Genesis 35:16-20
Summary for Gen 35:16-20: 35:16-20 a Benjamin’s birth completed the family, but it was a sorrowful event because Rachel died in childbirth (see study note on 31:32).35:18 b Rachel found the name son of my sorrow appropriate to the situation, but Jacob did not want such a sad name for his son, so he changed it to son of my right hand. Jacob thus turned the day of sorrow into a day of hope that gave his son the prospect of success.
35:19 c Jacob did not carry Rachel’s body to the family tomb at Machpelah (23:1-20 d; 25:9 e; 49:30 f; 50:13 g) but buried her in the territory that would be Benjamin’s (see Josh 18:21-28 h; 1 Sam 10:2 i).
35:20 j it can be seen there to this day: This seems to be a later editorial comment by someone who was living in the land after the conquest and giving directions to the tomb (see Genesis Book Introduction, “Composition”).
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