#Reuben mandrakes

[yhebrew]

POLYGAMY: LAW-LESS SOLOMON? yes!

Was Ya’cov Deceived into Two Wives? YES! Whose Mandrakes were used? Cursed REUBEN Did Abraham or Isaac have many wives? NO! Did David have many wives at one time? NO! Did Solomon align with many nations? YES! Anti-Torah? Solomon, Reuben Concubines are male or female slaves. Wives are queens. Ya’cov’s wife Leah told him that he was to sleep with her because THEIR firstborn son, Reuben, had…

[archangels-bible-annotations]

Chapter 30

30:1 Rachel was envious of Leah and wanted Jacob to bear children with her. Rachel says, "Give me children, or else I die."

30:2-4 Jacob becomes angry and states that he is not God, the one who "withheld from you the fruit of the womb." Rachel then says to bear children through her maidservant, Bilhah.

30:5-6 Bilhah gave birth to a son, and Rachel named him Dan because "God has judged [Rachel]; and He has heard [Rachel's] voice and given [Rachel] a son."

30:7-8 Bilhah gives birth to a second son, named "Naphtali." Rachel states, "God has helped me, and I have wrestled with my sister; and indeed, I have prevailed."

30:9-11 Leah gives her handmaiden to Jacob to bear another son. Gad is born and Leah says, "Good fortune!"

30:12-13 Asher is born through Zilpah, Leah's handmaiden, and Leah says, "I am blessed, for the women will call me blessed."

30:14-15 Reuben finds mandrakes in the field and brings them to his mother Leah. Rachel asks for some but Leah accuses her of taking Leah's husband and now wanting mandrakes. Rachel says for Leah to sleep with Jacob tonight in exchange of the mandrakes.

30:16-18 Jacob sleeps with Leah and they give birth to Issachar stating, "God has given me my wages, because I have given my handmaiden to my husband." In verse 17 it says, "God listened to Leah..."

30:19-20 Leah bares Zebulun and says, "God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will choose me, because I have borne him six sons."

30:21 Leah bore a daughter named Dinah.

30:22-24 We see the quote "God remembered Rachel." This is when God opened her womb and she bore Joseph

30:25-26 Jacob requests Laban to go home with his wives and kids.

30:27 This is a beautiful verse, "If I could find grace in your eyes, I would seek for it divinely, for God has blessed me by your coming."

30:28-30 Laban asks Joseph what his wages should be for working for so long. Joseph replies that since Joseph came, Laban's cattle/possesions have increased.

30:31-33 Joseph demands no wages and states that if Laban allows Joseph to take all of the gray sheep and the spotted/speckled goats then Joseph promises to "again feed and keep your sheep." He also states that if Laban is missing any pure-colored cattle, it would mean it was stolen.

30:34-36 Laban agreed to Joseph's request, and the cattle were given to Jospeh's sons. Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks as per his word.

30:37-40 Joseph collects green poplar, almond, and chestnut rods (branches?) and makes rods that help the animals conceive.

30:41-43 Joseph essentially repeats the process and gains a massive flock of sheep and goats that make him rich.

Other Remarks:

The name Dan means "Judge." (v.5-6)

The name Naphtali means "my wrestling" or "crafty, cunning one." (v.7-8)

At the birth of Naphtali, Rachel states that she has won victory over her sister. It is hard as the reader to say she has won 'full victory' considering that her sister bore 4 sons and Rachel was only able to conceive through her maidservant. The only view that Rachel has won is if she is looking at who conceived the most recent. She could also try to make a case that Jacob loves her more than Leah, but she never needed to prove that because Jacob went through so many trials and tribulations for her, not Leah. (v.7-8)

Leah gives her handmaiden to Jacob to continue to bear offspring. This could be seen as a dig at Rachel for trying to conceive the youngest son. Leah did not bear Gad herself, implying she became too old or her womb closed. This tied in with the struggle for Jacob's love would give enough motivation for her actions. Leah's acts show that she has not rid of her feelings to 'win' her husband's love and respect. (v.9-11)

The name Gad means "Good Fortune." Gad more accurately is defined as a cut that later reveals treasure. This name was intentionally chosen by Leah rather than the many different names for good fortune probably to symbolize her struggle with Rachel to win her husband's love. (v.9-11)

The name Asher means "happy" or "to go right on." (v.12-13)

Mandrakes are root plants. A quick search tells us that they have various properties such as sedative and hallucinogenic. (v.14-15)

Jacob seems to intentionally avoid Leah, which is evident by Leah's statement to Rachel for stealing her husband. It is also evident that Rachel controls Jacob, in at least the emotional aspect because she says that Jacob will sleep with Leah tonight for exchange of the mandrakes. (v.14-15)

Leah's wordage is interesting as she uses "wages" when she describes the blessing of another son. She is trying to say that her time has finally come as a mother because after birthing 4 sons, her womb was closed, which is why she gave over her maidservant to bare children in her steed. I still see this as one wife trying to one-up the other. It also seems that to get pregnant was Leah's intention from the exchange of the mandrakes rather than "love and affection" from her husband. I think it is a little funny how when Leah says she hired Jacob for the night, Jacob is not seen to complain and just goes with it. (v.16-18)

Issachar means "Man of Hire," which immortalizes the struggle for attention and the circumstances in which Issachar was conceived. (v.16-18)

Leah still has not learned her lesson to stop proving the need to fight for love and attention because she says that after the 6th son, now Jacob should give her attention. If giving sons was the factor, wouldn't the first few been more than enough? Especially considering Rachel was unable to conceive for a long time. (v.18-20)

Zebulun means "Glorious Dwelling Place." (v.18-20)

Since Dinah is explicitly mentioned, it can be assumed that she is the only daughter in the string of births between Leah, Rachel, and the two maidservants. (v.21)

Dinah means "Judgement" and is the female version of Dan. (v.21)

The phrase of "God remembering" appears again. Another instance we see this is when Noah leaves the ark. This is not to say that God forgot and then remembered; rather, it is time to fulfill a promise. In this case, it would be to make Jacob multiply among nations. (v.22-24)

Joesph means "Increaser" as Rachel says "The Lord shall add another son to me." (v.24)

If we interpret the gray and speckled cattle to be 'imperfect,' then it might not be a stretch to consider this small portion of the story a premonition of Christ. Christ takes care of those who are lost or are 'imperfect' by sin. (v.31-33)

Questions

Rachel says that she would die if she does not bear children with Jacob. Is this a suicide threat? (v.1)

What does it mean that "God has judged [Rachel]"? Usually "judge" implies a negative connotation and we see punishment follow. However, this time it seems that this 'judgment' is a blessing. (v.5-6)

Dinah's name means judgment, but why. Is this implying that negative judgment has come across Leah because of a birth of a daughter rather than a son? Another aspect to consider is that Leah does not bear anymore children after Dinah. (v.21)

Why does Joseph want the speckled and gray cattle? Are they considered inferior, or was it just cosmetic differences? (v.31-33)

What does "[Laban] put three days' journey between himself and Jacob" mean? Originally I would have thought it meant there was 3-days worth of travel between the two people but this is followed up by Joseph feeding the rest of Laban's flocks, which couldn't be 3-days away from Laban. (v.36)

How do the different rods make the animals conceive? (v.37-43)

Things to Add to Prayer:

Reference this quote when talking about guests: "If I could find grace in your eyes, I would seek for it divinely, for God has blessed me by your coming."

-Mikhael

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

Rachel's Distress

1 When Rachel saw that she could not give Jacob children, she became jealous of her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I will die.”

2 Jacob became angry with Rachel and said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?”

3 Then she said, “Here is my maid Bilhah. Have relations with her so that she may bear a child on my knees, so that I may also have children through her.”

4 So she gave him Bilhah her maidservant as a wife, and Jacob had relations with her. 5 Bilhah conceived and gave Jacob a son. 6 Rachel said, “God has vindicated me, and He has also heard my voice and has given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan.

7 Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, conceived again and gave Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel said, “With great wrestling have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that she had stopped having children, she took Zilpah her maid and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave Jacob a son. 11 Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she called his name Gad.

12 Zilpah, Leah’s maid, gave Jacob a second son. 13 Then Leah said, “Happy am I, for women will call me happy.” So she called his name Asher.

14 At the time of the wheat harvest, Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.”

15 Leah said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?”

So Rachel said, “All right, he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.”

16 When Jacob came out of the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must sleep with me, because I have paid for you with my son’s mandrakes.” And he slept with her that night.

17 God listened to Leah, and she conceived and gave Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, “God has given me my reward because I have given my maid to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar.

19 Leah conceived again and gave Jacob a sixth son. 20 Leah said, “God has given me a good gift. Now my husband will dwell with me, because I have given him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun.

21 Afterwards she gave birth to a daughter and called her name Dinah.

22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and gave birth to a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph, saying, “The Lord will add to me another son.”

Jacob’s Agreement With Laban

25 When Rachel had given birth to Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, so that I may go to my own place, to my country. 26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served you, and let me go. For you know the service that I have given you.”

27 Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your eyes, please stay. For I have learned by divination that the Lord has blessed me on account of you.” 28 He said, “Name me your wages, and I will give it.”

29 Jacob said to him, “You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came, and it is now increased to a multitude. The Lord has blessed you since I came, and now when may I also provide for my own house?”

31 Laban said, “What may I give you?”

And Jacob said, “You may not give me anything, but if you will do this one thing for me, I will continue to feed and keep your flock. 32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from it all the speckled and spotted sheep, and every brown sheep from among the lambs, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. These shall be my wages. 33 So my integrity will answer for me in time to come. When you come to examine my wages, every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep that are with me will be considered stolen.”

34 Laban said, “Agreed. Let it be according to your word.” 35 He removed that day the male goats that were striped and spotted and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had some white in it, and all the brown ones among the sheep, and gave them into the care of his sons. 36 He put three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

37 Then Jacob took rods of fresh-cut poplar, almond, and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white which was in the rods. 38 He set the rods which he had peeled before the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink, so that they would mate when they came to drink. 39 The flocks mated before the rods and gave birth to young that were striped, speckled, and spotted. 40 Jacob separated the lambs and made the flocks face toward the striped and all the brown in the flock of Laban. He put his own flocks by themselves and did not put them with Laban’s sheep. 41 Whenever the stronger sheep mated, Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the sheep in the troughs, so that they might mate among the rods. 42 But when the livestock were feeble, he did not put them in. So the weaker were Laban’s and the stronger Jacob’s. 43 The man became exceedingly prosperous and had many sheep and female servants and male servants and camels and donkeys. — Genesis 30 | Modern English Version (MEV) The Holy Bible, Modern English Version. Copyright © 2014 by Military Bible Association. Published and distributed by Charisma House. Cross References: Genesis 12:16; Genesis 16:2-3; Genesis 20:18; Genesis 24:54; Genesis 24:56; Genesis 26:24; Genesis 29:15; Genesis 29:18; Genesis 29:20; Genesis 29:31; Genesis 31:6-7; Genesis 31:8; Genesis 31:10; Genesis 31:12; Genesis 34:1; Genesis 34:12; Genesis 35:17; Genesis 35:23-24; Genesis 35:26; Genesis 39:3; Genesis 46:25; Genesis 49:16; Genesis 49:20; Exodus 22:17; Numbers 1:24; Numbers 2:29; Ecclesiastes 12:5; Song of Solomon 7:13; Jeremiah 1:11; Luke 1:25; Luke 1:48; Luke 12:45; Acts 7:8

Laban cheats Jacob

[drjameslongjr]

Genesis 29:31-30:24 "Christian Contentment: Finding True Fulfillment in God"

Christian Contentment: Finding True Fulfillment in God Through Life's Struggles (Genesis 29:31-30:24)

In a world that often encourages us to chase after identity and fulfillment through achievements, relationships, and possessions, Christian contentment offers a radically different path. Christian contentment teaches us that true peace and fulfillment come not from our circumstances but from a deep trust in God’s wisdom, love, and provision. As we explore the stories of Leah and Rachel in Genesis, we’ll uncover the dangers of placing our identity in anything other than God and discover how Christian contentment can transform our lives. Or consider watching the message on our YouTube channel.

