rachel was barren for how many yearsrachel was barren for how many years

Rachelis also the younger sister of Leah, Jacobs first wife, and Jacobs first cousin. But it only seemed like a few days, he loved her so much. Rachel was the youngest daughter of Laban and the second wife of Jacob, her cousin. 29But he said unto him, Thou knowest, what service I have done thee, and in what taking thy cattle hath been [m]under me. Rachel and Joseph were most beloved by Jacob, and therefore they stood last. He asked for Rachels hand because he thought that Leah was intended for Esau (Tanhuma[ed. Rachel would have felt that she had committed some great sin that caused God to forget her. 39And the sheep [x]were in heat before the rods, and afterward brought forth young of parti-color, and with small and great spots. "Rachel: Midrash and Aggadah." According to another tradition, the word naftali is to be derived fromninfei(bride). In fact, she is used to symbolize acts of violence against innocent people and children. But having left home without money, he couldnt afford the bride price. Some argued that he was from the tribe of Gad, while others maintained that he was a Benjaminite. Genesis 35:19-20 tells us that Rachel died and was buried on the way to Bethlehem. It mattered that the one thing that she should have been able to do as a woman wasnt happening. Rachel was the first woman in the Bible to have been listed to die in childbirth. She became pregnant and gave birth to a son and said, God has taken away my disgrace. (Genesis 30:22-23). Rachel and Jacob were cousins. Whatever the case, she died young. 25. Unique Circular Format see more in less space. Rachels family trusted her with this task. OK. Verses 22-24. 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. cit.). Before his death, Jacob praises Joseph for acting in this manner, when he says of his son(Gen. 49:22): Joseph is a wild ass, a wild ass by a spring [ayin, also meaning eye]I must reward you for that eye [for having concealed Rachel from Esaus eye](Gen. Rabbah78:10). Articles like these are sponsored free for every Catholic through the support of generous readers just like you. "Jacob and Rachel at the Well, by James Jacques Joseph Tissot, c. 1896-1902. 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). The Birth of Benjamin and the Death of Rachel. In their custom, the older daughter must be given in marriage first before the younger one. 10:16) but he did not tell him [his uncle] anything [] about [his being anointed for] the kingship. Esther, who was descended from Rachel, was similarly reticent(Esth. The Rabbis learned from this that seven days of feasting are to be conducted for a bride and groom (Pirkei de-Rabbi Eliezer[ed. 36And he set three days journey between himself and Jacob. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. Did he not gird his loins for her [since Isaac strove and prayed so that Rebekah would become pregnant]? Jacob replied: He did not have children, I have children [I already have four sons from Leah]. Rachel retorted: And did not your grandfather [Abraham] have children [Abraham had Ishmael], yet he girded his loins for Sarah[nonetheless, he made the effort of praying so that Sarah would become pregnant]? He told her: You can do as my grandmother [Sarah] did. She asked him: And what did she do? He replied: She brought a rival wife [Hagar] into her house. She responded: If this is the obstacle, [then](Gen. 30:3): Here is my maid Bilhah. One sister had the love of their husband while the other could only provide their home with children. How are you allowing an unfavorable situation to shape who you become? Rachel Baran is an extraordinarily talented U.S.-based photographer who creates amazing surreal and conceptual portraits that thousands of people have fallen in love with. Rachel became competitive and with each child born to her, she claimed victory over her sister. There is also a very great possibility that Leah used it to insult her. Hes wanting to bring you closer to him. Even after marrying Jacob, she was not blessed with children for many years. She was very persistent. This got Jacob into some serious trouble with Laban but she never came forward with the truth. This is the problem: as soon as Rachel gave birth to Joseph, she wanted more. From the Jewish Museum, New York, via Wikimedia Commons. She was a strong woman with a ferocious and stubborn spirit and a will as unrelenting as the rains of a thunderstorm. This statement was the expression of a desire for more sons which would have allowed to gain ground in the baby battle against her sister. This was exceedingly difficult for me, when I learned of this counsel. Rachel said: Were not the vicissitudes that Jacob underwent for