Jacob Agrees to Work for Laban Seven Years

5th century, with medieval and modern restorations
Mosaic
Nave, Basilica of Santa Maria Maggiore, Rome

This is part of the extensive series of Old Testament scenes portrayed in mosaics along the two walls of the nave. In this panel Laban promises to let Jacob marry Rachel if Jacob will work for him for seven years. (Or rather, he seems to promise, using ambiguous language.) See Genesis 29:15-21. On the right, Jacob's lifted right hand signifies his request. In the middle, Laban gives his reply; with him are Leah (in blue) and Rachel (in red). On the left, Jacob is starting his seven years of service by tending Laban's flocks.

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Photographed at the basilica by Richard Stracke, shared under Attribution-NonCommercial-ShareAlike license.