Jacob continued east and found a well where three flocks rested. A large stone covered its opening. The shepherds explained that they waited until all the flocks gathered before rolling the stone away and watering them.
Jacob asked whether they knew Laban of Haran. They did, and pointed out Laban’s daughter Rachel approaching with the sheep. When Jacob saw her and his uncle’s flock, he rolled the heavy stone away and watered the animals.
Jacob kissed Rachel and wept aloud. He explained that he was Rebekah’s son and a relative of her father. Rachel ran to tell Laban, who hurried out, embraced Jacob, and brought him home. Jacob told Laban everything that had happened.
After a month Laban asked what wages Jacob wanted. Laban had two daughters, the older Leah and the younger Rachel. Leah’s eyes were weak, while Rachel was beautiful. Jacob loved Rachel and offered seven years of work in exchange for marrying her. Because he loved her, those years seemed like only a few days.
At the end of seven years Laban gathered the local people and held a feast. After dark he brought Leah to Jacob instead of Rachel. Jacob discovered the deception in the morning and confronted Laban. Laban said local custom did not permit the younger daughter to marry first. He offered Rachel after Leah’s wedding week in return for seven more years of work.
Jacob accepted the terms and completed the week. Laban then gave Rachel to him as a wife. Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah. He worked for Laban another seven years.