Leah’s Longing for Love

Leah’s life is marked by deep emotional pain and a longing for love and acceptance. Despite being blessed with children, she remains "unloved" by her husband Jacob, who prefers her sister Rachel. Leah’s longing for Jacob’s affection drives her to name each of her first three sons with a deep yearning for his love: - Reuben: “The LORD has looked upon my affliction; now my husband will love me.” - Simeon: “The LORD has heard that I am hated; He has given me this son also.” - Levi: “Now my husband will be attached to me, for I have borne him three sons.” Despite her blessings, Leah’s efforts to win Jacob’s love through childbearing leave her unfulfilled. Her story reveals the futility of seeking identity and worth in anything or anyone other than God. Leah’s experience highlights the emotional and relational struggles that arise when we place our identity in the wrong things. While her desire for love is natural, it becomes an idol when it defines her worth. God's blessings to Leah come from His compassion, not her efforts, teaching us that God sees our struggles, and His blessings aren’t earned by our striving.

Rachel’s Struggle with Barrenness

Rachel struggles with barrenness—a profound source of pain in a culture where motherhood closely ties to a woman’s identity. Despite being loved by Jacob, Rachel’s inability to conceive creates an intense sense of inadequacy and envy towards Leah. Her plea to Jacob—“Give me children, or I shall die!”—reveals how she ties her entire identity to motherhood. Her self-worth becomes so wrapped up in her ability to bear children that she feels life is meaningless without them. Jacob’s response, “Am I in the place of God?” reflects the truth that only God can give life. Rachel’s desperation blinds her to this reality, and she takes matters into her own hands by offering her maid Bilhah as a surrogate, echoing the story of Sarah and Hagar (Genesis 16). This act of cultural surrogacy—while acceptable in her society—contrasts with God’s original design for marriage and leads to further complications in her family dynamics. Rachel’s story serves as a cautionary tale of what happens when we choose not to wait on the Lord but instead rely on our own strategies. Her desperation to validate her identity through motherhood leads her into a destructive cycle of comparison with Leah, further deepening the emotional and relational wounds in their family.

Leah’s Retaliation and the Mandrake Incident

Not to be outdone by Rachel, Leah retaliates by giving her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob as a surrogate wife. Zilpah bears two sons—Gad and Asher—whom Leah claims as her own. Despite these births, Leah continues to strive for validation and worth. The naming of her sons reflects her attempt to convince herself that she has found happiness and success through these children: - Gad: Meaning "good fortune," reflecting Leah’s attempt to see these births as a sign of success. - Asher: Meaning "happy," suggesting Leah is trying to convince herself that she has found happiness through these children. The rivalry between Leah and Rachel reaches a disturbing low point in the mandrake incident. Reuben, Leah’s eldest son, finds mandrakes in the field—plants believed to have fertility-enhancing properties. Rachel, still desperate for children, asks Leah for some of the mandrakes. Leah’s bitter response—“Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?”—reveals the deep resentment that has festered between the two sisters. In a tragic exchange, Rachel offers Leah the opportunity to sleep with Jacob in return for the mandrakes, reducing intimacy with Jacob to a transactional exchange. Leah’s retaliation reveals the destructive power of bitterness and jealousy. Her actions illustrate the futility of trying to control circumstances through manipulation, as she continues to seek validation in the wrong places, grasping for control rather than trusting in God’s provision.

God’s Faithfulness Amid Human Failures

Despite the failures, schemes, and brokenness of Leah and Rachel, God remains faithful. He listens to Leah once again, allowing her to conceive two more sons, Issachar and Zebulun. Leah interprets these blessings as rewards for her previous actions, but her longing for validation from Jacob remains. Even after all this, Leah continues to hope that these additional sons will bring her the honor and recognition she craves. Rachel’s long-awaited blessing finally comes when God "remembers" her and allows her to conceive and give birth to a son, Joseph. Rachel acknowledges God’s role in removing her reproach, but her desire for more children remains. Despite the joy of Joseph’s birth, Rachel names him with a longing for another son, indicating that her heart is still not fully content. This passage beautifully illustrates God’s faithfulness amid human failures. Despite Leah and Rachel’s manipulative schemes, jealousy, and bitterness, God remains steadfast in His commitment to His covenant promises. He continues to bless both women, using their flawed lives to bring about His purposes for the nation of Israel. Leah, the unloved wife, becomes the mother of six sons, including Levi, from whom the priestly line would come, and Judah, from whom the royal line of David and ultimately the Messiah would descend. Rachel’s son Joseph would later play a crucial role in God’s plan to save His people during a time of famine. God’s faithfulness is not contingent on human perfection. He works through our weaknesses, failures, and brokenness to accomplish His divine purposes. This truth offers hope and encouragement, reminding us that even when we falter, God’s plans remain unshaken.

The Dangers of Idolatry and the Call to Christian Contentment

Leah and Rachel’s stories provide a sobering example of the dangers of placing identity in anything other than God. Leah, desperate for Jacob’s love, and Rachel, yearning for the validation that motherhood would bring, both made idols of their desires. Their relentless pursuit of identity through motherhood, comparison, and manipulation did not bring them peace but led to deeper emotional and relational pain. Leah and Rachel's rivalry intensified, further complicating their already fractured family dynamics. Their lives became a reflection of the emptiness that results from making idols out of good things—turning them into ultimate things. The more they pursued these idols, the more dissatisfied they became. Leah’s longing for love and Rachel’s desperation for children show how idolatry distorts hearts, enslaving people to the very things they believe will set them free.

True Contentment in God

The lesson from Leah and Rachel’s stories is clear: true contentment cannot be found in achievements, relationships, or status. When identity is placed in these things, it leads to disappointment because they were never meant to carry the weight of our souls. As Augustine famously said, “Our hearts are restless until they find their rest in God.” Christian contentment is a quiet, inward trust in God’s wisdom and love. It is a posture of the heart that says, “God, I trust You to know what is best for me. I trust Your timing, Your plan, and Your provision.” This kind of contentment is not passive resignation but active submission—a willingness to surrender our desires, our plans, and our need for control to God. This contentment grows out of faith in God’s character, believing that He is good, that He is for us, and that He knows what we need better than we do. Jeremiah Burroughs defined Christian contentment as “that sweet, inward, quiet, gracious frame of spirit, which freely submits to and delights in God’s wise and fatherly disposal in every condition.” Leah and Rachel lacked this contentment, which finds satisfaction not in achievements or possessions but in who God is and what He has done.

The Gospel: The Foundation for True Identity and Contentment

The Gospel offers us a new identity in Christ—one that frees us from the need to prove ourselves or seek validation through idols. In Christ, we are fully loved, fully accepted, and fully secure, regardless of our circumstances. The idols that once enslaved us lose their power when we embrace the truth that our worth and value are found not in what we do, but in what Christ has done for us. The Gospel invites us into a relationship with God that satisfies the deepest longings of our hearts. We are no longer defined by our successes or failures, our relationships, or our status in the world. Instead, we are defined by our union with Christ. This union frees us from the relentless pursuit of identity through worldly means and allows us to rest in the unchanging love of God. In Christ, we find a contentment that the world cannot offer—a contentment that is not dependent on our circumstances, but on the unshakable truth that we are loved by God, redeemed by Christ, and secure in His promises. This is the contentment that Leah and Rachel ultimately needed, and it is the contentment that we need as well.

Practical Steps to Embrace Christian Contentment

- Identify Your Idols: Reflect on areas where you might be seeking contentment outside of God. Write them down and surrender them to God in prayer. - Cultivate Gratitude: Start a gratitude journal, listing daily blessings and ways you’ve seen God’s provision in your life. - Trust God’s Timing: In moments of impatience or frustration, remind yourself of God’s perfect wisdom and timing. Meditate on verses that speak to His faithfulness and sovereignty. - Engage with Community: Share your journey with trusted friends or a small group. Pray for one another and encourage each other in the pursuit of contentment. - Rehearse the Gospel Daily: Make it a habit to remind yourself of your identity in Christ and the sufficiency of His grace. Let the truth of the Gospel shape your perspective on life’s challenges.

Conclusion: Trusting God and Finding Contentment in Him

As we reflect on the stories of Leah and Rachel, we are reminded of the powerful truth that when we place our identity in anything other than God, we inevitably fall into the traps of idolatry, relational dysfunction, and emotional pain. Their relentless pursuit of validation through their circumstances only led them deeper into disappointment and rivalry. But amid their struggles, God’s faithfulness remained steadfast. Their stories serve as a mirror for us today. We live in a world that tempts us to find our worth in all the wrong places—our achievements, relationships, material possessions, or social status. Yet, as we’ve seen, these idols can never truly satisfy. They promise fulfillment but deliver only emptiness and frustration. But there is a better way—a life of contentment grounded in God’s unchanging love and sovereignty. The Gospel teaches us that our identity is secure in Christ, that we are loved, valued, and accepted not because of what we do, but because of who He is. This is the foundation upon which we can build a life of peace and contentment. So, as you move forward, I encourage you to turn away from the idols that vie for your heart’s attention. Let go of the striving, the comparisons, and the false promises of fulfillment. Instead, place your trust in the One who is truly enough—Jesus Christ. Rest in His love, knowing that His grace is sufficient for all your needs. Through Him, you can find the contentment your heart longs for and the peace that surpasses all understanding.

Take the Next Step on Your Journey to True Contentment

Thank you for joining me today. If you found this lesson helpful, I encourage you to explore more resources and support on my website, https://jameslongjr.org/. You can also watch my video on my YouTube channel. Finally, would you consider joining our Lessons for Life monthly membership or our online group coaching, where you’ll find powerful coaching videos, a supportive community, and step-by-step guidance for lasting transformation? Remember, true change is possible when you walk in God’s grace and for His glory. Until next time, may you find peace, hope, and joy in Christ. Read the full article

[abraao-vidal-galdino]

Bom dia

Ora, saiu Rúben nos dias da ceifa do trigo e achou mandrágoras no campo, e as trouxe a Léia, sua mãe. Então disse Raquel a Léia: Dá-me, peço, das mandrágoras de teu filho. Ao que lhe respondeu Léia: É já pouco que me hajas tirado meu marido? queres tirar também as mandrágoras de meu filho? Prosseguiu Raquel: Por isso ele se deitará contigo esta noite pelas mandrágoras de teu filho. Quando, pois, Jacó veio à tarde do campo, saiu-lhe Léia ao encontro e disse: Hás de estar comigo, porque certamente te aluguei pelas mandrágoras de meu filho. E com ela deitou-se Jacó aquela noite. E ouviu Deus a Léia, e ela concebeu e deu a Jacó um quinto filho. Então disse Léia: Deus me tem dado o meu galardão, porquanto dei minha serva a meu marido. E chamou ao filho Issacar.

