Studies seem to suggest that beautiful people have an easier time in life than the rest of the world. Those regarded by society as physically attractive are often the ones to be called on in class and to get better service in restaurants. Even political elections have been swayed by a candidate’s physical appearance.
But this isn’t new. Outward beauty was noticed long ago. The Bible says of Sarah, “The Egyptians saw that she was a very beautiful woman” (Genesis 12:14). It says of Rebekah, “The girl was very beautiful” (Genesis 24:16). It even speaks of the wicked Absalom, “In all Israel there was not a man so highly praised for his handsome appearance” (2 Samuel 14:25).
Then we meet Leah! Even her name suggests certain negative characteristics. There are no flattering comments about Leah. The Bible simply says, “Leah had weak eyes” (29:17). All we are told is that she had a problem with her eyes. Perhaps she squinted. Perhaps she had trouble seeing, or maybe she just had plain eyes. Whatever the problem, everyone noticed it. Leah certainly couldn’t compete with her sister, Rachel, of whom Scripture admits, “Rachel was lovely in form, and beautiful” (29:17).
Times are no different today. Millions of children, teens, and adults feel the pain and hurt of Leah. They all wish they could start over with a new look and a new hope in life. Can you imagine how many times Leah longed for her sister’s beauty?
The heartache only grew worse after she met Jacob. Leah had finally met her love, until she learned that his affection was for Rachel. Through trickery, Leah was the first to be married to him, and she hoped that now as her husband, Jacob would grow to love her more. We can see that hope in the naming of her sons. Her first son was Reuben, which means, “It is because the Lord has seen my misery. Surely my husband will love me now” (29:32). Her second son was Simeon, which means, “Because the Lord heard that I am not loved, he gave me this one too” (29:33). Her third son was Levi, which means, “Now at last my husband will become attached to me, because I have borne him three sons” (29:34).
But there was no true love from Jacob. That he reserved for his favorite, Rachel. However, a change took place in Leah. Leah’s fourth son was named Judah, “This time I will praise the Lord” (29:35). Her fifth son was Issachar, “God has rewarded me” (30:17). And her sixth son was Zebulun, “God has presented me with a precious gift. This time my husband will treat me with honor” (30:20). Might there have been a contentment that came over Leah? Was there perhaps a change in her thinking?
The Lord never forgot about Leah, even if she lived her life in second place. That was because God doesn’t look at outside features. He is concerned with beautiful souls, attractive hearts and lovely spirits. His sacrifice on Calvary was for all, regardless of outward appearances.
Leah lived a difficult life, unfairly judged by those she loved. Perhaps we could gain some wisdom by looking into Leah’s eyes. They would tell us that black faces or white faces; hairy or bald heads; straight teeth, crooked teeth, or none at all; thick glasses or hearing aids; scars or birthmarks; none of these will be evident when we look at those around us in heaven. There, even weak-eyed Leah will be a truly beautiful saint!
Did you know that it was Leah, not Rachel, who claimed a descendant named Jesus? And did you also know that Jacob was buried beside his wife . . . named Leah?
Personal goal: Make it a project to spend as much time beautifying yourself on the inside as you do on the outside.
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