Leah's Story

Some time ago, during my quiet devotions, I felt a strong prompting from the Holy Spirit to look up the meanings of my children's names. This thought had never crossed my mind before. My husband and I chose names we liked without paying much attention to their significance and symbolism.

But when I researched the meanings of their names, I was blown away. 

I discovered that the birth dates and names of all four of my children clearly represented God's spiritual work in my life then. Even my mother's passing, which drastically changed the course of my life, was accurately marked.

God reassured me that he was intricately involved in every aspect of my life and that His fingerprints were all over it.

During my study of Genesis this week, I noticed that Leah's story was very similar. God did precisely the same spiritual work in her life.

Leah found herself in a distressing situation when she was given to Jacob as his bride, who believed he was marrying her younger sister Rachel. It was devastating for Leah when her husband realized he had married the wrong sister. Imagine her rejection. 

When Leah gave birth to her firstborn child, she named him Reuben.

She named him Reuben, for she said, “It is because the LORD has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now.” (Ge. 29:32 NIV)

Leah believed her happiness was tied to becoming her husband's beloved; she was miserable. We often think that resolving our issues will bring us joy. Leah was disappointed to realize that her situation had not changed. Soon after, she gave birth to her second son, Simeon.

She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “Because the LORD heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too.” (vs. 33)

According to my study Bible, Simeon means "one who hears." Although Leah did not get the expected answer, she discovered a God who indeed heard and cared for her. 

Leah then gave birth to a third son, Levi. Levi means “ to be attached” or “become joined.”  

…she said, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons.” So he was named Levi. (vs. 34)

Leah had hoped her husband would become attached to her, but instead, she becomes attached to the Lord. Our persistent search for answers often leads to a steady personal relationship with the Lord.  

She conceived again, and when she gave birth to a son she said, “This time I will praise the LORD.” So she named him Judah.  (vs.35)

Judah means praise in Hebrew. Leah becomes a true worshiper as she discovers that her joy and contentment are not dependent on getting what she wants but a direct result of becoming intimately connected with the Father.