me? A compilation of the commentary and discussions of the, Matriarchs: A Liturgical and Theological Category, Modesty and Sexuality in Halakhic Literature, The Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women, Copyright 19982023, Jewish Women's Archive. Attractive design ideal for your home, office, church . Theodor-Albeck, MS. Vatican, 99:20, p. 1270]). Gen. 30:14relates that Reuben found mandrakes, which are prophylactic, in the field, and brought them to his mother Leah. - And God remembered Rachel (cf. Themidrashlists three reasons for Jacobs crying on this occasion. Themidrashlinks the birth of Joseph and the departure from the house of Laban with the encounter with Esau. 11Then said Leah, [f]A company cometh: and she called his name, Gad. As Rachel is dying from childbirth, she gives her son a name Benoni, which means sorrow. Harvard Theological Review113, no. Buber],Vayeze13). More insights from your Bible study - Get Started with Logos Bible Software for Free! Having children ensured a workforce for the family to generate and sustain wealth. Overall, the midrash portrays Rachel as incredibly generous and compassionate, and her goodness is seen in her descendants. And this was not allI went under the bed where he lay with my sister: he would speak with her, and I responded every time, while she remained silent, so that he would not recognize her voice. Joseph and Benjamin, her two birth sons became two of the 12 tribes of Israel. 17And God heard Leah and she conceived, and bare unto Jacob the fifth son. The Rabbis learned from this that when God decrees greatness for a person, He decrees greatness for all his posterity to the end of time (BTMegillah13b). When Rachel saw how Leah had been blessed with children when she herself was barren . The Bible describes Rachel as being one of the prettiest and most physically attractive women of the Scriptures. 26Give me my wives and my children, for whom I have served thee, and let me go: for thou knowest what service I have done thee. (Viewed on July 17, 2023) . When Jacob wanted to leave Haran, he summoned his wives to the field and told them of his plans. So far we see that Rachel had both good and bad characteristics. (Genesis 30:8). Lina D. BoredPanda staff. Only God knows how to bring out the beauty from the broken. The 12 boys born from this feud became the 12 tribes of Israel. The midrash teaches how she experienced the social shame of being a barren woman. 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. The life lessons from Rachel in the Bible are many. 4:19), andMichal (daughter of Saul)(II Sam. Learn how your comment data is processed. The Rabbis present Labans act of deceit as something in which Rachel was involved, from which they learn of her special qualities. The arrogancy of mans nature appeareth in that she contemneth her sister, after she hath received this benefit of God to bear children. Did I not go to Laban only for Rachel? The impregnation of Sarah and Rachel, the Matriarchs of the nation, heralds that God will also deliver their descendants from the troubles they would suffer in the future. However, Laban believed his older daughter should marry first. As we go through this study, we will explore the details that made Rachels life difficult, how it shaped her characteristics and the lessons we can learn from her life. 43So the man increased exceedingly, and had many flocks, and maid servants, and men servants, and camels, and asses. According to these first two traditions, Naphtalis name portrays an experience undergone by Rachel. Rachel no doubt pleaded with God night and day to do something about her childless state. Referred to alternatively as the "Day of Judgement" and the "Day of Blowing" (of the shofar).Rosh Ha-Shanah, like Sarah andHannah. Her lack of contentment does her in. 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). However, since he was delayed in fulfilling his vow [as is related inGen. 35:17], he was punished by having to bury Rachel. If she had more boy babies, she would become closer to being superior to Leah. Give me children or I will die. All rights reserved. Rachel did not possess many of the qualities we thought she did. Even when he came to bless her son, he made him [Joseph] secondary to her. Then Rachel said, I have had a great struggle with my sister, and I have won. So she named him Naphtali. 