In Genesis 30, Rachel and Leah enter into a childbearing rivalry. Rachel is upset she has not been able to have any children yet and has Jacob take her servant as a wife to give her some surrogate babies. She feels like she's then winning; however, there are no winners when the battle is driven by envy and jealousy. Leah then gives Jacob her servant as well as a wife so he could have surrogate babies for her too. Eventually, Rachel finally has a baby of her own - Joseph is here! Through their rivalry, they ended up with 12 sons who will become the 12 tribes of Israel. Only God can make a masterpiece out of our messes. Jacob is becoming stir-crazy working for Laban and wants to get his own place for his quickly growing family. The two tricksters dual it out and Jacob is continually blessed by God and becomes very wealthy. God keeps His promises. In spite of the messes we make, God brings forth His plan and nations are indeed arising from Abraham's line.