Gênesis 30:14-18

And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar.

Genesis 30:14-18

APP Bíblia Bilingue - Disponível na Google Play

[thefunbible]

Genesis 30

01 When Rachel saw that she bore Jack no varmints, Rachel envied her sister. She said to Jack, “Give me varmints, or else I will die.” It became quite the production for family drama.

02 Jack’s anger burned against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in Skypal’s place, who has withheld from you the fruit of the baby-maker?”

03 She said, “Behold, my lady Bilhah. Rape her, that she may bear on my knees, and I also may obtain varmints by her.”

04 She gave him Bilhah her subservient as lady-spouse, and Jack fucked her.

05 Bilhah conceived, and bore Jack a male-spawn.

06 Rachel said, “Skypal has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a male-spawn.” Therefore she called his name Dan.

07 Bilhah, Rachel’s subservient, conceived again, and bore Jack a second male-spawn.

08 Rachel said, “I have wrestled with my sister with mighty wrestlings, and have prevailed.” She named him Naphtali.

09 When Leah saw that she had finished bearing, she took Zilpah, her subservient, and gave her to Jack as a lady-spouse.

10 Zilpah, Leah’s subservient, bore Jack a male-spawn.

11 Leah said, “How fortunate!” She named him Gad.

12 Zilpah, Leah’s subservient, bore Jack a second male-spawn.

13 Leah said, “Happy am I, for the daughters will call me happy.” She named him Asher.

14 Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them to his old lady, Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your male-spawn’s mandrakes.”

15 Leah said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my male-spouse? Would you take away my male-spawn’s mandrakes, also?” Rachel said, “Therefore he will lie with you tonight for your male-spawn’s mandrakes.”

16 Jack came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, “Congratulations! You must fuck me; for I have surely hired you with my male-spawn’s mandrakes.” He fucked her that night.

17 Skypal listened to Leah, and she conceived, and bore Jack a fifth male-spawn.

18 Leah said, “Skypal has given me my hire, because I gave my subservient to my male-spouse.” She named him Issachar.

19 Leah conceived again, and bore a sixth male-spawn to Jack.

20 Leah said, “Skypal has endowed me with a good dowry in this misogynist fucking world. Now my male-spouse will live with me, because I have borne him six male-spawns.” She named him Zebulun.

21 Afterwards, she bore a daughter, and named her Dinah.

22 Since Jack was fucking as much as he could, Skypal remembered Rachel, and Skypal listened to her, and opened her baby-maker.

23 She conceived, bore a male-spawn, and said, “Skypal has taken away my reproach.”

24 She named him Joseph, saying, “May The Earl add another male-spawn to me.”

25 When Rachel had borne Joseph, Jack said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own place, and to my country.

26 Give me my lady-spouses and my varmints for whom I have served you, and let me go; for you know my service with which I have served you.”

27 Laban said to him, “If now I have found favor in your eyes, stay here, for I have divined that The Earl has blessed me for your sake.”

28 He said, “Appoint me your wages, and I will give it.”

29 Jack said to him, “You know how I have served you, and how your livestock have fared with me.

30 For it was little which you had before I came, and it has increased to a multitude. The Earl has blessed you wherever I turned. Now when will I provide for my own house also?”

31 Laban said, “What shall I give you?” Jack said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this thing for me, I will again feed your flock and keep it.

32 I will pass through all your flock today, removing from there every speckled and spotted one, and every black one among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats. This will be my hire.

33 So my fanaticism will answer for me hereafter, when you come concerning my hire that is before you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and black among the sheep, that might be with me, will be considered stolen.”

34 Laban said, “Behold, let it be according to your word.”

35 That day, he removed the fella goats that were streaked and spotted, and all the girly goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white in it, and all the black ones among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his male-spawns.

36 He set three days’ journey between himself and Jack, and Jack fed the rest of Laban’s flocks.

37 Jack took to himself magic sticks of fresh poplar, almond, and plane tree, peeled white streaks in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods.

38 He set the magic sticks which he had peeled opposite the flocks in the watering troughs where the flocks came to drink. They mated and conceived when they came to drink. Jack loved to watch.

39 The flocks fucked before the magic sticks, and the flocks produced streaked, speckled, and spotted.

40 Jack separated the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the streaked and all the black in Laban’s flock. He put his own droves apart, and didn’t put them into Laban’s flock.

41 Whenever the stronger of the flock conceived, Jack laid the magic fuck rods in front of the eyes of the flock in the watering troughs, that they might fuck among the magic sticks;

42 but when the flock were feeble, he didn’t put them in. So the feebler were Laban’s, and the stronger Jack’s.

43 The male increased exceedingly, and had large flocks, girly subservients and fella subservients, and camels and donkeys. Super fucking rich.

[craftylovegentlemen]

Genesis

Chapter 30

1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 2 And Jacob's anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God's stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? 3 And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. 4 And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her. 5 And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son. 6 And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. 7 And Bilhah Rachel's maid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali. 9 When Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife. 10 And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a son.

11 And Leah said, A troop cometh: and she called his name Gad. 12 And Zilpah Leah's maid bare Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, Happy am I, for the daughters will call me blessed: and she called his name Asher. 14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son's mandrakes. 15 And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son's mandrakes. 16 And Jacob came out of the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for surely I have hired thee with my son's mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. 17 And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob the fifth son. 18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I have given my maiden to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. 19 And Leah conceived again, and bare Jacob the sixth son. 20 And Leah said, God hath endued me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have born him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun.

21 And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. 22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23 And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach: 24 And she called his name Joseph; and said, The LORD shall add to me another son. 25 And it came to pass, when Rachel had born Joseph, that Jacob said unto Laban, Send me away, that I may go unto mine own place, and to my country. 26 Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest my service which I have done thee. 27 And Laban said unto him, I pray thee, if I have found favour in thine eyes, tarry: for I have learned by experience that the LORD hath blessed me for thy sake. 28 And he said, Appoint me thy wages, and I will give it. 29 And he said unto him, Thou knowest how I have served thee, and how thy cattle was with me. 30 For it was little which thou hadst before I came, and it is now increased unto a multitude; and the LORD hath blessed thee since my coming: and now when shall I provide for mine own house also?

31 And he said, What shall I give thee? And Jacob said, Thou shalt not give me any thing: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will again feed and keep thy flock. 32 I will pass through all thy flock to day, removing from thence all the speckled and spotted cattle, and all the brown cattle among the sheep, and the spotted and speckled among the goats: and of such shall be my hire. 33 So shall my righteousness answer for me in time to come, when it shall come for my hire before thy face: every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats, and brown among the sheep, that shall be counted stolen with me. 34 And Laban said, Behold, I would it might be according to thy word. 35 And he removed that day the he goats that were ringstraked and spotted, and all the she goats that were speckled and spotted, and every one that had some white in it, and all the brown among the sheep, and gave them into the hand of his sons. 36 And he set three days' journey betwixt himself and Jacob: and Jacob fed the rest of Laban's flocks. 37 And Jacob took him rods of green poplar, and of the hazel and chestnut tree; and pilled white strakes in them, and made the white appear which was in the rods. 38 And he set the rods which he had pilled before the flocks in the gutters in the watering troughs when the flocks came to drink, that they should conceive when they came to drink. 39 And the flocks conceived before the rods, and brought forth cattle ringstraked, speckled, and spotted. 40 And Jacob did separate the lambs, and set the faces of the flocks toward the ringstraked, and all the brown in the flock of Laban; and he put his own flocks by themselves, and put them not unto Laban's cattle.

41 And it came to pass, whensoever the stronger cattle did conceive, that Jacob laid the rods before the eyes of the cattle in the gutters, that they might conceive among the rods. 42 But when the cattle were feeble, he put them not in: so the feebler were Laban's, and the stronger Jacob's. 43 And the man increased exceedingly, and had much cattle, and maidservants, and menservants, and camels, and asses.

Genesis 30

Diane Beauford

[whatilistenedtoatwork]

From October 2nd to October 5th, 2023

02-10-23

THE FALL “The Wonderful And Frightening World Of The Fall”; WILLIE NELSON “Red Headed Stranger”; ROY ELDRIDGE & DIZZY GILLESPIE “Roy & Diz #2”; BUTTHOLE SURFERS “Locust Abortion Technician”; JASON FORREST “The Unrelenting Songs Of The 1979 Post Disco Crash”; PLANXTY “After The Break”; CURTIS MAYFIELD “Curtis”; SCOTT BRADLEE’S POSTMODERN JUKEBOX “BACK When They Called It Music: The 90’s, Vol. 1”; RAY CHARLES “The Genius Of Ray Charles”; SUM 41 “All Killer No Filler”; BAD RELIGION “No Control”; LOU REED “Transformer”; JOHN LENON “Imagine”; DIZZY GILLESPIE “Dizzy Gillespie At Newport”; QUINCY JONES “Big Band Bossa Nova”; R.E.M. “Reckoning”;  EDGUY “Mandrake”

03-10-23

SINEAD O’CONNOR “Universal Mother”; DRAKE “Nothing Was The Same”; SHACKLETON “Three EPs”; DIZZY GILLESPIE “World Statesman”; ANTHONY MANNING “Islets In Pink Polypropylene”; THE FALL “Perverted By Language”; GOODIE MOB “Soul Food”; SEPULTURA “Beneath The Remains”; BO DIDDLEY “Have Guitar Will Travel”; SKYCLAD “Irrational Anthems”; REUBEN WILSON “On Broadway”; THE DESCENDENTS “Everything Sucks”; DAVE “PSYCHODRAMA”;

04-10-23

LUOMO “Vocalcity”; OLIVIA RODRIGO “SOUR”; OUTKAST “Speakerboxxx”; SONIC YOUTH “Dirty”; ELLA FITZGERALD “Ella Fitzgerald Sings The Rodgers & Hart Songbook”; CHUCK BERRY “Rockin’ At The Hops”; MODEST MOUSE “This Is A Long Drive For Someone With Nothing To Think About”; AROVANE “Tides”; PET SHOP BOYS “Behaviour”; KIRSTY MacCOLL “Galore”

05-10-23

BOLA “Soup”; LUTHER VANDROSS “Give Me The Reason”; BO DIDDLEY “Bo Diddley Is A Lover”; MERCURY REV “Boces”; SCOTT BRADLEE’S POTMODERN JUKEBOX “The Essentials”; THE NATONAL “Boxer”; BUTTHOLE SURFERS “Psychic… Powerless… Another Man’s Sac”; BON IVER “For Emma, Forever Ago”; CHUCK BERRY “Fresh Berry’s”; RAY CHARES “Modern Sounds In Country & Western”; THE PASTELS “Illumination”; EXODUS “Fabulous Disaster”; FOUR TET “Pause”; THE WONDER STUFF “Construction For The Modern Idiot”; TALKING HEADS “More Songs About Buildings And Food”; JANELE MONAE “Metropolis: The Chase Suite”; PIXIES “Doolittle”

[yenpet-yenaet]

Gen. 29 to 31

i ep. 1

Just upfront, the quality of this post and further posts might noticeably decrease, and that is because my classes started up again so I just don’t have the time to write the equivalent of an essay every day (and make it grammatically good). I’ll still keep writing these daily readings, but they will be shorter and, unfortunately, less in-depth.

