So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed but a few days to him because of the love he had for her. Then Jacob said to Laban, "Give me my wife, for my days are fulfilled, that I may go into her. And Laban gathered together all the men of the place and made a feast Now it came to pass in the evening, that he took Leah his daughter and brought her to Jacob; and he went in to her. And Laban gave his maid Zilpah to his daughter Leah as a maid So it came to pass in the morning, that behold, it was Leah. And he said to Laban, "What is this you have done to me? Was it not for Rachel that I served you? Why then have you deceived me?" And Laban said, "It must not be done so in our country, to give the younger before the firstbom. Fulfill her week, and we will give you Rachel also for the service which you will serve with me still another seven years." Then Jacob did so and fulfilled her week. So he gave Jacob his daughter Rachel as wife also. And Laban gave his maid Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as a maid Then Jacob also went in to Rachel, and he loved Rachel more than Leah. And he served with Laban still another seven years.

When Jacob realized his love for Rachel, he asked for her in marriage and agreed to work for her for seven years. After he was deceived by getting Leah, her older sister, he continued in his commitment to Rachel because he loved her so. He could have gotten angry and backed out on his word. However, it was his love for Rachel that spurred him on. I believe that it is this example that illustrates the ingredient necessary to keep on keeping on. He knew what he wanted and was committed to get it!

Does Jacob demonstrate the definition of covenant with Laban?

Does Laban demonstrate the meaning of covenant with Jacob?

What gives Jacob the direction for his part in the covenant?

Does Jacob violate his own integrity or does he honor his intentions?

Did the agreement work without both parties honoring the intent?