Adam Clarke's Bible Commentary Verse 9. Rachel came with her father's sheep] So we find that young women were not kept concealed in the house till the time they were married, which is the common gloss put on hml[ almah, a virgin, one concealed. Nor was it beneath the dignity of the daughters of the most opulent chiefs to carry water from the well, as in the case of Rebekah; or tend sheep, as in the case of Rachel. The chief property in those times consisted in flocks: and who so proper to take care of them as those who were interested in their safety and increase? Honest labour, far from being a discredit, is an honour both to high and low. The king himself is served by the field; and without it, and the labour necessary for its cultivation, all ranks must perish. Let every son, let every daughter, learn that it is no discredit to be employed, whenever it may be necessary, in the meanest offices, by which the interests of the family may be honestly promoted.
Matthew Henry Commentary
Verses 9-14 - See Rachel's humility and industry. Nobody needs to be ashamed of honest, useful labour, nor ought it to hinder any one's preferment When Jacob understood that this was his kinswoman, he was very ready to serve her. Laban, though not the best humoured, bade him welcome, an was satisfied with the account Jacob gave of himself. While we avoi being foolishly ready to believe every thing which is told us, we mus take heed of being uncharitably suspicious.
Original Hebrew עודנו5750 מדבר1696 עמם5973 ורחל7354 באה935 עם5973 הצאן6629 אשׁר834 לאביה1 כי3588 רעה7462 הוא׃1931