Today’s three chapters narrate the entirety of the Laban arc: how Jacob got his wives, his sons, and his contentions with his uncle. Jacob, after leaving Bethel, eventually reaches Haran. He sees a well with a large stone on its mouth and flocks about. The narrator helpfully explains that when all the flocks are gathered, the shepherds roll the stone off and water the sheep. Now, Jacob asks the shepherds if they know Nahor and Laban and if they’re well. The shepherds say they are, and look, there’s Laban’s daughter Rachel right there. When Jacob saw Rachel, it was love at first sight and he single-handedly removes the large stone on the well and waters Laban’s flocks. Then the two kissed, and Jacob “wept aloud.” Rachel runs back to tell her father, and Laban runs out to meet him; he hugs and kisses him too. Jacob tells Laban the story, why he’s here and what just happened with Rachel, and Laban lets him stay with him. After a month, Laban decides it’s not right to make him work for free and so asks what Jacob wants as his wages. Jacob, who is broke, says he’ll serve Laban for seven years in exchange for Rachel’s hand in marriage. And so the seven years go by, rather quickly for Jacob, and eventually it is the night of the wedding. Jacob says to Laban, “Give me my wife that I may go into her,” and the two consummate their marriage.

 In the morning, however, it turns out that Laban duped him by instead giving him his older daughter, Leah. When Jacob calls Laban out on this, he simply says that it is not the custom in this here land to give the younger daughter before the older. Laban says to him that Jacob will have to work another seven years for Rachel; and so Jacob serves Laban another seven years. Finally, at long last, he has his favorite girl in the world and the two go at it. It should be noted that Laban, in addition to Leah and Rachel, also gave their maids Zilpah and Bilhah. God sees that Leah is going unloved and so he opens her womb, but Rachel is barren. Leah has four sons in succession: Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah. Rachel, at this point, demands of her husband “Give me sons, for if you don’t, I’m a dead woman!” Jacob objects, saying that he’s not God and he can’t control her fertility. So Rachel gives him her maid Bilhah that she might have sons by her (like Sarai and Hagar). Bilhah begets Dan and Naphtali. Leah, on realizing that she’d stopped bearing children, pulls the same move and gives Zilpah to Jacob. And Zilpah bears Gad and Asher. One day, while Reuben was out harvesting in the field, he finds mandrakes and gives them to his mother. Rachel asks Leah for the mandrakes, but Leah retorts “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you also take away my son’s mandrakes also?” They make a deal in which Rachel gets the mandrakes and Leah gets to sleep with Jacob. And so Leah ends up having two more sons: Issachar and Zebulun. She also has a daughter, Dinah. She will be important for a coming story. Finally, after years and years, God remembers Rachel and opens her womb. In time, she conceived and bore Joseph. He will be super important later.

After his favorite wife gave him a son, Jacob asks Laban to send him away, that he might go back to his own country and provide for his own family. Laban doesn’t want to because Jacob’s labor is an absolute cash-cow, but Jacob reminds him just how much service he has given him (20 years worth) and how Laban would be much worse off were it not for Jacob’s skill and dedication. Laban asks what Jacob wants, as a parting gift, and Jacob says he wants nothing; or, almost nothing. He will simply take the speckled sheep and spotted goats and black lambs. Laban agrees to the terms, since almost none of the animals have such colorations, and the two have a deal. Laban sets apart Jacob’s chosen animals and he puts them in charge of his sons; and he sets three day’s distance between him and Jacob. Then, this is the really weird part– then, Jacob takes fresh branches of poplar, almond and plane, and peels off the bark, exposing the white inside. Then, he sets the rods in front of the animals’ troughs when they come to drink. And because they bred when they came to drink, the flocks produced speckled and spotted and striped young. Jacob keeps his flock separate from Laban’s flock and keeps doing the stick magic every time they breed, especially when the strong and vigorous ones breed. And so, Jacob grew rich, had lots of servants, and camels, and a large, strong flock. 

One day, Jacob heard Laban’s sons talking about how Jacob took everything from their father and everything Jacob had came from Laban. And Jacob understood that Laban viewed him less favorably now. Then God tells Jacob to return to the land of his ancestors and that God will be with him. So he calls Rachel and Leah together and has a talk with them. He tells them what God said to him and how he’s served Laban for many years with all his strength; and of how Laban cheated him and changed his wages ten times over. He tells them how God blessed him with how the flock bore speckled young; how he had a dream in which God says He has seen what Laban is doing to him and because of this, Jacob was given the speckled young. After his long spiel, Rachel and Leah answer that there is nothing left to them here, for their father has left them with nothing– no inheritance, no bride money; they’re almost like his chattel. So yes, Jacob, do whatever God told you to do. So Jacob gets ready to go back to Isaac; he puts his children and wives on camels; and he drives away all his livestock and property that he’d acquired in Paddan-aram. Now, when Laban had gone to shear the sheep, Rachel steals her father’s teraphim without telling Jacob about it. And so Jacob tricks Laban, fleeing without announcement; he fled with all he had across the Euphrates toward Gilead. Laban finds out that Jacob dipped three days later, so he musters his kinsfolk and pursues them for a week until they catch up in Gilead. But God comes to Laban the Aramean saying, “Take heed that you say not a word to Jacob, either good or bad.” Laban overtakes Jacob, who’d been encamped in Gilead, and he says to him Why did you deceive me? You took away my daughters like captives. Why did you flee without telling me? I could’ve wished you off with celebration and kissed my children farewell? I can harm you, but God told me not to. Also, why did you take my teraphim? Jacob answers that he was afraid that Laban would take his daughters back. However, he promises that whoever has Laban’s teraphim will die. That’s what we call foreshadowing. So Laban searches all of Jacob’s entourage’s tents but can’t find anything. Finally he comes into Rachel’s tent and looks around, and Rachel tells him that she’s on her period so she can’t exactly stand up. (She was hiding them under her.) Laban searched and searched, but couldn’t find anything. After a while, Jacob gets upset and asks What have I ever done to you? I served you well, your flocks prospered, and I bore the loss myself. I worked all the time and never slept. If God hadn’t been on my side, you would’ve sent me away empty. Laban gets a bit sad about his children, but ultimately they are Jacob’s wives and Jacob’s children, so what can he do? Laban proposes a covenant between the two, and so they make a pile of rocks as witness to their covenant. In addition to several stipulations, Laban adds that he will never pass beyond the pile of rocks, and Jacob must not pass it either. And so they swore by the gods of their fathers, and they broke bread and ate. Laban kissed his daughters and grandsons goodbye and he went home.

Again, because of (lack of) this is going to be much less coherent than up until this point. Jacob’s meeting with Rachel at the well is, well, like the meeting of the servant and Rebekah at the well. Such a scene signals that a betrothal-type scene is going to play out. We also meet Laban again here, and Rashi suggests the reason for why Laban hugged him is to see if he had any gifts or gold on him. Jacob being tricked could have a few explanations, though the one I like is that Leah was veiled and so Jacob couldn’t know who it was. This trickster-getting-tricked story will turn up again. In fact, Laban tricking Jacob by giving him Leah first is poetic justice for having tricked his blind father. The very last bit of chapter 29 and ff. stand at the heart of Jacob’s own chiastic story, centering the theme of fertility; first by having lots of children, and then by his flock having lots of kids. The names of the sons are given folk etymologies that pun on their name, though they do show a tragic throughline of Leah hoping that Jacob will finally love her. 

In the next chapter, Rachel demands sons, “or [she] will be a dead woman!” This might be foreshadowing Rachel’s death in childbirth when she bears her second son, Benjamin. The episode with the mandrakes again makes a parallel between Jacob and his older brother and Racher and her older sister: the grappling with each other, the tension, the bitterness– and also, one sibling exchanges a plant product in exchange for a privilege. The reason for why mandrakes specifically might be because they were thought to have aphrodisiac properties. In Hebrew, the words for mandrakes (duda’im) and lovemaking (dodim) even sound similar, and in fact the Song of Songs puns on this. Fun fact: the etymology of Joseph’s name means ‘add’ or ‘increase,’ which might explain the Puritan name Increase Mather. The stick magic story is also a confusing one, and there’s not really a satisfactory explanation for what and why. The most popular is that ancient peoples thought what an animal saw during the moment of conception affects the traits of the embryo, and so when Jacob puts the sticks in that arrangement, it makes the females have striped and speckled offspring. 

There’s not too much to say about the story of Jacob’s flight. Jacob’s speech at the start is thought to have come from a different author, and it also narrates the events differently, ascribing to God’s intervention what Jacob thought of himself. In addition, God appears to Jacob in that dream as the “God of Bethel,” again highlighting the importance of locations in the Northern Kingdom associated with the Jacob story. Moving a bit forward, no one really knows what teraphim are. They were probably household gods, like the Roman ‘Di Penates,’ but they could also be big statues or decorations. It’s just very unclear. In any case, Rachel having to sit on them was probably a jab by the monotheist authors at the polytheists because Rachel has to just spread her butt over them. Finally, the last story is built on an old tradition of the boundary between the Arameans and the Israelites. In fact, the region where Jacob and Laban meet, Gilead, means ‘pillar of witness’ in Hebrew. Furthermore, this is not the last time that stone piles are important, as they also turn up in the Book of Joshua.

Next up: Gen. 32 to 34.