113:9states: He sets the childless woman among her household as a happy mother of children (Pesikta de-Rav Kahana[ed. Themidrashrecords a disagreement among the Rabbis concerning the origins of Elijah. In another exegetical tradition, Jacob placed Rachel and Joseph last because he wanted to protect them. Matthew 2:18). Rachels Barrenness Rachel remained barren while: Rachels Final Days Finally, after many years Rachel bore Jacob two sons, Joseph, was mentioned in Genesis 30:22-24. The character of Rachel in the Bible stands out as one of the most memorable women. "teaching," "study," or "learning." Rachels father Laban was known as a shepherd and from that context he decided to name his younger daughter ewe, which is a female sheep. One of the qualities of competitive people is that they never give up. Even the moment Joseph is born, Rachel isnt satisfied. These midrashic expositions cast Rachels act in a positive light. How many more promotions? Referred to alternatively as the "Day of Judgement" and the "Day of Blowing" (of the, Lit. The Jewish New Year, held on the first and second days of the Hebrew month of Tishrei. 35Therefore [u]he took out the same day the he goats that were parti-colored and with great spots, and all the she goats with little and great spots, and all that had white in them, and all the [v]black among the sheep, and put them in the keeping of his sons. mh)Noun - masculine singular construct | third person feminine singularStrong's 7358: The womb LinksGenesis 30:22 NIVGenesis 30:22 NLTGenesis 30:22 ESVGenesis 30:22 NASBGenesis 30:22 KJVGenesis 30:22 BibleApps.comGenesis 30:22 Biblia ParalelaGenesis 30:22 Chinese BibleGenesis 30:22 French BibleGenesis 30:22 Catholic BibleOT Law: Genesis 30:22 God remembered Rachel and God listened (Gen. Ge Gn). Fertility for both land and people was God?s design for His creation (Gen 1:11?12, 28). The midrash views this confrontation between Jacob and Esau as symbolizing the future rivalries between the descendants of the two. Leah's story starts in Genesis 29. Lives were being affected and the impact would be seen for generations. Rebekah is Jacobs mother. Genesis 30 Living Bible 30 Rachel, realizing she was barren, became envious of her sister. 15But she answered her, Is it a small matter for thee to take mine husband, except thou take my sons mandrakes also? They agreed on another deal. 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 Jacob arrived in Haran at a particular place, the Bible says, Rachel arrived with her fathers sheep, for she was a shepherdess. cit.) Yet another tradition asserts that this was not stated to Rachels credit, and confirms the fact of her barrenness. After Rebecca, the next most prominent woman in the Bible is Rachel, the wife of Jacob and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. According to one, Reuben, Leahs son and the firstborn of Jacob, does receive the birthright. "He is the one who is responsible for your barrenness." God shows up for all His children whether we are naughty or nice. She named him Joseph, and said, May the LORD add to me another son. The Rabbis are lavish in their praise of Rachel, whom they describe as merciful, and who waived her personal benefit and desires on behalf of her sister. Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. "the written Torah." Parents may want to offer a counter to . God isnt trying to harden you. Rachel said: I should have been Jacobs bride before my sister. Rachel, who was not so occupied, therefore became the mainstay of the household. Higger], chap. I know there is hardly anything that could replace the experience of pregnancy and birthing your own baby. Thus, we see that the rivalry between the two sisters did not come to an end but even pertains to the identity of the herald of the future Redemption. However, it was not long after this occurrence that Jacobs curse came true when Rachel died during the birth of Benjamin as revealed in Genesis 35:18. Men were permitted to divorce their wives if they had no children up to 10 years after their marriage. I am from the descendants of Rachel(Gen. Rabbah71:9). With that came her ability to think up solutions, to negotiate with her sister for the mandrake. 3And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in to her, and she shall bear upon my [b]knees, and [c]I shall have children also by her. "order." 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. According to one opinion, her death was a punishment for Jacob, for having made a vow and then not honoring it. Rachel was desperate and in poor mental health. Think also about how it affected generations. All the furrows that I plowed in your mother [i.e., acts of intercourse] should I not have done with Rachel? 29:31; Leah conceives and bears four . Giving her servant to her husband had nothing to do with love. This is what the Lord says: A voice is heard in Ramah, mourning and great weeping, Rachel weeping for her children and refusing to be comforted, because they are no more. Jeremiah 31:15. 