Genesis 35:19

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which [is] Bethlehem.

And Rachel {H7354} died {H4191}, and was buried {H6912} in the way {H1870} to Ephrath {H672}, which is Bethlehem {H1035}.

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Efrat (that is, Beit-Lechem).

So Rachel died and was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem).

And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).

Commentary

Genesis 35:19 records a poignant and significant event in the life of Jacob's family: the death and burial of Rachel, his beloved wife and mother of Joseph and Benjamin. This verse marks a moment of deep sorrow amidst Jacob's journey back to the land of Canaan, highlighting both personal grief and the unfolding of God's sovereign plan.

Context

This verse follows Jacob's spiritual renewal at Bethel (Genesis 35:1) and his family's subsequent journey. Rachel's death occurs on the way from Bethel to Ephrath, a journey fraught with hardship. Just prior to this verse, Rachel gives birth to her second son, Benjamin, a birth that proves fatal for her (Genesis 35:16-18). Her passing is a profound loss for Jacob, who had waited many years to marry her and loved her deeply, even above Leah. The specific location of her burial, "in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem," holds immense historical and prophetic significance, as Bethlehem would later become the birthplace of King David (1 Samuel 17:12) and, most notably, the Messiah, Jesus Christ (Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:1).

Key Themes

  • Sorrow and Loss: The death of Rachel, after a long and painful labor, is a testament to the profound grief that can accompany even the most joyous events like childbirth. It underscores the reality of human suffering and mortality, even within a divinely guided narrative. Jacob's lasting sorrow over Rachel is evident in his later remembrance of her death (Genesis 48:7).
  • God's Sovereignty Amidst Tragedy: Despite the personal tragedy, God's larger plan for the family of Israel continues to unfold. The birth of Benjamin, completing the twelve sons of Jacob (who would become the twelve tribes of Israel), happens even as Rachel dies. This illustrates that God's purposes are not thwarted by human pain.
  • Geographic Significance: The identification of Ephrath as Bethlehem is crucial. This seemingly simple detail links Rachel's burial place to future pivotal events in biblical history, subtly foreshadowing the line of David and the eventual coming of the Messiah from this very region.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "Ephrath, which is Bethlehem" is an important clarification within the text. Ephrath (or Ephratah) was an older name or a district associated with the town of Bethlehem. The Hebrew word Bethlehem (ื‘ึตึผื™ืช ืœึถื—ึถื, Beyt Lechem) means "house of bread," a fitting name for a town that would play such a central role in the narrative of salvation history, particularly as the birthplace of the "Bread of Life."

Practical Application

Genesis 35:19 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Navigating Grief: Life is a mixture of joy and sorrow. Rachel's death reminds us that even during times of blessing and progress (like Jacob's return to the promised land), we will face loss. The Bible does not shy away from depicting real human pain.
  • Trusting God's Plan: Even when circumstances are tragic and difficult to understand, we are called to trust in God's overarching plan. The birth of Benjamin, even at the cost of Rachel's life, was part of forming the nation of Israel.
  • The Significance of Seemingly Small Details: The precise location of Rachel's burial might seem minor, but it becomes a key marker in biblical geography and prophecy. This teaches us that God often uses ordinary places and events to fulfill His extraordinary purposes.
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Cross-References

  • Micah 5:2 (6 votes)

    But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, [though] thou be little among the thousands of Judah, [yet] out of thee shall he come forth unto me [that is] to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth [have been] from of old, from everlasting.

  • Genesis 48:7 (5 votes)

    And as for me, when I came from Padan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when yet [there was] but a little way to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way of Ephrath; the same [is] Bethlehem.

  • Ruth 4:11 (4 votes)

    And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

  • Ruth 1:2 (4 votes)

    And the name of the man [was] Elimelech, and the name of his wife Naomi, and the name of his two sons Mahlon and Chilion, Ephrathites of Bethlehemjudah. And they came into the country of Moab, and continued there.

  • Matthew 2:6 (4 votes)

    And thou Bethlehem, [in] the land of Juda, art not the least among the princes of Juda: for out of thee shall come a Governor, that shall rule my people Israel.

  • Matthew 2:1 (3 votes)

    ยถ Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judaea in the days of Herod the king, behold, there came wise men from the east to Jerusalem,

  • Joshua 19:15 (2 votes)

    And Kattath, and Nahallal, and Shimron, and Idalah, and Bethlehem: twelve cities with their villages.