During her severe labor, the midwife said to her, "Do not be afraid, for you are having another son." During her severe laborThe phrase "severe labor" indicates the intense and difficult childbirth that Rachel is experiencing. In Hebrew, the word for labor here is "קָשָׁה" (qashah), which means hard or severe. This reflects the physical and emotional struggle Rachel is enduring. Historically, childbirth in ancient times was fraught with danger, lacking the medical advancements we have today. This moment underscores the vulnerability and strength of women in biblical narratives, highlighting the perseverance required in the face of life's challenges. the midwife said to her
The presence of a midwife signifies the communal and supportive role women played in childbirth during biblical times. Midwives were essential figures, providing care and reassurance. The Hebrew term for midwife is "מְיַלֶּדֶת" (meyaledet), which comes from the root "יָלַד" (yalad), meaning to bear or bring forth. This role is not just medical but deeply spiritual, as midwives were often seen as partners with God in the miracle of birth. Do not be afraid
This phrase is a common biblical exhortation, "אַל־תִּירְאִי" (al-tiri'i), meaning "fear not." It is a divine reassurance found throughout Scripture, often spoken by God or His messengers. Here, it serves to comfort Rachel in her distress, reminding her of God's presence and faithfulness even in the midst of pain. This encouragement is a timeless reminder for believers to trust in God's sovereignty and care. for you are having another son
The announcement of "another son" is significant in the context of Rachel's life. The Hebrew word for son is "בֵּן" (ben), which also carries connotations of building or establishing. Rachel's desire for children is a recurring theme in Genesis, and the birth of another son is both a fulfillment of her longing and a continuation of God's promise to Abraham to make his descendants numerous. This moment is bittersweet, as it foreshadows Rachel's impending death, yet it also highlights the joy and hope that new life brings. Persons / Places / Events 1. RachelThe beloved wife of Jacob, who is experiencing severe labor. Her account is one of longing and fulfillment, as she had previously been barren before God opened her womb. 2. JacobThe patriarch of the Israelite tribes, husband to Rachel, and father to her children. His journey is marked by encounters with God and the fulfillment of His promises. 3. MidwifeAn unnamed woman assisting Rachel during childbirth. Her role is crucial in providing comfort and assurance during a critical moment. 4. Bethlehem (Ephrath)The place near where Rachel gives birth. It later becomes significant as the birthplace of King David and Jesus Christ. 5. BenjaminThe son born to Rachel during this labor. His birth is significant as he becomes one of the twelve tribes of Israel. Teaching Points God's Faithfulness in TrialsRachel's severe labor reminds us that God's promises often come through trials. We can trust His faithfulness even in difficult times. The Role of EncouragementThe midwife's words, "Do not be afraid," highlight the power of encouragement. As believers, we are called to support and uplift one another, especially in times of distress. Significance of NamesThe naming of Benjamin ("son of the right hand") reflects the importance of identity and destiny in God's plan. Our names and identities in Christ carry purpose and promise. Legacy and ImpactRachel's account and the birth of Benjamin remind us that our lives and actions have lasting impacts on future generations. We are part of a larger account that God is weaving. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rachel's experience of severe labor and the birth of Benjamin reflect God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises, even amidst trials? 2. In what ways can we be like the midwife, offering encouragement and support to those around us who are facing difficult situations? 3. How does the significance of names in the Bible, such as Benjamin's, influence our understanding of identity and purpose in Christ? 4. What parallels can you draw between Rachel's account and other biblical accounts of God's intervention in times of barrenness or distress? 5. How can we ensure that our lives and actions contribute positively to the legacy and impact we leave for future generations, in light of Rachel's account? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:22-24This passage recounts God remembering Rachel and opening her womb, leading to the birth of Joseph. It highlights God's faithfulness in fulfilling His promises to Rachel. 1 Samuel 1:20Hannah's account parallels Rachel's, as both women experience God's intervention in their barrenness, leading to the birth of significant figures in Israel's history. Matthew 2:18Rachel's weeping is referenced in the context of Herod's massacre of the innocents, connecting her sorrow to the broader account of Israel's suffering and hope. People Allon, Aram, Arba, Asher, Benjamin, Benoni, Bilhah, Dan, Deborah, Eder, Ephrath, Esau, Gad, Isaac, Issachar, Jacob, Joseph, Leah, Levi, Mamre, Naphtali, Rachel, Rebekah, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, ZilpahPlaces Allon-bacuth, Bethel, Bethlehem, Canaan, Eder, El-bethel, Ephrath, Hebron, Kiriath-arba, Luz, Mamre, Paddan-aram, ShechemTopics Afraid, Bearing, Childbearing, Childbirth, Fear, Helping, Labor, Labour, Midwife, Mid-wife, Pain, Pained, Pass, Severe, SharplyDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 35:17 5410 midwife Genesis 35:16-18 5095 Jacob, life
5720 mothers, examples Library February the Eighth Revisiting Old Altars
"I will make there an altar unto God, who answered me in the day of my distress." --GENESIS xxxv. 1-7. It is a blessed thing to revisit our early altars. It is good to return to the haunts of early vision. Places and things have their sanctifying influences, and can recall us to lost experiences. I know a man to whom the scent of a white, wild rose is always a call to prayer. I know another to whom Grasmere is always the window of holy vision. Sometimes a particular pew in a particular church …
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling YearOur Last ChapterConcluded with the Words, "For Childhood and Youth are Vanity"...
