Genesis 35:16-20 – Death of a Beloved Wife
Jacob has travelled to Bethel and worshiped God just as he promised he would do if God brought him safely back to Canaan. God has appeared to Jacob in a vision promising him many descendants and the land of Canaan as an inheritance. However, these promises are not going to be immediately fulfiled, and for now Jacob and his family are to be wandering herdsmen in Canaan, moving about from place to place.
As they are journeying towards Bethlehem, Rachel goes into labour. It is a very hard labour, and the midwife tries to encourage Rachel by telling her that she is going to have another son. But the cost of this long-awaited child is Rachel’s life, and she names her son Ben-Oni, which means ‘the son of my sorrow’. But Jacob does not want to remember his beloved wife’s death every time he says the name of his son, so he renames him Benjamin which means ‘the son of my right hand.’ He sees Benjamin as being a very dear blessing to him and a support in his old age.
Jacob buries Rachel near the place where she dies, and we can be sure that he mourns greatly for the one to whom his seven years of work ‘seemed like only a few days to him because of his great love for her.’ Jacob sets up a pillar upon her grave, and years later this area will fall into the lot of Benjamin. Jacob has set up a pillar in Bethel in remembrance of his joys, and now he sets one up in remembrance of his sorrows.
Questions
- What happens to Rachel?
- What does she name her son and what does it mean?
- What does Jacob rename him and what does it mean?
Prayer Points
- Give thanks for the gift of children.
- Use prayer points from your congregation.
- Pray for family matters.