Rachel did not possess many of the qualities we thought she did. Taking them away was a demonstration of taking authority from her father. What is the difference between a blessing and a birthright (Genesis 25)? Even when he came to bless her son, he made him [Joseph] secondary to her. The Rabbis present Labans act of deceit as something in which Rachel was involved, from which they learn of her special qualities. They answer that Jacob saw with the spirit of divine inspiration that when the Israelites would set out to exile, they would pass through Bethlehem on the road to Ephrath, and so he buried Rachel there, so that she would pray for them. Thanks for taking the time to read the post and sharing your thoughts. Themidrashfurther relates that Jacob loved Rachel more than Leah, and he even loved Bilhah, Rachels handmaiden, more than he loved Zilpah, the handmaiden of Leah (Gen. Rabbati,Vayeze, p. 120). Rosh Hashanah is perceived as the time of liberation from pain and sorrow: this is the day that signals a positive change, both in the time of the Matriarchs and in the time of their offspring. of sterility. Why was a fathers blessing so highly valued in the Old Testament? Rachel is weeping for her children; she refuses to be comforted for her children, because they are not (Jeremiah 31:15). Like Rachel, anyone can easily give in to unpleasant situations and allow themselves to be influenced in really awful ways. While the exact site of her burial has been disputed over the years, a location near Bethlehem has been revered by Jews, Muslims and Christians for thousands of years as the place of her tomb. This is whyGen. 29:25relates: When morning came, there was Leah!because Rachel had given her the signs, Jacob did not know until the morning that they had switched(BTBava Batra123a). It seemed like there were more negative than positive qualities. Rachel was so much more than a jealous and discontented woman. What is the meaning of the name Reuben? Sarah, the first barren female The first woman recorded in Scripture as being childless (barren) was Sarai, the wife of Abraham (later renamed Sarah). "teaching," "study," or "learning." So did your mother shame our father when she stole the household idols from Laban! By merit of the blows that he received on his shoulders, theShekhinah(Divine Presence) would rest between Benjamins shoulders, as it is said in the blessing by Moses(Deut. The Rabbis were concerned with the nature of this kiss, which they regarded as an improper act. cit.) What am I, flesh and blood, dust and ashes, that I was not jealous of my rival wife, and that I did not allow her to be shamed and disgraced, but You, merciful living and eternal King, why were You jealous of idolatry that is of no import, and exiled my children who were slain by the sword, and allowed their enemies to do with them as they pleased? Gods mercy was immediately revealed, and He said: For your sake, Rachel, I shall return Israel to their placefor there is a reward for your labor []. 29But he said unto him, Thou knowest, what service I have done thee, and in what taking thy cattle hath been [m]under me. But that was not enough. Themidrashlinks the birth of Joseph and the departure from the house of Laban with the encounter with Esau. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. The competition between Rachel and Leah did not cease upon Rachels death, and is reflected in the question of the birthright: which of the firstborn of Jacobs wives would receive the birthright, Reuben or Joseph? Gen. 30:23records that when Rachel gave birth to Joseph she explained: God has taken away [asaf] my disgrace. The Rabbis observe that until a woman gives birth, whatever blame [there is, within the house] is placed upon her. Bilhah bore Jacob two sons, Dan and Naphtali, the first by her own merit, and the second by the merit of Rachel (Gen. Rabbati,Vayeze, p. 121). Even after marrying Jacob, she was not blessed with children for many years. There is also an intermediate approach, which argues that Reuben should have received the birthright, but it was permanently taken from him because of his sin. Copyright Aleteia SAS all rights reserved. Jacob agreed and was then married to Rachel a week later. Read the latest from JWA from your inbox. This midrash compares the barrenness of the three Matriarchs and the conduct of the three Patriarchs, which intensifies the criticism of Jacob, who should have acted as his forefathers did, and pray on behalf of Rachel in accordance with her wishes. In a culture where having children, especially sons, defined who you were, Rachel wouldn't have been seen favorably among women. Her name means "ewe" (a female sheep) which is pretty much a giveaway of what her father did for a living. The insecurity in her own female skin was so real. Her father is Laban, the brother of Rebekah. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Buber],Vayeze12). Rachel initially relies on her handmaiden Bilhah to bear children in her place, but Rachel eventually becomes pregnant and goes on to have one other child. Buber],Vayeze13). 