And the sons of Leah's maidservant Zilpah were Gad and Asher. These are the sons of Jacob, who were born to him in Paddan-aram. The sons of ZilpahZilpah was given to Leah by her father Laban as a maidservant, and she became a secondary wife to Jacob. The mention of Zilpah highlights the complex family dynamics and the cultural practices of the time, where maidservants could bear children on behalf of their mistresses. This reflects the societal norms and the importance of lineage and inheritance in ancient times. Leah’s maidservant
The term "maidservant" indicates Zilpah's status in the household. In Hebrew, the word used is "שִׁפְחָה" (shiphchah), which denotes a female servant or slave. This highlights the hierarchical structure within the family and the role of women in the patriarchal society of the ancient Near East. Despite her lower status, Zilpah's sons were considered legitimate heirs, showing God's providence and the unfolding of His plan through all members of Jacob's family. Gad and Asher
These names are significant as they represent two of the twelve tribes of Israel. Gad means "good fortune" or "troop," reflecting Leah's hope for prosperity and strength. Asher means "happy" or "blessed," indicating Leah's joy and the blessings she perceived through the birth of these sons. The naming of these sons reveals the faith and aspirations of the family, as well as God's continued blessing upon Jacob's lineage. These are the sons of Jacob
This phrase emphasizes the fulfillment of God's promise to Jacob to make him a father of many nations. Each son represents a tribe that will play a crucial role in the history of Israel. The phrase underscores the unity and diversity within Jacob's family, as well as the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. who were born to him in Paddan-aram
Paddan-aram, located in Mesopotamia, is where Jacob spent many years working for Laban and building his family. This geographical reference situates the narrative in a real historical context, reminding readers of Jacob's journey and the divine encounters he experienced there. It highlights the theme of God's faithfulness and guidance, even in foreign lands, as He fulfills His promises to His chosen people. Persons / Places / Events 1. JacobAlso known as Israel, he is the patriarch whose twelve sons became the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. His life is a journey of faith, transformation, and covenant with God. 2. ZilpahLeah's servant, given to Jacob as a wife by Leah. She bore Jacob two sons, Gad and Asher, contributing to the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham regarding his descendants. 3. GadThe seventh son of Jacob, born to Zilpah. His name is associated with fortune or good luck, reflecting Leah's hope for prosperity. 4. AsherThe eighth son of Jacob, also born to Zilpah. His name means "happy" or "blessed," indicating Leah's joy and the blessings anticipated for his lineage. 5. Paddan-aramA region in Mesopotamia where Jacob lived and worked for his uncle Laban. It is significant as the place where Jacob's family grew and God's promises began to unfold. Teaching Points God's Sovereignty in Family DynamicsDespite human imperfections and complex family relationships, God's plan unfolds through Jacob's family. We can trust God's sovereignty in our own family situations. Significance of NamesThe names Gad and Asher reflect hope and blessing. In our lives, the names and labels we embrace can shape our identity and outlook. Choose names that align with God's promises. Fulfillment of God's PromisesThe birth of Jacob's sons in Paddan-aram is a step toward the fulfillment of God's promise to Abraham. God's promises may take time, but they are sure and steadfast. Role of Servants in God's PlanZilpah, though a servant, played a crucial role in God's plan. This reminds us that God values and uses all people, regardless of their social status, for His purposes. Bible Study Questions 1. How does the inclusion of Zilpah's sons in Jacob's family account demonstrate God's use of unexpected people in His plans? 2. In what ways do the meanings of the names Gad and Asher reflect God's blessings and promises in your life? 3. How can we see God's sovereignty at work in the complex family dynamics of Jacob's household, and how does this encourage us in our own family situations? 4. What lessons can we learn from the fulfillment of God's promises to Jacob, and how can we apply these lessons to our faith journey? 5. How do the blessings given to Gad and Asher in Genesis 49 and Deuteronomy 33 inspire us to seek God's favor and strength in our own lives? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 30:9-13This passage details the birth of Gad and Asher, providing context for their inclusion in Jacob's family and the dynamics between Leah and Rachel. Genesis 49:19-20Jacob's blessings to his sons, including Gad and Asher, highlight their future roles and the characteristics of their tribes. Deuteronomy 33:20-24Moses' blessings to the tribes of Gad and Asher emphasize their strength, prosperity, and favor, reflecting the meanings of their names. 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 Aram, Asher, Born, Gad, Handmaid, Jacob, Leah's, Maid, Maidservant, Maid-servant, Padanaram, Padan-aram, Paddan, Paddan-aram, Servant, Sons, ZilpahDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 35:22-26 1654 numbers, 11-99
7266 tribes of Israel 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 35:26 NIVGenesis 35:26 NLTGenesis 35:26 ESVGenesis 35:26 NASBGenesis 35:26 KJV
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