[hardterri]

Mandrake roots

Mandrake in Hebrew is דודאים (dûdã'im), meaning “love plant.” Most interpreters hold Mandragora officinarum to be the plant intended in Genesis 30:14 ("love plant") and Song of Songs 7:13 ("the mandrakes send out their fragrance"). There are classical Jewish commentaries which suggest that mandrakes help barren women to conceive a child. Soon after this Leah, who previously had had four sons but had ceased to become pregnant for a long while, then became pregnant once more and gave birth to a son. The trade offered by Rachel is for Leah to spend the next night in Jacob's bed. Rachel, Jacob's second wife, the sister of Leah, is desirous of the mandrakes and she barters with her sister for them. In Genesis 30, Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, finds mandrakes in the field. Dioscorides, a Greek physician of the first century, described how a wine made from mandrake produces anesthesia, noting it can be used for those who cannot sleep, or have severe pain, or are being cauterized or cut, with the use of it resulting in that they will not feel pain (Peduto 2001).Ĭultural references, myths, and magic Hebrew Bible It historically also has been used as emetic (induces vomiting) and purgative (induce bowel movements) (Blakemore and Jennett 2001).įrom ancient times, the root was promoted for such uses as an aphrodisiac and for fertility. The root can be very toxic, but also is used as an adnodyne to relieve and soothe pain (by lessening the sensitivity of the brain or nervous system) and for its soporific properties (inducing sleep). Mandrake's medicinal uses date back to ancient times, with references to it being used as a cure to sterility in Genesis 3:14-16 and in the time of Pliny (23-79 C.E.) it was being given to patients before surgery by having them chew of pieces of root (Blakemore and Jennett 2001). The Arab name mandragora means "hurtful to cattle" (Blakemore and Jennett 2001). The fruit likewise causes poisoning in cattle. Symptoms of overdose may include mouth dryness, dilated pupils, ataxia, urinary retention, hallucinations, convulsions, coma, and death.Īll parts of the mandrake plant are poisonous. Pharmacologically, they are the most powerful known anticholinergics in existence, meaning they inhibit the neurological signals transmitted by the endogenous neurotransmitter, acetylcholine. Chemically, the molecules of these compounds have a characteristic bicyclic structure and include atropine, scopolamine, and hyoscyamine. One of the most important groups of alkaloid compounds found in members of the Mandragora genus are tropane alkaloids, which also are found in the Solanaceae genera Atropa (the belladonna genus), Datura, and Brugmansia, as well as many others in the Solanaceae family. Even today, in neopagan religions such as Wicca and Germanic revivalism religions such as Odinism, the mandrake continues to play a role. With roots that sometimes contain bifurcations causing them to resemble human figures, mandrakes long have been associated with mystical properties and with magic rituals. References to the importance of mandrake in human culture trace back as far as the book of Genesis and in ancient Greek and Roman societies. Mandragora species are native to the Mediterranean and the Himalayas. The term mandrake also is commonly used for the roots of these plants, which contain poisonous alkaloids and have been used medicinally for their anodyne (relieves pain through external application) and soporific properties, but also can lead to delirium and hallucinations. Mandrake is the common name for any of the herbaceous, perennial plants comprising the genus Mandragora of the nightshade family Solanacea, and in particular Mandragora officinarum, whose long, fleshy, often forked root can roughly resemble the human body and has long had medicinal, mystical, and magical properties associated with it.

[tonkitactical]

Mandrake roots

#MANDRAKE ROOTS TRIAL#

Became pregnant and gave birth to a boy.” Note that a group of Indian scientists claimed in 1963 that sterile women in Mumbai gave birth to boys after consuming an extract made from mandrake. From Genesis: “ Reuben went to the field during harvest and found mandrake. In the famous epic Odysseus, Circe casts a spell on the Argonauts using mandrake. It is maybe because of this belief that the Goddess of beauty and lust, Aphrodite, is also called Mandragonitis. The roots, however, were carried as an amulet to symbolize fertility. In several cultures, eating the fruits is seen as a guarantee of becoming pregnant. It is believed that consuming its yellow fruits brings sexual energy and fertility to both men and women. This led to its use in sympathetic sorcery. This stage comes after great stress and pain because the plant has narcotic properties.ĭue to its properties, the plant was believed to have mysterious power, and the resemblance of its roots to a human body was taken as evidence for this. When taken with alcohol, drunkenness is accompanied by a pleasant and tranquilizing slumber. It causes stupor that can turn into a temporary lunacy or even death in high doses. What was so special about mandrake? It causes numbness in the body, and this effect is different to those of today’s local anesthetics. The ancient Egyptians used to take vows to mandrake and deified it in their prayers. Lighting fires before holy effigies was a common practice in ancient societies, just as it is in Christianity today. Therefore, people kept the plant in a visible corner of their homes and lit candles before it. According to the ancient Egyptians, the plant had divine power thanks to its relationship with the gods. The ancient Egyptians referred to the extract of the roots (possibly mixed with alcohol) as “the water of life” or “Sa of life.” They believed that whoever drank it would acquire health, vigor, and longevity. However, the most important feature of the plant is its thick root that resembles a human being, and some of its properties have been known for at least 6,000 years. This is true to some extent because it attracts fireflies. Some call it “devil’s candle” because it resembles a flickering flame. People often describe mandrake as having the color of fire and say it lights up like lightning at night. The plant has large leaves and a very short stem, and it bears purple flowers that turn to yellowish fruits. as a poison.Mandrake is a perennial plant that grows wild in areas influenced by the Mediterranean climate. The legendary Philippa Eilhart (q.v.) was also said to have used m.

#MANDRAKE ROOTS TRIAL#

was made, for example, during the trial of Lucretia Vigo (q.v). This belief returned during the period of the witch hunts. was used for making spells, magical philtres and poisons. Bryony roots (q.v.) were used as substitutes. roots were bought and sold, with prices reaching as much as sixty florins. The effigies were clad in dresses which were changed at each new moon. They were believed to offer protection from illnesses, to bring good fortune during trials, and to ensure fertility and uncomplicated births. The root of the m., which is a valued ingredient in medicine and herb lore, long ago had great import in superstitions, particularly among the Nordlings human effigies (called alruniks or alrunes) were carved from it and kept in homes as revered talismans. Its berries, which are green and later turn yellow, are eaten with vinegar and pepper, while its leaves are consumed raw. M.autumnalis or officinalis, is cultivated on a small scale in Vicovaro, Rowan and Ymlac, rarely found in the wild. Mandrake, or Love Apple, is a class of plant from the Mandragora or nightshade family, a group including herbaceous, stemless plants with parsnip-like roots, in which a similarity to the human form may be observed the leaves are arranged in a rosette.

[magnetothemagnificent]

As a dork who loves heraldry and family symbols, the ask you answered about Lions made me realize: I know nothing about Jewish heraldry! Any other fun facts, if you have time? I just like understanding the many meanings symbols have from culture to culture. Have a lovely day!

The first instance of Jewish heraldry is of course, with the 12 Tribes. Each of the 12 Tribes have their own flag, with a symbol on it, and a colour, and a precious stone associated with them.

They are:

Reuven (Reuben)- Symbol: Duda'im (Mandrake or Jasmine). Stone: Odem (Ruby). Flag colour: Red.

Shimon (Simeon)- Symbol: The walls of the city of Schem. Stone: Pitdah (Topaz or Prase). Flag colour: Green.

Levi (Levi)- Symbol: Urim V'Tumim. Stone: Bareket (Emerald or Onyx or Carbuncle). Flag colour: Three stripes of white, black, and red.

Yehudah (Judah)- Symbol: Lion. Stone: Nofech (Probably Emerald). Flag colour: Sky blue.

Yissachar (Issacar)- Symbol: Sun and moon. Stone: Sappir (Sapphire). Flag colour: Dark blue.

Z'vulun (Zebulun)- Symbol: Merchant ship. Stone: Yahalom (Diamond or Pearl). Flag colour: White.

Dan (Dan)- Symbol: Snake. Stone: Leshem (Probably Amber). Flag colour: Blue.

Naftali (Naphtali)- Symbol: Gazelle. Stone: Achlamah (Amathyst or Quartz). Flag colour: Wine red.

Gad (Gad)- Symbol: Military camp. Stone: Shevo (Turquoise, Agate, or Obsidian). Flag color: Black and white.

Asher (Asher)- Symbol: Olive tree. Stone: Tarshish (Chrysolite, Coal, Flint, or Jacinth). Flag colour: Unclear, pearl likely.

Yosef (Joseph)- Yosef was split into two territories, of his sons, Menashe and Ephraim, but they both had the same precious stone of Shoham (Malachite or Onyx) and flag colour of black. For their flags; Menashe- Symbol: Re'em (Horned animal, either an Ox, a Rhinoceros, or a Unicorn). Ephraim- Symbol- Bull.

Binyamin (Benjamin)- Symbol: Wolf. Stone: Yashfe (Maybe Jasper). Flag colour: Multicolour.

Historically, Jewish family heralds were not recognized by the dominant governences, since Jews were second-class citizens throughout much of the world. As such, family heralds weren't officially recognized, but you can find many patterns in the gravestones of Jewish cemetaries and family documents.

Jewish family heralds often incoorperated symbols from their known tribe, as well as Kabbalistic and Tanakhic symbols. Astrological symbols were also popular. Many families who claimed descent from King David incorperated lions or any felines into their heralds. Families who were Cohanim often had hand symbolism.

To read more:

Jewish Encyclopedia Entry for 'Coat of Arms'

Jewish Virtual Library Entry for 'Heraldry'

The Stones, Symbols, and Flags of the Twelve Tribes of Israel

The High Priest’s Breastplate (Choshen)

12 Tribes of Israel: The Shevatim

You can also learn a lot about the symbolism important to Jews throughout history by studying the various Judean coins produced throughout history:

Jewish Virtual Library Entry for 'Ancient Jewish Coins'

Happy Learning!

[mybeautifulchristianjourney]

1 And when Rachel saw that she bare Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister; and she said unto Jacob, Give me children, or else I die. 2 And Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel: and he said, Am I in God’s stead, who hath withheld from thee the fruit of the womb? 3 And she said, Behold, my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; that she may bear upon my knees, and I also may obtain children by her. 4 And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife: and Jacob went in unto her. 5 And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son. 6 And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan. 7 And Bilhah Rachel’s handmaid conceived again, and bare Jacob a second son. 8 And Rachel said, With mighty wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

9 When Leah saw that she had left off bearing, she took Zilpah her handmaid, and gave her to Jacob to wife. 10 And Zilpah Leah’s handmaid bare Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, Fortunate! and she called his name Gad. 12 And Zilpah Leah’s handmaid bare Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, Happy am I! for the daughters will call me happy: and she called his name Asher.

14 And Reuben went in the days of wheat harvest, and found mandrakes in the field, and brought them unto his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, Give me, I pray thee, of thy son’s mandrakes. 15 And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken away my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to-night for thy son’s mandrakes. 16 And Jacob came from the field in the evening, and Leah went out to meet him, and said, Thou must come in unto me; for I have surely hired thee with my son’s mandrakes. And he lay with her that night. 17 And God hearkened unto Leah, and she conceived, and bare Jacob a fifth son. 18 And Leah said, God hath given me my hire, because I gave my handmaid to my husband: and she called his name Issachar. 19 And Leah conceived again, and bare a sixth son to Jacob. 20 And Leah said, God hath endowed me with a good dowry; now will my husband dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun. 21 And afterwards she bare a daughter, and called her name Dinah. 22 And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb. 23 And she conceived, and bare a son: and said, God hath taken away my reproach: 24 and she called his name Joseph, saying, Jehovah add to me another son. — Genesis 30:1-24 | American Standard Version (ASV) The American Standard Version Bible is in the public domain. Cross References: Genesis 16:2-3; Genesis 20:18; Genesis 29:31; Genesis 34:1; Genesis 34:12; Genesis 35:17; Genesis 35:23-24; Genesis 35:26; Genesis 46:25; Genesis 49:16; Genesis 49:20; Exodus 22:17; Numbers 1:24; Numbers 2:29; Song of Solomon 7:13; Luke 1:25; Luke 1:48; Acts 7:8

[marywardvvell]

This is my second most Cursed feeling theory but the release of all the episode titles gave me more evidence so I feel like it’s time to make a post about Why I Think Zelda Spellman is Pregnant. (Sorry Spellwood shippers, I’m sure you’ll love this theory but I don’t care for Blackwood)

Please consider several facts:

caos tends to borrow religious imagery, especially biblical imagery. We see this in the Midwinter Special when Diana and Sabrina’s “motherhood test” seems to be straight out of 1 Kings when King Solomon tells two women both claiming to be the mother of the same child that they can split the baby and each take half and when Zelda says “Am I my sister’s keeper?” in Dreams in a Witch House this references Cain and Able, just to name a few examples.

