READ: Gen. 35:8,16–29: Now Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse, died… So Rachel died… So Isaac breathed his last and died, being old and full of days…
Chapter 35 mentions three deaths. First, verse 8 notes the death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse. It is likely that she played an important role after Rebekah’s death, and her burial is given notable attention and mourning.
Next, Rachel dies during the birth of Benjamin. The delivery is so difficult for her that she wishes to name her child Ben-oni: “son of my sorrow” or “child of misfortune.” This is not a particularly faithful response, especially given her knowledge of God’s recent covenant renewal with Jacob and His rich promises to him.
Rachel becomes a symbol of inconsolability. She sought fulfillment in earthly matters, as seen in her rivalry with Leah and her attachment to Laban’s household idols, which she held onto until she was forced to surrender them at Shechem. Her name as an inconsolable figure is mentioned in Scripture when the children of Israel are exiled to Babylon (Jeremiah 31:15) and when the children in Bethlehem are killed after the birth of Christ, the great Descendant of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob.
But Jacob finds comfort. He changes the name of the child to Benjamin: “son of the right hand” or “child of fortune.” The LORD shows His faithfulness in Jacob’s descendants. Amid earthly sorrow, there is also faithful joy. Then something terrible happens: before Jacob reaches his father Isaac’s home in Mamre, Reuben sleeps with his father’s concubine.
Even in the church of the patriarchs, there is much that is incompatible with God’s grace and faithfulness. Although Jacob/Israel learns of this, we read nothing of punishment.
Finally, Isaac dies after reuniting with Jacob and his family. He witnesses his son’s return and dies in peace, his days complete: God’s covenant faithfulness has been proven!
How do you evaluate Rachel’s reaction?
Sing: Ps. 143:1