32I will pass through all thy flocks this day, and [p]separate from them all the sheep with little spots and great spots, and all [q]black lambs among the sheep, and the great spotted, and little spotted among the goats: [r]and it shall be my wages. Although in those days the more the merrier. Rachel in the Bible - Jacob's Wife and Mother of Joseph - Learn Religions This was exceedingly difficult for me, when I learned of this counsel. He had been married to and spent the night with Leah rather than Rachel (Genesis 29: 25). Genesis 30 GNV - 4,9 Rachel and Leah being both barren Saul, the son of Rachels son, remained silent(I Sam. Rachel in the Bible: Characteristics and lessons learned Their passionate romance was marked by love's inspiring endurance and sacrifice as well as its ugly face of jealousy ( Genesis 2535 ). 9And when Leah saw that she had left bearing, she took Zilpah her maid, and gave her Jacob to wife. His prophecy was fulfilled, asJer. According to one, Reuben, Leahs son and the firstborn of Jacob, does receive the birthright. Chapter 4 Sarah, Rebekah and Rachel: Beautiful and Barren Chapter 5 Infertility in the Former Prophets. How Long Was Joseph In Potiphars House? rachel was barren for how many years - bestbuilders.london (Viewed on July 17, 2023) . Whatever the case, she died young. Her handmaid was pulled into this competition and became an innocent bystander of the brutal battle between Rachel and Leah. The midrash views this confrontation between Jacob and Esau as symbolizing the future rivalries between the descendants of the two. (More on this later.). Thus, for example, the Bejaminite Saul would wage war against and triumph against Amalek, the descendant of Esau; and Mordecai, from the tribe of Benjamin, would use his wisdom to best the Amalekite Haman. When Laban overtook Jacob in the hill country of Gilead, he reproached him(Gen. 31:30): but why did you steal my idols?, to which Jacob replied (v. 32): But anyone with whom you find your gods shall not remain alive! Themidrashexplains that this statement by Jacob was as an error committed by a ruler [which is nevertheless implementedfollowingEccl. Even the moment Joseph is born, Rachel isnt satisfied. 17) - and opened her womb - as he had previously done to Leah (Genesis 29:31).Rachel's barrenness had not continued so long as either Sarah's or Rebekah's. And she conceived, and bare a son; and said, God hath taken away my reproach - i.e. Lina D. BoredPanda staff. When you consider that her husband Jacob died at 147 years old, Rachel really didnt have a long life. The contention between the two women did not cease even after Rachels death, and arose again as regards the seniority of Jacobs sons: who would be considered the firstbornthe son of Leah, or of Rachel; and similarly, regarding the origin of Elijah, the harbinger of the Redemption. Laban did not find them as Rachel was exempted from the search as she claimed to be unable to rise from her mattress because of her period. 5:14): From Ephraim came they whose roots are in Amalek [literally: From Ephraim came those who will destroy Amalek from its roots]and Israel will be rescued only by the son of Rachel. She was barren and she felt that God was withholding the blessing of children from her. 22 And God remembered Rachel, and God heard her, [j]and opened her womb. Leah knew that twelve tribes would issue from Jacob. Leah in the Bible - Life, Hope and Truth Joshua son of Nun was an Ephraimite, one of Rachels descendants. Thanks to their partnership in our mission, we reachmore than 20 million unique users per month! Rachel no doubt pleaded with God night and day to do something about her childless state. Rachel said: If Leah were not righteous, would she have given birth?(Gen. Rabbah71:6). Rabbah[ed. There were both social and economic implications. Infertility in the Bible: Rachel, the Barren Sister And Jacob answered, Thou shalt give me nothing at all: if thou wilt do this thing for me, I will return, feed, and keep thy sheep. Genesis 29 Quiz - SalvationCall When Jacob blesses Joseph before his death, he tells his son(Gen. 49:25): The God of your father who helps you, and Shaddai who blesses you [] blessings of the breast and the womb. The Rabbis comment on this: Come and see how greatly Jacob loved Rachel. 20Then Leah said, God hath endowed me with a good dowry: now will mine husband dwell with me, because I have borne him six sons: and she called his name Zebulun. When, toward the end of his life, Jacob told Joseph about Rachels death, he said(Gen. 48:7): I [do this because], when I was returning from Paddan, Rachel died, to my sorrow. The wording died, to my sorrow teach the Rabbis that Rachels death was the harshest of all the troubles that befell Jacob(Gen. Rabbah97:7, [ed. Kadari, Tamar. They assert that Jacobs kiss was not a wanton one, but one that expressed familial feeling, since Rachel was related to him (Gen. Rabbahloc. Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. A type of non-halakhic literary activitiy of the Rabbis for interpreting non-legal material according to special principles of interpretation (hermeneutical rules). You may unsubscribe from Bible Gateways emails at any time. "order." 10:12): Stand still, O sun, at Gibeon, O moon, in the Valley of Aijalon! was by merit of Rachels kindness (Tanhuma[ed. In the Bible, Rachel was described as beautiful in form and . Jacob's uncle, Laban, had two daughters. Only God knows how to bring out the beauty from the broken. In theTorahReuben is deposed from his status as firstborn for having violated his fathers bed(Gen. 49:34) and this distinction is conferred on Joseph when Jacob declares that Ephraim and Manasseh are his sons(Gen. 48:56). Does this sound like someone in a healthy state of mind? Ending soon! Men were permitted to divorce their wives if they had no children up to 10 years after their marriage. This midrash uses a common date to connect various historical events. Lets explore a few. When Joseph was born, Rachel stated(Gen. 30:24): May the Lord add [yosef] another son for me. TheLit. Rachel is a good example of what not to become. A woman's (Georgina Campbell) nightmares are realized when she arrives at a rental property only to find a man (Bill Skarsgrd) that has also rented the same place. It is not clear how long Abraham and Friedmann (Ish-Shalom)], chap. She died leaving two sons, one of them a baby, and a broken-hearted husband. How many more degrees and certificates? I am from the descendants of Rachel(Gen. Rabbah71:9). After agreeing to share until they can find other accommodations, they realize something sinister, and likely inescapable, is unfolding. "He is the one who is responsible for your barrenness." Themidrashrelates that Rachel was twenty-two years old when she was married to Jacob (SederOlam Rabbah2), and her barrenness lasted for fourteen years (Seder Eliyahu Rabbah18, p. 99). Just think about your own family and how the decisions of your grandparents and parents have affected your life. Jacob allowed Laban to search for the idols. They were even given to Jacob, to have children they could never own. "Rachel: Midrash and Aggadah." It could be that she worshipped many gods or maybe she intended to spite her father who did not allow her any of the dowry or inheritance. 39And the sheep [x]were in heat before the rods, and afterward brought forth young of parti-color, and with small and great spots. Early the morning following the honeymoon, Jacob realized that Laban had given Rachels sister, Leah, instead. Part 2 Social Barrenness. Why Did Christ Ride a Donkey on His Triumphant Entry? The following week he married Rachel and worked the next 7 years for her. Themidrashrelates that there was no maiden comelier than Rachel, which was why Jacob desired to wed her, and sent her presents. As she saw her sister having child after child after child, the green-eyed monster rose up inside her. According to another exegetical approach, it is Rachels son who wins the birthright. Jacob discovered the morning after the wedding night that he had been deceived. Benjamin, who had just been born, needed a wet nurse; a miracle was performed for Bilhah and her breasts filled with milk, thus enabling her to nurse the newborn(Tanhuma,Vayeshev7; see also the entry: Bilhah). 31:15Israel is called after Rachel: Rachel weeping for her children; inAmos 5:15Israel is named after her son: Perhaps the Lord, the God of Hosts, will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph; and inJer. But, God shows up for Rachel anyway. The Rabbis further learned from Jacobs words that a wifes death profoundly affects her husband(BTSanhedrin22b). Attractive design ideal for your home, office, church . Rachel said: I prepared myself [nupeti, i.e., I prepared myself for Jacobs bed], I allowed myself to be persuaded [pititito withdraw in favor of my sister and to aid her to be Jacobs wife], I exalted my sister over myself [taliti ahoti alai], and I have prevailed(Gen. Rabbah71:8). 3 (2020): 299-333. Bronze to Iron Age During this period making items of bronze seemed to be migrating into the Iron Age. cit.). I wouldnt argue with this. By your life, your sons will stand before her son, and he will tell them(Gen. 50:19) Am I a substitute for God?(Gen. Rabbah71:7). 28Also he said, Appoint unto me thy wages, and I will give it thee. When Jacob saw Rachel coming with the flock, he rolled the heavy stone from the mouth of the well by himself, a task that normally required more than three men; in the midrashic exposition, he rolled the stone as someone who removes a stopper from a flask(Gen. Rabbah70:12). Jacob's other wife is Rachel's sister Leah, which causes issues between the sisters, especially because Leah is able to bear children. But Rachel took something that didnt belong to her. The Rabbis teach of Rachels compassion for her sister, that prevailed over her loyalty to Jacob, along with the unending tension between the two women who lived under the same roof. The reason for this was Josephs fear that Esau would see Rachel and desire her.

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