I don’t remember exactly what episode this happens in but when Zelda drops a spoon, Hilda remarks, “Drop a spoon, baby coming soon,” which startles Zelda but she quickly dismisses. Now, this could be referencing Lady Blackwood’s pregnancy, but we already know that she’s pregnant and it’s generally an odd scene. Why is Zelda startled? It doesn’t seem to have any impact on anything in part one

Okay so where am I going with this? Yesterday the titles of all the episodes of part two were announced and chapter nineteen is called “The Mandrake”. A mandrake is the root of a plant that often resembles a person and is associated with superstitions and magic rituals. But in my brief skim of Wikipedia, I noticed this section about it’s biblical references. 

In Genesis 30:14, Reuben, the eldest son of Jacob and Leah, finds mandrake in a field. Rachel, Jacob's infertile second wife and Leah's sister, is desirous of the דודאים [dûdâ'îm —literally meaning "love plant"] and barters with Leah for them. The trade offered by Rachel is for Leah to spend that night in Jacob's bed in exchange for Leah's דודאים. Leah gives away the plant to her barren sister, but soon after this (Genesis 30:14–22), Leah, who had previously had four sons but had been infertile for a long while, became pregnant once more and in time gave birth to two more sons, Issachar and Zebulun, and a daughter, Dinah. Only years after this episode of her asking for the mandrakes did Rachel manage to become pregnant.

Now, Wikipedia also mentions that mandrakes are used in witchcraft, and upon further research it looks like it’s used as a catalyst to empower spells or rituals, to ward against evil eye, for prosperity, for protection or for “passionate sex wishes”. (Disclaimer, I know very very little about actual witchcraft and am getting all my info from the internet)

None of these witchcraft related uses really point to anything we currently know about the part two plot, especially the later episodes. But combining it’s biblical references, caos’s penchant for taking from that, and the whole spoon dropped scene, it feels like it’s very likely for Zelda to be pregnant and that pregnancy to be revealed on or around chapter nineteen, The Mandrake.

[posted on 3/30/19]

[softlimefluff]

Winter Wishes AU - Part 8: solemnly swear

(It’s the final part of the Winter Wishes fic!! Thank you so much for your patience! I’ll get back to more Remadora fics soon, but I’ve loved writing this Marauders one so much!! I love y’all <3 )

Pushing each other to the ground, James and Sirius tumbled off of the staircase, still fighting. Sirius didn’t give up easily, not when his honor was on the line. The two were still trying to haul off punches, but Sirius was the only one who had succeeded, a large bruise forming under James’ eye. From the other room, Jenna could hear them still scuffling and walked   over with Emma to break them up. 

“Sirius Orion Black!! Stop it now! You and James are acting like children!!”

Looking up from where he held James in a headlock, Sirius finally let go and stood up, looking like a puppy that had been scolded. Jenna turned and walked back to the other room, arms crossed. He followed, quietly, while Emma tended to James’ eye with a nearby medical kit.

“While you two were having your spat, Emma and I sorted things…”

Jenna held a flat hand out and gestured to the seat, inviting him over. Sirius, still sulking, turned into his animagus form and bounded onto the couch. He sat very still at first, leaning slightly into Jenna and panting. She ignored him, still upset, and focused on the drawings she and Emma had made.

Sirius got one good lick in and she broke. Laughing and pushing him away, she fell backwards as he jumped on her, licking her mouth with tail wagging madly. 

“Stop!!!” She squealed loudly. “Seeeeer!” With paws on her chest, he changed back to his human form, smirking as sat up from a blushing Jenna. 

“You ruddy git~!” 

Emma and James rounded the corner just as Jenna smacked Sirius’ arm hard. He rubbed the spot, pouting and acting all innocent, like he hadn’t just felt her up. Freezing, Emma had no clue what had just happened. James, on the other hand, was familiar with his old friend’s habits. 

“He probably deserved that~” 

Flopping into a chair, James draped himself over the arms and smirked at Sirius. Sneering back, Sirius retreated to the edge of the couch and nursed his pride while Jenna glared over. 

“He did… Not that you were any help, James!”

“Who’s the one with a black eye here, Jenna?? I’m the victim!” 

He mock fainted as he spoke, putting a hand to his forehead and splaying out over the chair. Emma sat down nearby, laughing. 

“You should join me in Drama Club auditions, James… I’m sure they could find you a part… Ophelia, perhaps?~” 

As he sat up, ready to protest, Jenna cleared her throat.

“If everyone’s done, can we get to the plan? We are still doing this, right??”

Slowly moving closer, Sirius nodded, taking her hand. “Right…” 

He kissed her cheek gently, whispering that he was sorry, then pulled back to look at the plans. Jenna stayed close and began explaining their ideas.

“Reuben always stays late to drink Firewhiskey with other Slytherins on Hogsmeade weekends. If we catch his attention before he gets too far towards Hogwarts, we can use the shack as cover for the pranks. Lure him here and we can use everything in our arsenal: blasting caps, screechers, stink pellets, snowballs. The works.” 

Getting to her knees, Emma pointed at their drawing. “If I hide blasting caps under the snow, we can get his heart racing a bit and on high alert. I can use an obliteration charm to cover my tracks too. Then in the front garden area…” She moved her finger over to the next location.

“We can perch a bunch of the screechers and Jenna can use her wand to set those from inside. We found one of the earmuffs from mandrake potting, so James can wear those when they go off.”

Looking up, she pointed at James. “Cos you’ll be doing the fiddly bits with the Invisibility cloak down below. Dropping stink pellets in his bag, throwing snowballs. General mayhem.” 

She grinned and he returned it, nodding happily. 

“Sirius…” 

He looked up at Emma, attentive. 

“We need you to get Reuben to the shack. Make some offhand comment as he walks by about the Shack being haunted…” 

Jenna butted in here— “He can’t resist a chance to show off, so if you challenge him, he’ll definitely try to prove he’s not scared.” 

A little jealous, Sirius sat up straighter. “I’m sure I can think of something~ Plus I can apparate back inside after and add some howls for the spooky effect~”

Rubbing his hands together, James was effusive with praise. 

“I suppose I should be proud, knowing I can pass down my legacy to Emma when I’m gone~” He offered a hand, helping her stand and grinning.

“You and Jenna did a marvelous job. It’s perfect.” 

She grinned back, cheeks flushed. “Let’s get this plan in motion then, shall we??”

* * *

Pacing the Astronomy Tower observatory floor, Severus bit his lip and stared down at Kaylee’s unconscious form. They were still breathing, but his efforts to wake them up had been futile. Not smelling salts or energy potion had broken their slumber. Perhaps something had gone wrong after all… Slumping slowly to the ground, his back to the wall, Sev waited anxiously for any sign that his message had been received. For once, he couldn’t handle things on his own…

Curled into a ball to conserve warmth (as their only blanket was with Kaylee), Severus kept a watch for his owl. Within another few minutes, they returned, cooing and nipping at his robes. The note was missing and Sev hoped that it had been delivered properly.

“Off with you Martagon, back to the Owlry!” 

Chirping back loudly, Martagon hopped to the observatory edge and took flight, leaving a shivering Severus behind. As they spread snow-white wings and soared home, they passed Remus and Ariel, who were rushing through the courtyard. Though out of breath, Ariel continued to the Astronomy Tower, bounding up the stone staircase. At the sound of footsteps clattering in the hallway, Severus sat up with wand raised, staring at the doorway.

Pausing just outside the observatory, Remus and Ariel caught their breath, panting heavily. They had half run back, apparating just outside the Hogwarts gates then rushing through the grounds. Finally slowing down, Ariel coughed deeply, wincing. Placing a gentle hand on her back, Remus watched her, worried. “Are you alright?” 

She nodded, covering her mouth and taking a deep breath. “I’ll… be fine. Let’s go in.”

Snape stood as the two entered and lowered his wand. He walked with them over to Kaylee, quiet and stoic. Ariel immediately started looking Kaylee over, checking their pulse and feeling their forehead. “What happened, Severus?? Please don’t leave anything out.”

Frowning, Severus detailed their eating, resting, and the final steps of preparing the potion. Kaylee, he said, had done all the steps properly and transformed to their animagus form.

“While they were resting in their fox form, they suddenly returned to human shape, still asleep. I couldn’t get them to wake up after that. And believe me, I tried…” 

Pursing her lips, Ariel evaluated their options for care and treatment. Leaning to listen to their breathing, it seemed even and regular. Their pulse remained steady as well, but their forehead was burning up and they wouldn’t wake up.

“Kaylee should be in stable enough condition to move, but we need to take them to the Hufflepuff common room…”

Snape raised an eyebrow, scowling, as she continued.

“Since the medical wing isn’t an option, the only thing I can do is try to care for them with what I have in the dorms.” Biting her thumbnail, she stood up with a sigh.

“I know it’s breaking rules, but if our Prefect comes around, I can explain… The worst I can do is lose us house points, but Kaylee’s far more important than that…”

Everyone agreed quietly and Ariel turned to the middle of the room, using her wand to silently pack all of Kaylee’s things. Grabbing the bag, she turned to the others just as Severus cast levicorpus. Remus stood nearby, ready to help. 

“Once we get to the main hall, Severus and I can take turns carrying Kaylee so that it doesn’t attract as much attention…” He offered, glancing over. 

Though Snape grumbled, he agreed and they began their descent downstairs. Ariel took the lead as Severus concentrated on keeping up the spell. Remus, meanwhile, made sure Kaylee didn’t hit any of the side walls. At the bottom, Ariel stopped and coughed while the others passed by, her lungs rasping and wheezy. Glancing back, Remus paused but she motioned him forward. “G-go on, I’ll catch up...” 

His brow furrowed, worried, but he continued on to the cloisters with Snape. Here, more students rushed around, a few passing glances at Kaylee’s hovering form. Stopping the spell, Severus pulled Kaylee onto his back, grunting. Too many people were whispering already.

“Let me know when you need to switch, Severus…” Remus offered.

“I shall be fine…” With face set and expressionless, Severus carried Kaylee all the way to dungeon stairs, slow but determined to manage his own mistakes. Remus watched from behind, keeping an eye out for Ariel. She should have been here already…

Lowering Kaylee for a moment, Sev paused to breathe, winded.

“I can take them, Severus. Please. You don’t have to do it all yourself…” Remus offered quietly, letting Severus keep his composure and pride. Snape finally waved his hand, assenting. Though Remus was lanky and thin, he was surprisingly strong for his frame. Easily pulling Kaylee onto his back, he led Severus down to the Hufflepuff common room door. Near the kitchen, Ariel was already leaning against the wall, waiting for them. 

“How—?” Severus narrowed his gaze.

She grinned cheekily. “Hufflepuff trade secret~~ Now…” She twisted her finger in a circle.

“Turn round and cover your ears. I can’t reveal all our house arcana~” 

They did so, and in a few moments were climbing up the tunnel to the common room. Making the others pause before entering, Ariel found the common room mostly empty, save for their Prefect. Approaching him, she explained the situation, getting a stern warning but also approval for everyone’s entrance. As long as no one caused trouble or knew how to get back in, they were welcome here. 

