Genesis 35:18 meaning
In a deeply emotional moment, Rachel passes away during childbirth, a significant event that impacts the lineage of Jacob. This verse captures the poignant reality of life and death intertwined, highlighting Rachel's struggle as she names her newborn son Ben-oni, which means "Son of My Pain." In Hebrew, "oni" can denote both "trouble" and "wealth," but in this instance, it underscores Rachel's sorrow resulting from a difficult labor. However, Jacob renames the child Benjamin, meaning "Son of the Right Hand" or "Son of My Good Fortune," signifying a shift from mourning to the hope embodied in their new child.
The birth of Benjamin and the death of Rachel directly illustrate the complexities of life within the family of promise, emphasizing themes of joy intermingled with grief. This narrative not only signifies the addition of Jacob's twelfth son but also marks a pivotal point in God's covenant plan, reinforcing that out of pain can come blessing, a central tenet in Christian teachings regarding suffering and redemption. This duality reflects the scripture: but his father called him Benjamin..
This quick synopsis was AI autogenerated utilizing existing TheBibleSays commentaries as the primary source material. To read a related commentary that has been fully developed, see the list below. If there is an issue with this summary please let us know by emailing:[email protected]
Other Relevant Commentaries:
- Joel 1:15-20 meaning. The prophet uses the recent locust/army invasion to predict the day of the LORD, a time in which God will intervene in the world to judge His adversaries.
- Matthew 10:38-39 meaning. Jesus bids His disciples to take up their cross and follow after Him. He warns them that everyone will lose their soul/life, but only those who lose their soul/life for His sake will find it.
- Exodus 1:1-7 meaning. This section focuses our attention on the Israelites who are to be delivered later in the book of Exodus. It connects them to the children of Jacob that had migrated to Egypt some 400 years earlier. During this time, they multiplied and became prosperous in Egypt, both of which are indications of God's blessing.
Set to dark modeSet to dark mode