Bilhah
Bilhah was a servant given to Rachel by her father Laban when Rachel married Jacob (Genesis 29:29). In the cultural context of the time, it was not uncommon for a wife to give her maidservant to her husband as a surrogate to bear children on her behalf, especially if the wife herself was barren. This practice is seen in the account of Bilhah, who became a concubine to Jacob at Rachel's behest.

Rachel's Barrenness and Bilhah's Role
Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, struggled with barrenness, which was a source of great distress for her. In her desperation to provide Jacob with offspring, Rachel followed the custom of the time and offered her maidservant Bilhah to Jacob as a concubine. Rachel's decision is recorded in Genesis 30:3-4: "Then she said, 'Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Go sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.' So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her."

The Birth of Dan
Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son, whom Rachel named Dan. The name "Dan" means "he has judged," reflecting Rachel's belief that God had judged her favorably by granting her a son through Bilhah. Genesis 30:5-6 states, "And Bilhah conceived and bore Jacob a son. Then Rachel said, 'God has vindicated me; He has heard my voice and given me a son.' Therefore she named him Dan."

The Birth of Naphtali
Bilhah bore a second son for Jacob, whom Rachel named Naphtali. The name "Naphtali" means "my struggle," signifying Rachel's ongoing struggle with her sister Leah, who had already borne Jacob several sons. Genesis 30:7-8 records, "Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said, 'In my great struggles, I have wrestled with my sister and won.' So she named him Naphtali."

Significance in Israel's History
Dan and Naphtali became two of the twelve tribes of Israel, each playing a unique role in the history and development of the nation. The tribe of Dan settled in the northern part of the Promised Land, while the tribe of Naphtali occupied territory in the region of Galilee. Both tribes are listed among the descendants of Jacob who received blessings from him before his death (Genesis 49:16-21).

Cultural and Theological Implications
The account of Bilhah bearing Dan and Naphtali highlights the complexities of family dynamics in the patriarchal narratives. It underscores themes of faith, struggle, and divine providence. Rachel's use of Bilhah as a surrogate reflects the deep desire for children and the lengths to which individuals would go to secure their lineage. The births of Dan and Naphtali through Bilhah demonstrate God's sovereignty in fulfilling His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the growth and continuity of the chosen people.