Our last chapter concluded with the words, "For childhood and youth are vanity": that is, childhood proves the emptiness of all "beneath the sun," as well as old age. The heart of the child has the same needs--the same capacity in kind--as that of the aged. It needs God. Unless it knows Him, and His love is there, it is empty; and, in its fleeting character, childhood proves its vanity. But this makes us quite sure that if childhood can feel the need, then God has, in His wide grace, met the …
F. C. Jennings—Old Groans and New Songs The Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The Trials and visions of Devout Youth
'And Jacob dwelt in the land wherein his father was a stranger, in the land of Canaan. These are the generations of Jacob. Joseph, being seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad was with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report. Now Israel loved Joseph more than all his children, because he was the son of his old age: and he made him a coat of many colours. And when his brethren saw that …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture The National Oath at Shechem
'And Joshua said unto the people. Ye cannot serve the Lord: for He is an holy God; He is a jealous God; He will not forgive your transgressions nor your sins. 20. If ye forsake the Lord, and serve strange gods, then He will turn and do you hurt, and consume you, after that He hath done you good. 21. And the people said unto Joshua, Nay; but we will serve the Lord. 22. And Joshua said unto the people, Ye are witnesses against yourselves, that ye have chosen you the Lord, to serve Him. And they said, …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah
"And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, too little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall come forth unto Me (one) [Pg 480] to be Ruler in Israel; and His goings forth are the times of old, the days of eternity." The close connection of this verse with what immediately precedes (Caspari is wrong in considering iv. 9-14 as an episode) is evident, not only from the [Hebrew: v] copulative, and from the analogy of the near relation of the announcement of salvation to the prophecy of disaster …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Sovereignty and Human Responsibility
"So then every one of us shall give account of himself to God" (Rom. 14:12). In our last chapter we considered at some length the much debated and difficult question of the human will. We have shown that the will of the natural man is neither Sovereign nor free but, instead, a servant and slave. We have argued that a right conception of the sinner's will-its servitude-is essential to a just estimate of his depravity and ruin. The utter corruption and degradation of human nature is something which …
Arthur W. Pink—The Sovereignty of God The Birth of Jesus.
(at Bethlehem of Judæa, b.c. 5.) ^C Luke II. 1-7. ^c 1 Now it came to pass in those days [the days of the birth of John the Baptist], there went out a decree [a law] from Cæsar Augustus [Octavius, or Augustus, Cæsar was the nephew of and successor to Julius Cæsar. He took the name Augustus in compliment to his own greatness; and our month August is named for him; its old name being Sextilis], that all the world should be enrolled. [This enrollment or census was the first step …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Gen. xxxi. 11
Of no less importance and significance is the passage Gen. xxxi. 11 seq. According to ver. 11, the Angel of God, [Hebrew: mlaK halhiM] appears toJacob in a dream. In ver. 13, the same person calls himself the God of Bethel, with reference to the event recorded in chap. xxviii. 11-22. It cannot be supposed that in chap xxviii. the mediation of a common angel took place, who, however, had not been expressly mentioned; for Jehovah is there contrasted with the angels. In ver. 12, we read: "And behold …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament 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 Links Genesis 35:17 NIVGenesis 35:17 NLTGenesis 35:17 ESVGenesis 35:17 NASBGenesis 35:17 KJV
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