Genesis 48:7

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.

And as for me, when I came {H935} from Padan {H6307}, Rachel {H7354} died {H4191} by me in the land {H776} of Canaan {H3667} in the way {H1870}, when {H5750} yet there was but a little {H3530} way {H776} to come {H935} unto Ephrath {H672}: and I buried her {H6912} there in the way {H1870} of Ephrath {H672}; the same is Bethlehem {H1035}.

"Now as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died suddenly, as we were traveling through the land of Kena'an, while we were still some distance from Efrat; so I buried her there on the way to Efrat (also known as Beit-Lechem)."

Now as for me, when I was returning from Paddan, to my sorrow Rachel died along the way in the land of Canaan, some distance from Ephrath. So I buried her there beside the road to Ephrath” (that is, Bethlehem).

And as for me, when I came from Paddan, Rachel died by me in the land of Canaan in the way, when there was still some distance to come unto Ephrath: and I buried her there in the way to Ephrath (the same is Beth-lehem).

Commentary

In Genesis 48:7, Jacob, near the end of his life, recounts a deeply personal and sorrowful memory to his son Joseph. As he prepares to bless Joseph's sons, Ephraim and Manasseh, he explains why Rachel, his beloved wife, was buried in a place separate from the patriarchal tomb, highlighting the enduring pain of her loss.

Context

This verse is part of Jacob's final blessings and reflections, as recorded in Genesis 48. Having been brought to Egypt by Joseph, Jacob (also called Israel) is old and frail. He recalls God's covenant promises and his own life journey, emphasizing the significance of Joseph's sons within the twelve tribes. His mention of Rachel's death serves as a poignant reminder of the hardships he faced after his return from Padan-aram, underscoring the personal cost of his spiritual pilgrimage and the establishment of his family in Canaan.

Key Themes

  • Enduring Grief and Remembrance: Jacob's vivid recall of Rachel's death, even decades later, illustrates the profound and lasting impact of personal loss. It shows that even great patriarchs experienced deep human emotions like sorrow.
  • God's Sovereign Plan Amidst Sorrow: Despite the tragedy of Rachel's untimely death on the journey, her burial place—Ephrath, which is Bethlehem—takes on immense significance in later biblical history, pointing to God's overarching plan.
  • Significance of Location: The explicit identification of Ephrath as Bethlehem is crucial for understanding future biblical narratives, connecting this ancient patriarchal history to key events in Israel's future.

Historical & Geographical Significance

The verse specifically notes that Rachel died "in the way, when yet there was but a little way to come unto Ephrath." This identifies the location of her burial as just outside Ephrath, which is Bethlehem. Unlike other patriarchs and matriarchs who were buried in the Cave of Machpelah in Hebron, Rachel's tomb became a distinct landmark. This location would later become renowned as the hometown of King David and, most notably, the prophetic birthplace of the Messiah, Jesus Christ, as foretold in Micah 5:2 and fulfilled in Matthew 2:1.

Practical Application

Jacob's reflection in Genesis 48:7 reminds us that life is a mixture of blessings and sorrows. Even in moments of great joy and anticipation (like blessing his grandchildren), past grief can resurface. It teaches us about the human experience of loss and the importance of remembering those who have gone before us. Furthermore, it subtly points to God's intricate plan, where even tragic events can be woven into a larger narrative that ultimately serves His purposes, revealing the profound historical and redemptive significance of seemingly small details like a burial site.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 35:16 (3 votes)

    ¶ And they journeyed from Bethel; and there was but a little way to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labour.

  • Genesis 35:19 (3 votes)

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

  • Matthew 2:18 (3 votes)

    In Rama was there a voice heard, lamentation, and weeping, and great mourning, Rachel weeping [for] her children, and would not be comforted, because they are not.

  • Genesis 35:9 (3 votes)

    And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him.

  • 1 Samuel 10:2 (2 votes)

    When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

  • Genesis 25:20 (2 votes)

    And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.

  • 1 Samuel 1:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now there was a certain man of Ramathaimzophim, of mount Ephraim, and his name [was] Elkanah, the son of Jeroham, the son of Elihu, the son of Tohu, the son of Zuph, an Ephrathite: