Chalk it up to bad reading, but I’ve always considered Rachel to be the matriarch of Israel—maybe because Jacob chose her. Maybe because her son Joseph is such a prominent Bible figure.
But after a re-read this week, I think it’s obvious God chose Leah.
Two big arrows point that way:
1. Rachel dies giving birth and is buried by the side of the road—alone. Leah dies later and is buried in the family tomb beside Abraham and Isaac, their famous wives, and her husband Jacob.
2. Jesus comes through Judah—Leah’s son.
In true God form, the less-loved, not-chosen one receives the blessing, and the story is better because of it.