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. Rachels good deeds also positively influenced her children. Jacob set a pillar over her tomb that is still said to mark Rachels grave. The idea of a great struggle here means to wrestle or fight. The Rabbis commented on the sale of the mandrakes: This one lost and the other one lost, this one was rewarded and the other one was rewarded. Leah lost the mandrakes and was rewarded with tribes; Rachel lost burial, and was rewarded with the birthright(Gen. Rabbah72:3). Rachels mourning and sorrow is recalled throughout the Bible. Introduction to Part 2. Hadjittofi, Fotini, and Hagith Sivan. This exegetical direction is supported by the divine aid she received in the miraculous concealment of the idols from Laban. Rachel had her ways but she was a real fighter. Rachel is also the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, Jacobs two youngest sons. The disgrace and shame was real. In another tradition, God remembered Rachels silence when Leah was given to Jacob instead of her. This tells us that she was hardworking and responsible. Rachel asks Jacob: Is this how your father [Isaac] acted toward your mother [Rebekah]? 30 And he went in also unto Rachel, and he loved also Rachel more than Leah, and served with him yet seven other years. Buber],Mikez13). 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. parable of the carrot, egg, and coffee bean. And it might have cost her an early death. Then God remembered Rachel; he listened to her and opened her womb. Rachel met Jacob when he was fleeing from his hometown. After agreeing to share until they can find other accommodations, they realize something sinister, and likely inescapable, is unfolding. An opposing exegetical view, however, notes that when Jacob sent for his wives to come to the field(Gen. 31:5), theTorahstates: Jacob had Rachel and Leah called to the fieldhe called to Rachel first, and therefore she acted properly when she was the first to respond to him. Buber],Vayeze19). Yes, she was a woman of faith and a prayer warrior but much of that spiritual energy was used to fuel self-interest. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Some midrashim view the name given by Rachel to her son Joseph as a prophecy for what would befall his descendants. Why did Rachel die? The Rabbis ask why Jacob buried Rachel on the road to Ephrath, and not in the Cave of Machpelah. The purpose of the comparison between Benjamin and his mother was to say that just as Benjamin was unjustly accused, so, too, Rachel should not have been called a thief, since her motive was positive. . He rains on the just and the unjust (Matthew 5:45). God shows up even for those who dont have the purest hearts or intentions. The name Rachel means ewe. Rosh Hashanah 123rf Remembering the Barrenness of Sarah, Rachel, and Hannah According to the Talmud, . After Benjamin was born, Rachel suddenly died. Jewish Women's Archive. Once she has given birth, she places the blame on her child (Tanhuma[ed. Her name means "ewe" Rachel's father Laban was known as a shepherd and from that context he decided to name his younger daughter "ewe," which is a female sheep. So she kept making decisions towards accomplishing that. It speaks of a tradition possessed by Jacob that Esau would fall only by the hand of Rachels sons. How many more degrees and certificates? The two wed in 1946 in Los Angeles and were married until the baseball icon's death in 1972. 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). Rabbah, according to which Rachel entered under Jacob and Leahs bed on their wedding night. This exegesis hints that in the rivalry between Israel and Esau [= Rome] Rachels children would emerge victorious. Jacobs response is described in v. 2: Jacob was incensed at Rachel, and said, Can I take the place of God, who has denied you fruit of the womb? The midrashic exegesis further intensifies Jacobs strong statement. Genesis 30:1. 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. : 07870 558009 elden ring summoning range. This exposition emphasizes that Jacob acted in accordance with the commandment of the Torah and did not prefer the son of the loved wife to the son of the unloved one. It symbolized prosperity. According to another exegetical approach, it is Rachels son who wins the birthright. Jacob had traveled a great distance to find Laban. She performed the exchange fully aware of what she was doing, even though she knew that Leah would bear most of Jacobs sons. These two exegetical positions derive the word akarah from ikar. The first view maintains that even though Leah had children, Rachel continued to be the beloved and preferred wife, which was expressed in the running of the household. "teaching," "study," or "learning." Buber],Vayeshev19).

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