Topical Bible: Rachel: Later Productiveness of; Becomes the Mother of Benjamin

◄ Rachel: Later Productiveness of; Becomes the Mother of Benjamin ►

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Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, is a significant matriarch in the biblical narrative, particularly in the Book of Genesis. Initially, Rachel experienced a period of barrenness, which was a source of great distress for her. Her struggle with infertility is poignantly captured in Genesis 30:1, where she expresses her desperation to Jacob, saying, "Give me children, or I will die!" . This plea underscores the cultural and personal importance of childbearing in her time.

Despite her initial barrenness, Rachel's later productiveness is a testament to divine intervention and blessing. God remembered Rachel and listened to her, enabling her to conceive. Genesis 30:22-24 records this turning point: "Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, and she conceived and bore a son. 'God has taken away my disgrace,' she said. So she named him Joseph, saying, 'May the LORD add to me another son.'" . Joseph would go on to become a pivotal figure in the history of Israel, serving as a leader in Egypt and a preserver of his family during famine.

Rachel's later productiveness culminates in the birth of her second son, Benjamin. This event, however, is marked by both joy and tragedy. As they journeyed from Bethel, Rachel went into labor and experienced great difficulty. Genesis 35:16-18 narrates the event: "While they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel began to give birth, and her labor was difficult. During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, 'Do not be afraid, for you are having another son.' And with her last breath—for she was dying—she named him Ben-Oni. But his father called him Benjamin." . The name Ben-Oni means "son of my sorrow," reflecting Rachel's suffering, while Jacob's choice of the name Benjamin, meaning "son of the right hand," signifies a position of favor and strength.

Rachel's death during childbirth and her burial near Bethlehem are recorded in Genesis 35:19-20: "So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem). Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel's tomb." . Her legacy endures through her sons, Joseph and Benjamin, who play crucial roles in the unfolding account of the Israelites.

Rachel's life, marked by initial barrenness and later fruitfulness, highlights themes of divine providence, the fulfillment of God's promises, and the enduring impact of faith and perseverance. Her account is a poignant reminder of the complexities of human experience and the overarching sovereignty of God in the lives of His people.

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Genesis 35:16-18,24
And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor.
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