Rushing back, Ariel ushered them in and had Remus lay Kaylee on the couch. Immediately dropping to his knees, Severus took Kaylee’s hand, watching over them. Ariel in turn, took Remus’ hand, whispering quietly. 

“I’m off to collect supplies… Keep a watch. I’ll be back soon.” 

Having stolen a quick kiss, she dashed up the stairs to the female dorms. Remus, meanwhile, perched himself on a chair arm, swinging his legs and taking in the common room. The bright yellow paint and windows with sunlight filtering in was cheering. A fair sight better than moonlight, he reasoned. 

Ignoring all else, Snape continued his watch over Kaylee. This had all been his fault. The potion, the transformation—if they didn’t recover, he would have to bear this shame forever. Even worse, he had to work with his rivals to ensure Kaylee getting proper care. A smug Gryffindor prefect who had been party to James’ merciless teasing and a saccharine Hufflepuff who, to her credit, at least knew something about the healing arts. Their arrangement was less than ideal, but if Kaylee came out of this alright, he could endure trusting them for one day.

* * *

Under the last edges of twilight, Emma cast an obliteration charm as Jenna walked to her side. They had just finished planting the screechers and blasting caps and were preparing to head back inside. James stood nearby, invisibility cape around himself so it looked like his head was floating midair. Sirius had already gone towards the village to wait for Reuben. The plan was almost complete.

Underneath the cloak, James had his side bag filled with a few stink pellets, the mandrake  earmuffs, and a nose-biting teacup, should the occasion arise. Emma smiled up at him, pleased with their work. 

“Everything set??” 

“I believe so, fluff~” He smiled, pulling the cloak tighter. 

“And Jenna…” James continued. “I hope this all feels like closure or something. We’re putting a heck of a lot of effort into it~ So it had better be satisfying~” 

Laughing, she nodded. “Thanks, James… If all goes to plan, we’ll have quite the show tonight~” Tapping the extra snow off her boots, Jenna extended an arm for Emma, apparating them inside. James cleaned up any leftover footprints and slipped the cloak fully over himself. Retreating nearby, he saw Sirius finally approaching the path with a group of 3 Slytherins in tow and boasting loudly.

“This is it! Can’t say I want to get any closer, but you three do what you want…”

With that, Sirius turned and retreated down the path, disapparating when their backs were turned. Glancing around nervously, Reuben’s friends yelled that the other boy had disappeared.

“This isn’t a good idea, Reuben! That place is haunted!!”

“Yeah! It’s not worth it! The sun’s going down…”

Reuben scoffed, taking a few steps forward. 

“What are you—scaredy-Puffs?? We’re going down there.”

Inside the shack, Sirius had found the girls and swapped to his dog form. Wagging his tail excitedly, he let off a few ominous howls. All three Slytherins jumped a little, huddling closer. The sun had fully submerged below the horizon now and the moon began to cast an eerie glow on the snow. The three stepped forward cautiously, Reuben trailing slightly behind the other two. 

Back inside, Jenna moved to the side wall, beckoning Emma and Sirius over. Whispering defodio, she made 3 small portals in the wall, big enough for all of them to peek out and watch the scene unfold. Once the Slytherin boys were in the thick of the blasting cap field, Emma charged them all, grinning. 

As Reuben lifted his foot, the first one went off with a BANG!! The boys jumped and high-pitched screams filled the air, one of them running back to the road and setting off more. Pushing forward, Reuben stomped madly through the snow, trying to ignore his racing heart and shaking hands. 

From nowhere, a snowball hit his face, freezing as it slid down his cheek. 

“Alright!! That’s it!!” Reuben grabbed at the snow and threw it to the ground, angrily. 

“Who’s out there??? W-we’re not afraid!!!” 

He opened his arms in a “come-at-me” gesture, puffing out his chest. 

“It’ll take more than that to scare me off!!” 

Jenna whispered from above, “Oh, I’m so glad you said that~~” and raised her wand to prep the screamers. James took his chance quickly, slipping a handful of stink pellets into Reuben’s bag and standing only a few inches away. Reuben turned, looking around everywhere for signs of perpetrators. James controlled his breathing as he slipped the mandrake earmuffs on and readied the teacup, casting a nonverbal invisibility charm on it. Any second now…

All chaos broke lose the second Jenna set off the flock of screamers. At the same moment, James slipped the nose-biting teacup onto Reuben and took off running. Both boys screamed loudly, Reuben most of all, swatting at his face and running away.

“SOMETHING GOT ME!!!! GETITOFF GETITOFF!!!” 

The other Slytherin was halfway down the road already, screaming “THIS PLACE REALLY IS HAUNTED!!!” Sirius added a few more howls for good measure as Emma and Jenna joined in. Finally pulling the invisible teacup off, Reuben joined his friends and ran as fast as his legs would take him back towards Hogwarts. 

Collapsing onto the floor, Emma and Jenna laughed until their faces hurt. Changing back to human form, Sirius joined them on the ground, pulling Jenna into his arms with a sly smirk. James arrived soon as well, apparating in with a pop. Joining the pile, he ruffled Emma’s hair and flashed a huge grin.

“I don’t know about you, Mssr. Padfoot, but I do believe that was a fantastic end to our Marauding career here at Hogwarts~” 

Sticking out a hand, Sirius shook James’ hand. 

“I do believe so, Mssr. Prongs. We can safely pass the torch~”

Emma laughed. “That’s meeeeee! I promise to do you all justice!” She gave a mock salute and settled between Sirius and James, beaming. Jenna leaned into Sirius and smiled. 

“I don’t think I’ll ever forget the look on Reuben’s face when we set the screamers off!! And James!!! Did you actually get the teacup on???” She sat up a little, grinning.

“Yeah!! He never saw it coming!! I cast an invisibility spell on it so he couldn’t see what it was!!!” He laughed loudly, putting an arm around Emma.

"I still can’t believe we pulled this off…” 

Settling in with a hand over his stomach, James smiled at their little crew. They had done well. 

As his stomach grumbled loudly, he laughed and got to his feet. 

“Dinner anyone?? I bet we could still make the Great Hall before they take everything away!”

Agreeing, they all stood and began the trek to Hogwarts, laughing and recounting their favorite moments the whole way back.

* * *

Arms full of supplies, Ariel finally returned to the common room to look after Kaylee. With the warmth of the fire, Remus had fallen asleep in one of the oversized chairs, snoring lightly. He always seemed tired and Ariel was glad he had drifted off. Snape, however, was still securely planted by Kaylee, kneeling on the floor with their hand in his. Ariel didn’t tell him to move, but kneeled nearby, quietly placing a cold cloth on Kaylee’s forehead. 

“I looked in some of my medical books, Severus… If the spell didn’t malfunction or the potion and everything was done properly, either too much energy was expended… Or…”

She paused, looking at him finally.

“They may have been allergic to something in the potion. Obviously a serious reaction would have meant their airway swelling up, but this may be an initial cellular-level allergy, if that makes sense. Their body can adjust with exposure to the animagus transformation, but the initial passing of the potion caused a reaction…” 

Processing her words, Severus averted his gaze. “I have never considered that in my practice…” 

He sank lower to the ground, softening. “I shall be more aware in the future…”

Hesitating, Ariel gently put a hand on his shoulder. “It could have happened to anyone…”

“Yes, but I should have been more aware. More careful. I am to blame for this and must take responsibility for what I have done…”

“You can help now by making an antidote for Kaylee… I’ll make sure they’re taken care of otherwise. Send me an owl when you’re done and I can administer the potion…” 

She stood and walked Severus to the door.

“I believe the reactive element was the Dead Head Moth chrysalis, so find something to counteract that effect… I believe in you, Severus…”

Immediately, his mind raced to the counteracting potions and chemical interactions he could formulate. Outside the common room door, Severus spoke before heading off. 

“A variation on Wiggenweld potion should produce the proper effect. I shall go prepare one presently.” Without further explanation, Snape hurried off to the potions classroom. He would do everything in his power to fix this.

Returning to the common room, Ariel made sure Kaylee was resting comfortably and exchanged the cloth. Pointing her wand to a bowl of water, she cast glacius and the liquid froze instantly, giving off a freezing aura around it. Setting it on Kaylee’s chest, Ariel saw their face relax and become less red. That should keep them comfortable until Sev could finish the potion… 

Leaning down, Ariel kissed Kaylee’s forehead and then walked over to Remus, slipping into the chair next to him. Most students were already in their dorms, snuggled under warm covers in the winter air, so the common room was empty besides them. Moonlight shone in through the windows above, the only other light was the fire crackling in the hearth. Waking up slightly, Remus mumbled and wrapped his arms around her. Snuggling in, Ariel closed her eyes, waiting for Severus… Surely he would send an owl within a few minutes… If she could just—

The next thing Ariel was aware of was something pecking at her forehead. 

“Mmmmh, mmmf!!” She flailed her hand and almost swatted Martagon off the chair. With another few pecks, Ariel finally came to and found a cloth package in her lap. Having rubbed her eyes, she opened the parcel, finding a bottle with a light purple liquid and a hand written note.

Ariel,

Sit Kaylee up and put a drop on their lips first. 

They should be able to swallow all of the potion after that.

Keep me informed of their condition.

-S. Snape

Scrambling up, Ariel ran to the couch and lifted Kaylee to a sitting position. Having uncorked the bottle, she supported Kaylee’s head and touched the bottle to their lips. Waiting a few seconds, she watched, hopeful. Half a minute… A full minute… Finally, Kaylee bent over, coughing and spluttering. Slipping a towel under their chin, Ariel kept calm while Kaylee spit black liquid out. 

Wiping their mouth, Ariel pushed the bottle again to their lips. Kaylee drained the rest of the liquid as they swallowed with eyes closed. After another few minutes’ wait, Kaylee finally opened their eyes, holding their stomach. Grabbing a basin, Ariel waited patiently, rubbing Kaylee’s back while they expelled more black liquid. Setting the basin aside, Ariel grabbed a common room blanket as Kaylee whimpered and curled into a ball. “Nnngh…”

Wrapping Kaylee up, Ariel held them close.

“Shhhh, you’re okay… You had a bad reaction to the animagus potion… Snape found the antidote… You’ll be alright…” 

Kaylee nodded weakly and closed their eyes, leaning into the embrace. All they wanted to do was sleep for an age. After a few moments, they finally managed to squeak out a “thank you” and fall asleep again. Letting them rest, Ariel scribbled out a note to Severus and sent Martagon off again. 

Finally flopping into the chair with Remus again, Ariel realized how exhausted she was. An arm slipped around her waist and she opened her eyes to Remus smiling softly.

“You did it… They’re okay.”

“You saw?” 

He nodded and kissed her temple.

“Snape did it too… The potion… But…Kaylee will be okay…”

She hummed softly as Remus pressed his lips to hers. Stroking her cheek after, Remus smiled. “You should rest now… I can keep watch.”

Ariel nodded and snuggled in, comforted by his warmth. Kaylee was alright. Mostly thanks to Snape. Perhaps he wasn’t so bad after all… She and Severus might never see eye to eye, but beneath the surface, he still had a heart… That was enough…

Eyelids fluttering, she focused on Remus’ heartbeat and regulated her breathing. In a few more moments, she soon fell asleep, safe and warm in his arms.

