Leah

Leah was the older daughter of Laban and is described as having "tender eyes" or "weak eyes," in contrast to her beautiful younger sister Rachel. Through her father's deception on the wedding night, she became Jacob's wife before Rachel, entering a marriage where she knew she was unloved.

The naming of Leah's children reveals her heartache and hope. When Reuben was born, she said, "Surely the Lord hath looked upon my affliction; now therefore my husband will love me." With Simeon: "Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated." With Levi: "Now this time will my husband be joined unto me." Finally, with Judah, her focus shifted from seeking Jacob's love to praising God: "Now will I praise the Lord."

Leah bore six sons and one daughter, more children than Rachel, Bilhah, and Zilpah combined. Her son Judah would become the ancestor of King David and ultimately of Jesus Christ. Her son Levi's descendants would become the priestly tribe of Israel.

Though Scripture never records Jacob loving Leah as he loved Rachel, God clearly honored her. She is buried with Jacob in the cave of Machpelah, alongside Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, and Rebekah—while Rachel lies buried alone on the road to Bethlehem. In death, Leah received the place of honor beside her husband that she never enjoyed in life.