Verse 33. -
And she conceived again, and bare a son (probably the following year);
and said, Because the Lord hath heard that I was hated (the birth of Reuben had obviously not answered Leah's expectations in increasing Jacob's love),
he hath therefore given me this son also (She faith and piety of Leah are as conspicuous as her affection for Jacob):
and she called his name Simeon -
i.
e.
Hearing, because God had heard that she was hated (
ut supra).
29:31-35 The names Leah gave her children, expressed her respect and regard, both to God and to her husband. Reuben, or See a son, with this thought, Now will my husband love me; Levi, or joined, expecting, Now will my husband be joined unto me. Mutual affection is both the duty and comfort of the married relation; and yoke-fellows should study to recommend themselves to each other, 1Co 7:33,34. She thankfully acknowledges the kind providence of God in hearing her. Whatever supports and comforts us under afflictions, or tends to our deliverance from them, God must be owned in it. Her fourth son she called Judah, or praise, saying, Now will I praise the Lord. This was he, of whom, as concerning the flesh, Christ came. Whatever is the matter of our rejoicing, ought to be the matter of our thanksgiving. Fresh favours should quicken us to praise God for former favours; Now will I praise the Lord more and better than I have done. All our praises must centre in Christ, both as the matter of them, and as the Mediator of them. He descended after the flesh from him whose name was Praise, and He is our praise. Is Christ formed in my heart? Now will I praise the Lord.
And she conceived again, and bare a son,.... As soon as she well could. The Jews (x) have a notion, that Leah brought forth her sons at seven months' end:
and said, because the Lord hath heard that I was hated; or less loved than her sister:
he hath therefore given me this son also; to comfort her under the trial and exercise, and engage her husband's love the more unto her:
and she called his name Simeon: which signifies "hearing", and answers to the reason of her having him as she concluded.
(x) Pirke Eliezer, c. 36.
