Topical Bible: Balah: Called Bilhah

◄ Balah: Called Bilhah ►

Topical Encyclopedia

Introduction:
Balah, also referred to as Bilhah, is a figure mentioned in the Old Testament of the Bible. She is primarily known as one of the maidservants of Laban, who was given to Rachel, Jacob's wife. Bilhah's role in the biblical narrative is significant due to her contribution to the lineage of the tribes of Israel.

Biblical References:
Bilhah is first introduced in Genesis 29:29, where it is stated, "Laban also gave his servant Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant." This establishes her position within the household of Jacob, the patriarch of the Israelites.

Role in the Family of Jacob:
Bilhah's importance is further highlighted in Genesis 30:3-8. When Rachel found herself barren, she offered Bilhah to Jacob as a surrogate to bear children on her behalf. Rachel said to Jacob, "Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her so that she can bear children for me and I too can build a family through her" (Genesis 30:3). Through this arrangement, Bilhah bore two sons, Dan and Naphtali, who became the progenitors of two of the tribes of Israel.

Children of Bilhah:
1. Dan: Bilhah's first son, Dan, is mentioned in Genesis 30:6, where Rachel declares, "God has vindicated me; He has heard my voice and given me a son." Dan's descendants formed the tribe of Dan, one of the twelve tribes of Israel.

2. Naphtali: Her second son, Naphtali, is introduced in Genesis 30:8, with Rachel proclaiming, "With great wrestlings, I have wrestled with my sister and have prevailed." The tribe of Naphtali also emerged from this lineage.

Later Mentions:
Bilhah is mentioned again in Genesis 35:22, in a narrative that underscores the complexities within Jacob's family. Reuben, Jacob's firstborn by Leah, committed an indiscretion with Bilhah, which had lasting implications for his standing within the family. The verse states, "While Israel was living in that region, Reuben went and slept with his father’s concubine Bilhah, and Israel heard of it."

Significance:
Bilhah's account is integral to understanding the dynamics of Jacob's family and the formation of the tribes of Israel. Her role as a surrogate mother reflects the customs and social structures of the time, where maidservants could be given to husbands to bear children on behalf of their mistresses. The tribes of Dan and Naphtali, descending from Bilhah, played significant roles in the history of Israel.

Conclusion:
Bilhah's narrative, though brief, is pivotal in the broader context of the biblical account of the patriarchs. Her life and actions contributed to the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ensuring the continuation of the chosen people through the twelve tribes of Israel.