Leah, Jacob’s first wife.
Leah became the wife of Jacob knowing she would be the lesser of his two wives, but her humility and quiet love brought her the blessing of six sons and a daughter. She also became much loved by Jacob and is buried beside Jacob in the Tomb of the Patriarchs in Hebron. When Jacob and his family left to return to Israel, both Leah and Rachel were consulted by Jacob about going to Israel.
Genesis 31:11. And the angel of God spoke to me in a dream, ‘Jacob!’ And I said, ‘Here I am.’ 12. And he said, ‘Lift up your eyes and see, all the rams which leap upon the flock are ring-streaked, speckled, and spotted, for I have seen all that Laban does to you. 13. I AM the God of Beit-El, where you anointed the pillar, where you vowed a vow to Me. Now arise! Get out from this land! Return to the land of your kindred!’” 14. And Rachel and Leah answered and said to him, “Is there still any portion or inheritance for us in our father’s house? 15. Are we not counted by him as strangers? For he has sold us and has also quite devoured our money. 16. For all the riches which God has taken from our father, that is ours, and our children’s: now then, whatever God has said to you, do.”
Leah’s humility and acceptance of a difficult situation brought her respect and honor as a Heroine in Israel. Today in an Orthodox Jewish home in Friday evening Shabbat Prayers, the father prays over each girl, saying, May God make you as Sarah, Rebeccah, Rachel, and Leah.
Click here to discover more Heroines of the Bible
