Genesis 46:22
These are the sons of Rachel born to Jacob--fourteen in all.
These are the sons of Rachel
Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob, holds a significant place in the narrative of the patriarchs. Her account is one of deep love, longing, and eventual fulfillment. The Hebrew name "Rachel" means "ewe," symbolizing purity and gentleness. Rachel's sons, Joseph and Benjamin, are central figures in the unfolding account of Israel. Her life and her sons' lives are a testament to God's providence and the fulfillment of His promises, despite human frailty and struggle.

who were born to Jacob
Jacob, also known as Israel, is the patriarch through whom God established the twelve tribes of Israel. The phrase "born to Jacob" emphasizes the continuation of God's covenant promise to Abraham, Isaac, and now Jacob. Each son represents a tribe, a fulfillment of God's promise to make Jacob's descendants as numerous as the stars. The Hebrew root for "born" (yalad) signifies not just physical birth but the continuation of a divine promise and legacy.

fourteen in all
The number fourteen here is significant, as it represents the total number of Rachel's descendants who went to Egypt with Jacob. In biblical numerology, fourteen can symbolize a double measure of spiritual perfection or completion, as it is twice the number seven, which often represents completeness or divine perfection. This number underscores the idea that God's plan is unfolding perfectly, even in the midst of human history and migration. Rachel's lineage, though initially marked by barrenness, is now complete and fruitful, reflecting God's faithfulness to His promises.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rachel
The beloved wife of Jacob, who bore him two sons, Joseph and Benjamin. Her account is significant in the account of Jacob's family and the tribes of Israel.

2. Jacob
Also known as Israel, he is the patriarch of the twelve tribes of Israel. His journey and family dynamics are central to the Genesis account.

3. Joseph
Rachel's firstborn son, who became a prominent figure in Egypt and played a crucial role in the survival of his family during famine.

4. Benjamin
The youngest son of Jacob and Rachel, whose descendants became one of the tribes of Israel.

5. Fourteen in all
This number includes the sons and grandsons of Rachel, emphasizing the growth and significance of her lineage within the tribes of Israel.
Teaching Points
God's Sovereignty in Family Dynamics
Despite human imperfections and family strife, God's plan prevails. Rachel's sons played pivotal roles in the history of Israel, demonstrating God's ability to work through complex family situations.

The Significance of Legacy
Rachel's legacy is seen in her sons, Joseph and Benjamin, who became leaders and symbols of God's faithfulness. Our actions and faith can have lasting impacts on future generations.

Trust in God's Timing
Rachel's account reminds us of the importance of patience and trust in God's timing. Her struggles and eventual blessings encourage believers to remain faithful amidst trials.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Rachel's life illustrates the significant role women play in God's redemptive history. Her account encourages us to value and recognize the contributions of women in the faith community.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Rachel's account in Genesis 46:22 reflect God's faithfulness to His promises, and how can this encourage us in our personal faith journey?

2. In what ways do the lives of Joseph and Benjamin demonstrate the importance of legacy and influence within a family? How can we apply this to our own families?

3. Considering the family dynamics in Jacob's household, what lessons can we learn about handling conflict and maintaining faith in God's plan?

4. How does the account of Rachel and her sons connect to the broader account of redemption in the Bible, and what does this teach us about God's sovereignty?

5. Reflect on the role of women in the Bible, as seen in Rachel's account. How can we better support and recognize the contributions of women in our faith communities today?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 29-30
These chapters detail the births of Jacob's children, including the account of Rachel and Leah, providing context for the family dynamics and God's providence in Jacob's life.

Genesis 35:16-20
This passage recounts Rachel's death during the birth of Benjamin, highlighting the cost and significance of her contribution to Jacob's family.

Genesis 37-50
The account of Joseph, Rachel's son, who rises to power in Egypt and ultimately saves his family, fulfilling God's promises to Jacob.

1 Chronicles 2:1-2
Lists the sons of Israel, affirming the importance of Rachel's sons in the lineage of the tribes of Israel.
The Beginning of the NationR.A. Redford Genesis 46:8-27
The Catalogue of the Children of IsraelT. H. Leale.Genesis 46:8-27
People
Aram, Ard, Areli, Arodi, Asenath, Ashbel, Asher, Becher, Bela, Belah, Benjamin, Beriah, Bilhah, Canaanitish, Carmi, Dan, Dinah, Egyptians, Ehi, Elon, Enoch, Er, Eri, Ezbon, Gad, Gera, Gershon, Guni, Haggai, Haggi, Hamul, Hanoch, Heber, Hezron, Huppim, Hushim, Imnah, Isaac, Ishuah, Issachar, Isui, Jachin, Jacob, Jahleel, Jahzeel, Jahziel, Jamin, Jashub, Jemuel, Jezer, Jimnah, Job, Joseph, Kohath, Laban, Leah, Levi, Malchiel, Manasseh, Merari, Muppim, Naaman, Naphtali, Ohad, Onan, Pallu, Perez, Phallu, Pharaoh, Pharez, Phuvah, Potipherah, Puah, Rachel, Reuben, Rosh, Sarah, Saul, Serah, Sered, Shaul, Shelah, Shillem, Shimron, Shuni, Simeon, Tola, Zarah, Zebulun, Zephon, Zerah, Zilpah, Ziphion, Zohar
Places
Beersheba, Canaan, Egypt, Goshen, On, Paddan-aram
Topics
Born, Fourteen, Jacob, Persons, Rachel, Sons, Souls
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 46:8-27

     7230   genealogies

Library
Estimate of the Scope and Value of Jerome's Writings.
General. The writings of Jerome must be estimated not merely by their intrinsic merits, but by his historical position and influence. It has already been pointed out that he stands at the close of the old Græco-Roman civilisation: the last Roman poet of any repute, Claudian, and the last Roman historian, Ammianus Marcellinus, died before him. Augustin survived him, but the other great Fathers, both in the East and in the West, had passed away before him. The sack of Rome by Alaric (410) and
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Four Shaping Centuries
'Now these are the names of the children of Israel, which came into Egypt: every man and his household came with Jacob. 2. Reuben, Simeon, Levi, and Judah, 3. Issachar, Zebulun, and Benjamin, 4. Dan and Naphtali, Gad and Asher. 5. And all the souls that came out of the loins of Jacob were seventy souls: for Joseph was in Egypt already. 6. And Joseph died, and all his brethren, and all that generation. 7, And the children of Israel were fruitful, and increased abundantly, and multiplied, and waxed
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Faith of Moses.
"By faith Moses, when he was born, was hid three months by his parents, because they saw he was a goodly child; and they were not afraid of the king's commandment. By faith Moses, when he was grown up, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter; choosing rather to be evil entreated with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season; accounting the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he looked unto the recompense of reward. By faith he forsook
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews

The Hebrews and the Philistines --Damascus
THE ISRAELITES IN THE LAND OF CANAAN: THE JUDGES--THE PHILISTINES AND THE HEBREW KINGDOM--SAUL, DAVID, SOLOMON, THE DEFECTION OF THE TEN TRIBES--THE XXIst EGYPTIAN DYNASTY--SHESHONQ OR SHISHAK DAMASCUS. The Hebrews in the desert: their families, clans, and tribes--The Amorites and the Hebrews on the left bank of the Jordan--The conquest of Canaan and the native reaction against the Hebrews--The judges, Ehud, Deborah, Jerubbaal or Gideon and the Manassite supremacy; Abimelech, Jephihdh. The Philistines,
G. Maspero—History Of Egypt, Chaldaea, Syria, Babylonia, and Assyria, V 6

But in Order that we Fall not Away from Continence...
10. But in order that we fall not away from Continence, we ought to watch specially against those snares of the suggestions of the devil, that we presume not of our own strength. For, "Cursed is every one that setteth his hope in man." [1838] And who is he, but man? We cannot therefore truly say that he setteth not his hope in man, who setteth it in himself. For this also, to "live after man," what is it but to "live after the flesh?" Whoso therefore is tempted by such a suggestion, let him hear,
St. Augustine—On Continence

Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament

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