[loveofyhwh]

January 16: Genesis 30; Matthew 10:1–23; Psalm 16; Proverbs 4:20–27

New Post has been published on https://loveofyhwh.com/january-16-genesis-30-matthew-101-23-psalm-16-proverbs-420-27/

January 16: Genesis 30; Matthew 10:1–23; Psalm 16; Proverbs 4:20–27

Old Testament:

Genesis 30

Genesis 30 (Listen)

30 When Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, she envied her sister. She said to Jacob, “Give me children, or I shall die!” 2 Jacob’s anger was kindled against Rachel, and he said, “Am I in the place of God, who has withheld from you the fruit of the womb?” 3 Then she said, “Here is my servant Bilhah; go in to her, so that she may give birth on my behalf,Hebrew on my knees‘>1 that even I may have childrenHebrew be built up, which sounds like the Hebrew for children‘>2 through her.” 4 So she gave him her servant Bilhah as a wife, and Jacob went in to her. 5 And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. 6 Then Rachel said, “God has judged me, and has also heard my voice and given me a son.” Therefore she called his name Dan.Dan sounds like the Hebrew for judged‘>3 7 Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. 8 Then Rachel said, “With mighty wrestlingsHebrew With wrestlings of God‘>4 I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali.Naphtali sounds like the Hebrew for wrestling‘>5

9 When Leah saw that she had ceased bearing children, she took her servant Zilpah and gave her to Jacob as a wife. 10 Then Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a son. 11 And Leah said, “Good fortune has come!” so she called his name Gad.Gad sounds like the Hebrew for good fortune‘>6 12 Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son. 13 And Leah said, “Happy am I! For women have called me happy.” So she called his name Asher.Asher sounds like the Hebrew for happy‘>7

14 In the days of wheat harvest Reuben went and found mandrakes in the field and brought them to his mother Leah. Then Rachel said to Leah, “Please give me some of your son’s mandrakes.” 15 But she said to her, “Is it a small matter that you have taken away my husband? Would you take away my son’s mandrakes also?” Rachel said, “Then he may lie with you tonight in exchange for your son’s mandrakes.” 16 When Jacob came from the field in the evening, Leah went out to meet him and said, “You must come in to me, for I have hired you with my son’s mandrakes.” So he lay with her that night. 17 And God listened to Leah, and she conceived and bore Jacob a fifth son. 18 Leah said, “God has given me my wages because I gave my servant to my husband.” So she called his name Issachar.Issachar sounds like the Hebrew for wages, or hire‘>8

19 And Leah conceived again, and she bore Jacob a sixth son. 20 Then Leah said, “God has endowed me with a good endowment; now my husband will honor me, because I have borne him six sons.” So she called his name Zebulun.Zebulun sounds like the Hebrew for honor‘>9 21 Afterward she bore a daughter and called her name Dinah.

22 Then God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her and opened her womb. 23 She conceived and bore a son and said, “God has taken away my reproach.” 24 And she called his name Joseph,Joseph means May he add, and sounds like the Hebrew for taken away‘>10 saying, “May the LORD add to me another son!”

Jacob’s Prosperity

25 As soon as Rachel had borne Joseph, Jacob said to Laban, “Send me away, that I may go to my own home and country. 26 Give me my wives and my children for whom I have served you, that I may go, for you know the service that I have given you.” 27 But Laban said to him, “If I have found favor in your sight, I have learned by divination thatOr have become rich and‘>11 the LORD has blessed me because of you. 28 Name your wages, and I will give it.” 29 Jacob said to him, “You yourself know how I have served you, and how your livestock has fared with me. 30 For you had little before I came, and it has increased abundantly, and the LORD has blessed you wherever I turned. But now when shall I provide for my own household also?” 31 He said, “What shall I give you?” Jacob said, “You shall not give me anything. If you will do this for me, I will again pasture your flock and keep it: 32 let me pass through all your flock today, removing from it every speckled and spotted sheep and every black lamb, and the spotted and speckled among the goats, and they shall be my wages. 33 So my honesty will answer for me later, when you come to look into my wages with you. Every one that is not speckled and spotted among the goats and black among the lambs, if found with me, shall be counted stolen.” 34 Laban said, “Good! Let it be as you have said.” 35 But that day Laban removed the male goats that were striped and spotted, and all the female goats that were speckled and spotted, every one that had white on it, and every lamb that was black, and put them in the charge of his sons. 36 And he set a distance of three days’ journey between himself and Jacob, and Jacob pastured the rest of Laban’s flock.

37 Then Jacob took fresh sticks of poplar and almond and plane trees, and peeled white streaks in them, exposing the white of the sticks. 38 He set the sticks that he had peeled in front of the flocks in the troughs, that is, the watering places, where the flocks came to drink. And since they bred when they came to drink, 39 the flocks bred in front of the sticks and so the flocks brought forth striped, speckled, and spotted. 40 And Jacob separated the lambs and set the faces of the flocks toward the striped and all the black in the flock of Laban. He put his own droves apart and did not put them with Laban’s flock. 41 Whenever the stronger of the flock were breeding, Jacob would lay the sticks in the troughs before the eyes of the flock, that they might breed among the sticks, 42 but for the feebler of the flock he would not lay them there. So the feebler would be Laban’s, and the stronger Jacob’s. 43 Thus the man increased greatly and had large flocks, female servants and male servants, and camels and donkeys.

Footnotes

[1] 30:3 Hebrew on my knees [2] 30:3 Hebrew be built up, which sounds like the Hebrew for children [3] 30:6 Dan sounds like the Hebrew for judged [4] 30:8 Hebrew With wrestlings of God [5] 30:8 Naphtali sounds like the Hebrew for wrestling [6] 30:11 Gad sounds like the Hebrew for good fortune [7] 30:13 Asher sounds like the Hebrew for happy [8] 30:18 Issachar sounds like the Hebrew for wages, or hire [9] 30:20 Zebulun sounds like the Hebrew for honor [10] 30:24 Joseph means May he add, and sounds like the Hebrew for taken away [11] 30:27 Or have become rich and

(ESV)

New Testament:

Matthew 10:1–23

Matthew 10:1–23 (Listen)

The Twelve Apostles

10 And he called to him his twelve disciples and gave them authority over unclean spirits, to cast them out, and to heal every disease and every affliction. 2 The names of the twelve apostles are these: first, Simon, who is called Peter, and Andrew his brother; James the son of Zebedee, and John his brother; 3 Philip and Bartholomew; Thomas and Matthew the tax collector; James the son of Alphaeus, and Thaddaeus;Some manuscripts Lebbaeus, or Lebbaeus called Thaddaeus‘>1 4 Simon the Zealot,Greek kananaios, meaning zealot‘>2 and Judas Iscariot, who betrayed him.

Jesus Sends Out the Twelve Apostles

5 These twelve Jesus sent out, instructing them, “Go nowhere among the Gentiles and enter no town of the Samaritans, 6 but go rather to the lost sheep of the house of Israel. 7 And proclaim as you go, saying, ‘The kingdom of heaven is at hand.’Or The kingdom of heaven has come near‘>3 8 Heal the sick, raise the dead, cleanse lepers,Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13‘>4 cast out demons. You received without paying; give without pay. 9 Acquire no gold or silver or copper for your belts, 10 no bag for your journey, or two tunicsGreek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin‘>5 or sandals or a staff, for the laborer deserves his food. 11 And whatever town or village you enter, find out who is worthy in it and stay there until you depart. 12 As you enter the house, greet it. 13 And if the house is worthy, let your peace come upon it, but if it is not worthy, let your peace return to you. 14 And if anyone will not receive you or listen to your words, shake off the dust from your feet when you leave that house or town. 15 Truly, I say to you, it will be more bearable on the day of judgment for the land of Sodom and Gomorrah than for that town.

Persecution Will Come

16 “Behold, I am sending you out as sheep in the midst of wolves, so be wise as serpents and innocent as doves. 17 Beware of men, for they will deliver you over to courts and flog you in their synagogues, 18 and you will be dragged before governors and kings for my sake, to bear witness before them and the Gentiles. 19 When they deliver you over, do not be anxious how you are to speak or what you are to say, for what you are to say will be given to you in that hour. 20 For it is not you who speak, but the Spirit of your Father speaking through you. 21 Brother will deliver brother over to death, and the father his child, and children will rise against parents and have them put to death, 22 and you will be hated by all for my name’s sake. But the one who endures to the end will be saved. 23 When they persecute you in one town, flee to the next, for truly, I say to you, you will not have gone through all the towns of Israel before the Son of Man comes.

Footnotes

[1] 10:3 Some manuscripts Lebbaeus, or Lebbaeus called Thaddaeus [2] 10:4 Greek kananaios, meaning zealot [3] 10:7 Or The kingdom of heaven has come near [4] 10:8 Leprosy was a term for several skin diseases; see Leviticus 13 [5] 10:10 Greek chiton, a long garment worn under the cloak next to the skin

(ESV)

Psalm:

Psalm 16

Psalm 16 (Listen)

You Will Not Abandon My Soul

A MiktamProbably a musical or liturgical term‘>1 of David.

16   Preserve me, O God, for in you I take refuge. 2   I say to the LORD, “You are my Lord;     I have no good apart from you.” 3   As for the saints in the land, they are the excellent ones,     in whom is all my delight.Or To the saints in the land, the excellent in whom is all my delight, I say:‘>2 4   The sorrows of those who run afterOr who acquire‘>3 another god shall multiply;     their drink offerings of blood I will not pour out     or take their names on my lips. 5   The LORD is my chosen portion and my cup;     you hold my lot. 6   The lines have fallen for me in pleasant places;     indeed, I have a beautiful inheritance. 7   I bless the LORD who gives me counsel;     in the night also my heart instructs me.Hebrew my kidneys instruct me‘>4 8   I have set the LORD always before me;     because he is at my right hand, I shall not be shaken. 9   Therefore my heart is glad, and my whole beingHebrew my glory‘>5 rejoices;     my flesh also dwells secure. 10   For you will not abandon my soul to Sheol,     or let your holy one see corruption.Or see the pit‘>6 11   You make known to me the path of life;     in your presence there is fullness of joy;     at your right hand are pleasures forevermore.

Footnotes

[1] 16:1 Probably a musical or liturgical term [2] 16:3 Or To the saints in the land, the excellent in whom is all my delight, I say: [3] 16:4 Or who acquire [4] 16:7 Hebrew my kidneys instruct me [5] 16:9 Hebrew my glory [6] 16:10 Or see the pit

(ESV)

Proverb:

Proverbs 4:20–27

Proverbs 4:20–27 (Listen)

20   My son, be attentive to my words;     incline your ear to my sayings. 21   Let them not escape from your sight;     keep them within your heart. 22   For they are life to those who find them,     and healing to all theirHebrew his‘>1 flesh. 23   Keep your heart with all vigilance,     for from it flow the springs of life. 24   Put away from you crooked speech,     and put devious talk far from you. 25   Let your eyes look directly forward,     and your gaze be straight before you. 26   PonderOr Make level‘>2 the path of your feet;     then all your ways will be sure. 27   Do not swerve to the right or to the left;     turn your foot away from evil.

Footnotes

[1] 4:22 Hebrew his [2] 4:26 Or Make level

(ESV)