Topical Encyclopedia Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin, holds a significant place in biblical history. Her death and burial are recorded in the Book of Genesis, providing insight into the sorrow and legacy associated with her passing.Death of Rachel Rachel's death is recounted in Genesis 35:16-19. As Jacob and his family journeyed from Bethel, Rachel went into labor near Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. The labor was difficult, and as she struggled to give birth, the midwife attempted to comfort her by saying, "Do not be afraid, for you are having another son" (Genesis 35:17). Despite the encouragement, Rachel's condition was grave. In her final moments, Rachel named her newborn son Ben-Oni, meaning "son of my sorrow." However, Jacob, in an effort to honor her memory and perhaps to mitigate the sorrow associated with the name, called him Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand" (Genesis 35:18). Rachel's death during childbirth marked a poignant moment in the narrative of the patriarchs, highlighting the personal tragedies that accompanied their journeys. Burial of Rachel Rachel was buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Jacob set up a pillar on her grave, a practice that was customary to mark significant burial sites. The text notes, "So Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel’s tomb to this day" (Genesis 35:20). This pillar served as a lasting memorial to Rachel, ensuring that her memory would endure through generations. The location of Rachel's tomb has been a site of reverence and pilgrimage throughout history. It is traditionally identified near Bethlehem, and the site has been venerated by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. The tomb's enduring significance underscores Rachel's important role in the biblical narrative and her lasting impact on the heritage of Israel. Rachel's Legacy Rachel's death and burial are not merely historical events but are imbued with theological and emotional depth. Her life and passing are integral to the account of the twelve tribes of Israel, as she bore two of Jacob's sons who would become patriarchs of the tribes. Her account is a testament to the complexities of family dynamics, love, and loss within the biblical narrative. Rachel's memory is preserved not only through the physical marker of her tomb but also through the enduring legacy of her children, particularly Joseph, whose life and leadership would play a crucial role in the history of Israel. Her account continues to resonate with themes of faith, perseverance, and the fulfillment of God's promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 35:18-20And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 48:7 1 Samuel 10:2 Library The Debt of Israel Chapter xxxv Flight into Egypt and Slaughter of the Bethlehem Children. The History of Joseph the Carpenter. The Book of Jubilees Chapter xxxiv Concerning the violation of Dina's Chastity. Letter cviii. To Eustochium. The Gospel. The Testament of Joseph Concerning Sobriety. Resources Who was Leah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What was the purpose of a dowry (Genesis 31:15)? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Rachel: Her Grief in Consequence of Her Sterility Rachel: Jacob Serves Laban for an Additional Seven Years to Obtain Her As his Wife Rachel: Later Productiveness of; Becomes the Mother of Benjamin Rachel: Later Productiveness of; Becomes the Mother of Joseph Rachel: Steals the Household Images (Teraphim, Legal Deed) of Her Father Related Terms |
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