rachel, and Jacob illustrates the complexity of human relationships and the need for grace and understanding in our interactions with others.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Leah's experience in Genesis 30:18 reflect the broader theme of seeking approval and love in human relationships? How can we apply this to our own lives?

2. In what ways does the naming of Issachar demonstrate Leah's faith and understanding of God's role in her life? How do we see God's hand in our own family dynamics?

3. How does the account of Leah and her children connect to the larger account of God's plan for Israel? What does this teach us about God's sovereignty?

4. Reflect on a time when you felt rewarded by God for your actions. How did this experience shape your understanding of God's justice and provision?

5. How can we find our worth and identity in God's love rather than in the approval of others, as seen in Leah's account? What scriptures can help reinforce this truth in our lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 29:31-35
Provides context for Leah's feelings of being unloved and her desire to gain Jacob's affection through childbearing.

Genesis 49:14-15
Jacob's blessing to Issachar, which reflects his future role and character among the tribes of Israel.

Ruth 4:11
The mention of Leah in the blessing of Ruth, highlighting her role in the lineage of Israel.

Exodus 1:1-4
Lists the sons of Jacob, including Issachar, as the foundation of the tribes of Israel.