Gen 35:16-20 | MHM | STEP | Genesis 35:16-20: Death of Rachel This passage tells the sad story of Rachel’s death, Jacob’s beloved wife. While traveling from Bethel and close to Ephrath (Bethlehem), Rachel goes into difficult labor. Even though her life ends with the birth of her second son, this event is both joyful and sorrowful. Jacob buries Rachel near where she died and sets up a pillar to remember her. The story shows that even those who are blessed by God will still face pain and loss in life. It also teaches us to honor and remember those who have gone before us (Genesis 35:16-20 ). v. 16 : As Jacob and his family travel from Bethel, Rachel begins to have labor pains before they reach Bethlehem. This sudden and difficult labor reminds us that pain can come at any time, and sometimes we cannot avoid it, even when we are close to safety.

‏ Genesis 35:16-20

Genesis 35:16-20: Death of Rachel

This passage tells the sad story of Rachel’s death, Jacob’s beloved wife. While traveling from Bethel and close to Ephrath (Bethlehem), Rachel goes into difficult labor. Even though her life ends with the birth of her second son, this event is both joyful and sorrowful. Jacob buries Rachel near where she died and sets up a pillar to remember her. The story shows that even those who are blessed by God will still face pain and loss in life. It also teaches us to honor and remember those who have gone before us (Genesis 35:16-20 ^a).

v. 16: As Jacob and his family travel from Bethel, Rachel begins to have labor pains before they reach Bethlehem. This sudden and difficult labor reminds us that pain can come at any time, and sometimes we cannot avoid it, even when we are close to safety.

v. 17: Rachel’s labor is very hard. The midwife tries to comfort her by telling her not to be afraid, because she will have another son. The midwife remembers Rachel’s earlier hope for more children (Genesis 30:24 ^b), but only God can truly give peace and take away fear in dangerous times.

v. 18: Rachel gives birth to her son, but she is dying. With her last breaths, she names him Ben-oni, which means "son of my sorrow." Jacob, however, calls him Benjamin, meaning "son of my right hand." Jacob wants his son’s name to be a blessing, not a reminder of sadness.

v. 19: Rachel dies and is buried on the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Jacob does not move her body to the family tomb but buries her near the place where she died. This shows that the most important thing is for the soul to rest with God, not where the body is buried.

v. 20: Jacob sets up a pillar on Rachel’s grave as a memorial. This pillar remains long afterward, marking Rachel’s burial place (1 Samuel 10:2 ^c). Jacob also set up a pillar to remember his joy at Bethel (Genesis 35:14 ^d). Remembering both happy and sad times can help us and others learn from what God has done in our lives (Hosea 12:4 ^e).