Genesis 35:20

Jacob set up a pillar on her grave; it marks Rachel's tomb to this day.

Study Bible

So Jacob set up a pillar
The act of setting up a pillar is significant in the ancient Near Eastern context. The Hebrew word for "pillar" is "מַצֵּבָה" (matzevah), which often denotes a memorial or a marker. In the patriarchal narratives, pillars were used to commemorate significant events or to serve as a witness to a covenant (Genesis 28:18). Jacob's action here is both a personal and a cultural expression of remembrance and honor. It reflects the deep love and respect he had for Rachel, his beloved wife. The pillar serves as a tangible reminder of her life and legacy, a practice that resonates with the human desire to remember and honor those who have passed.

on her grave
The grave, or "קֶבֶר" (kever) in Hebrew, is a place of burial. In ancient times, graves were often marked to signify the resting place of the deceased, and they were treated with reverence. The mention of Rachel's grave highlights the personal loss Jacob experienced. Rachel's death during childbirth (Genesis 35:16-19) was a moment of profound sorrow for Jacob, and marking her grave with a pillar was a way to express his grief and ensure that her memory would endure. This act of marking a grave is a practice that continues in many cultures today, underscoring the universal human need to remember and honor loved ones.

it marks Rachel’s tomb
The phrase "Rachel’s tomb" refers to the specific location where Rachel was buried. The Hebrew word for "tomb" is "קֶבֶר" (kever), the same as "grave," emphasizing the finality and sanctity of the burial site. Rachel's tomb has become a significant historical and religious site, revered by Jews, Christians, and Muslims alike. It is traditionally located near Bethlehem, and its mention in this verse underscores the importance of Rachel in the biblical narrative. Rachel, as the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, holds a special place in the history of Israel, and her tomb serves as a symbol of her enduring legacy.

to this day
The phrase "to this day" suggests the enduring nature of the memorial Jacob established. It indicates that at the time the text was written, Rachel's tomb was still known and recognized. This phrase is often used in the Bible to emphasize the lasting impact of certain events or places (e.g., Deuteronomy 34:6). It serves as a testament to the historical reliability of the biblical narrative and the continuity of tradition. For believers, it is a reminder of the faithfulness of God in preserving the memory of His people and their accounts throughout generations. The enduring nature of Rachel's tomb also speaks to the timelessness of God's promises and the hope of eternal remembrance in Him.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Jacob
The patriarch of the Israelites, son of Isaac and Rebekah, and father of the twelve tribes of Israel. In this passage, he is mourning the death of his beloved wife, Rachel.

2. Rachel
Jacob's favored wife, mother of Joseph and Benjamin. Her death during childbirth is a significant event in Jacob's life and the history of Israel.

3. Pillar
A stone monument set up by Jacob to mark Rachel's grave. It serves as a memorial and a physical reminder of Rachel's life and death.

4. Rachel's Tomb
The burial site of Rachel, which becomes a landmark and a place of remembrance for future generations.

5. Bethlehem
The location near which Rachel was buried. This place later becomes significant as the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Remembrance
Setting up a pillar signifies the importance of remembering those who have passed and the impact they had on our lives. It encourages us to honor the memory of loved ones and learn from their legacy.

Grief and Hope
Jacob's act of setting up a pillar reflects the human experience of grief. Yet, it also points to hope, as Rachel's legacy continues through her children, particularly Joseph, who plays a crucial role in God's plan for Israel.

Significance of Place
Rachel's tomb near Bethlehem highlights the importance of place in God's redemptive history. It reminds us that God uses specific locations to fulfill His purposes, as seen in Bethlehem's later significance.

Legacy and Influence
Rachel's life and death remind us of the lasting influence one can have. Her account encourages us to consider the legacy we are leaving for future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Jacob's act of setting up a pillar for Rachel reflect his relationship with her and his understanding of remembrance?

2. In what ways does Rachel's account connect to the broader account of Israel's history and God's redemptive plan?

3. How can we apply the concept of setting up "pillars" in our own lives to remember and honor those who have impacted us?

4. What does the location of Rachel's tomb near Bethlehem teach us about the significance of place in God's plan?

5. How can Rachel's legacy inspire us to consider the influence and impact we have on our families and communities?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 48:7
Jacob recounts Rachel's death and burial, emphasizing the personal loss and the significance of the location.

1 Samuel 10:2
References Rachel's tomb as a known landmark, indicating its continued importance in Israel's history.

Matthew 2:18
Rachel is symbolically associated with mourning in the prophecy fulfilled during Herod's massacre of the innocents, connecting her account to the broader account of Israel's suffering and hope.