Erwin Speckter

Jacob Meeting Rachel, 1827, Oil on canvas, 26.4 x 35.5 cm, Hamburger Kunsthalle, Hamburg, Germany; Inv. 2722, bpk Bildagentur / Art Resource, NY

A Nourishing Union

Commentary by Belle Tindall

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Read by Ben Quash

Erwin Speckter’s depiction of Jacob and Rachel sets them in an expansive and highly populated landscape. In this way, he suggests a crucial aspect of their meeting and subsequent betrothal: that its ramifications will go far and wide.

After unknowingly finding himself on the outskirts of the land belonging to his uncle Laban (Genesis 29:1, 4–5), Jacob encounters the shepherds of three flocks. Perhaps with this in mind, Speckter depicts a group of men gathered at the edge of the trees at the right of his composition, three of whom hold crooks. According to Genesis, they have been awaiting the arrival of a fourth flock so that the stone that covers the well can be removed and all the sheep drink. This fourth, all-important flock is tended by Rachel, who, at centre, also holds a crook, probably to show that she too is a shepherd (v.9).

The shepherds were unable to carry out their duties until Rachel arrived. But their eager expectation of her arrival (v.6) reflects a wider atmosphere of expectancy at this point in the biblical story. Rachel’s entrance is keenly anticipated by various people for various reasons. Jacob cannot continue his life without her. And we too, as followers of the larger biblical narrative of Israel’s patriarchs, are aware that this unfolding story must be on hold until she appears.

Much is contingent upon Rachel’s arrival.

Even in this very first meeting, Jacob and Rachel are forming a partnership that supplies nourishment to those around them. It is noteworthy that Genesis makes clear that the presence of both Jacob and Rachel was necessary for the water to be distributed. Rachel’s presence was required according to a societal agreement, and it seems as though Jacob’s anomalous strength (apparently a result of his dramatic reaction to Rachel’s entrance) was required to remove the stone obstructing the well (vv.9–10).

Though centred on the embracing couple, the painting depicts life-giving effects all around them. At right, as the group of shepherds rests, seven sheep drink in unison. At left, a flock feeds and frolics, while a second group of men dances and plays instruments.

This implies that sustenance for others is already flowing from Jacob and Rachel’s union, foreshadowing the impact of their betrothal, which will move far beyond the confines of these two seemingly besotted protagonists.

See full exhibition for Genesis 29:1–20

Genesis 29:1–20

Revised Standard Version

29 Then Jacob went on his journey, and came to the land of the people of the east. 2As he looked, he saw a well in the field, and lo, three flocks of sheep lying beside it; for out of that well the flocks were watered. The stone on the well’s mouth was large, 3and when all the flocks were gathered there, the shepherds would roll the stone from the mouth of the well, and water the sheep, and put the stone back in its place upon the mouth of the well.

4 Jacob said to them, “My brothers, where do you come from?” They said, “We are from Haran.” 5He said to them, “Do you know Laban the son of Nahor?” They said, “We know him.” 6He said to them, “Is it well with him?” They said, “It is well; and see, Rachel his daughter is coming with the sheep!” 7He said, “Behold, it is still high day, it is not time for the animals to be gathered together; water the sheep, and go, pasture them.” 8But they said, “We cannot until all the flocks are gathered together, and the stone is rolled from the mouth of the well; then we water the sheep.”

9 While he was still speaking with them, Rachel came with her father’s sheep; for she kept them. 10Now when Jacob saw Rachel the daughter of Laban his mother’s brother, and the sheep of Laban his mother’s brother, Jacob went up and rolled the stone from the well’s mouth, and watered the flock of Laban his mother’s brother. 11Then Jacob kissed Rachel, and wept aloud. 12And Jacob told Rachel that he was her father’s kinsman, and that he was Rebekah’s son; and she ran and told her father.

13 When Laban heard the tidings of Jacob his sister’s son, he ran to meet him, and embraced him and kissed him, and brought him to his house. Jacob told Laban all these things, 14and Laban said to him, “Surely you are my bone and my flesh!” And he stayed with him a month.

15 Then Laban said to Jacob, “Because you are my kinsman, should you therefore serve me for nothing? Tell me, what shall your wages be?” 16Now Laban had two daughters; the name of the older was Leah, and the name of the younger was Rachel. 17Leah’s eyes were weak, but Rachel was beautiful and lovely. 18Jacob loved Rachel; and he said, “I will serve you seven years for your younger daughter Rachel.” 19Laban said, “It is better that I give her to you than that I should give her to any other man; stay with me.” 20So Jacob served seven years for Rachel, and they seemed to him but a few days because of the love he had for her.

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