Genesis 29:15: Laban said to him, “Just because you are a relative of mine, should you work for me for nothing? Tell me what your wages should be.”
Jacob immediately chipped in and worked his part in Laban’s family business. He was a fine worker and stood out with his intimate knowledge of sheepherding. His father Isaac had taught him how to read and write for the purpose of their record keeping. From the time Isaac’s eyesight began to fail Jacob did all the bookkeeping and practically ran the family estate. Laban recognized his value and after a month’s time they met to discuss Jacob’s future.
Laban had a shop in the city to sell his wool year round. Once weekly he offered goat cheese and other products from his flocks and herds on the market for a good price. Laban and Jacob met for all business related discussions in his shop. Jacob felt a bit odd on the day they met to discuss his future. All of a sudden the cordial family relations turned into business talk.
In Laban’s shop Jacob felt a bit intimidated. His uncle appeared imposing, more like a king as opposed to a common sheepherder. There was awkward silence when the two men sat down facing each other. Laban broke the ice and said: “You are quite the shepherd. I must say, my uncle Isaac taught you well, far above and beyond what my hired hands bring to the table. You shouldn’t be working for free just because you’re family. Tell me what wages you would require to stay with our family business?”
Jacob shook his head and said: “It does not feel right to get paid by my own folks. I don’t think this is how a family should operate. But I agree with you, on the long run I would have to go to someone else to get paid. Eventually I would like to operate my own flocks and herds. I would want to be able to offer you a respectable bride price for your daughter Rachel.” The last sentence just slipped out of Jacob’s mouth without thinking. He blushed when he realized what he had said. Indirectly he had opened negotiations for one of Laban’s daughters. He looked up and saw his uncle smiling.
Laban said: “Jacob don’t you know that everybody is aware that you are in love with my daughter? It couldn’t be more obvious. So, here is my proposition to you.” And Laban’s smile vanished while the expression on his face became cool and calculating. “Instead of working for a strange sheepherder who will take advantage of you, stay with me.” Laban leaned back and stroke his beard as he continued: “My daughter is worth a fortune. I have just received an offer from a rich merchant here in Harran. You would have to work for me seven years to compensate for her bride price, and then you can have her. I favor family over a rich bidder.”
At first Jacob was speechless. “Sounds like the terms of an indentured slave”, he finally managed to say. “It won’t be forever”, Laban interjected. “You have nothing to offer but your work. What other options do you have left?”
Reluctantly, Jacob agreed to the terms. “Starting tomorrow”, he said while getting up, “I will work for your daughter. She is betrothed to me and no other man may have her.” And Laban consented: “As of today, all other offers concerning Rachel are off the table.” He rose from his seat and the two men shook hands closing the deal.
And Jacob knew that he had just sold himself for the sake of a woman he loved with all of his heart.