Genesis 29:29

And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her maid.

And Laban {H3837} gave {H5414} to Rachel {H7354} his daughter {H1323} Bilhah {H1090} his handmaid {H8198} to be her maid {H8198}.

Lavan also gave to his daughter Rachel his slave-girl Bilhah as her slave-girl.

Laban also gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant.

And Laban gave to Rachel his daughter Bilhah his handmaid to be her handmaid.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 29:29 is a brief but significant verse that occurs immediately after Jacob's marriage to Rachel, which followed his forced marriage to Leah due to Laban's deception. Jacob had initially served seven years for Rachel, only to be given Leah. After a week of celebrating Leah's marriage, Laban then gave Rachel to Jacob on the condition that Jacob serve another seven years. This verse describes a common ancient Near Eastern custom: a father providing a handmaid for his daughter as part of her dowry or household establishment. Laban had previously given Zilpah to Leah as her handmaid (Genesis 29:24), establishing a pattern of provision for his daughters, even amidst his manipulative dealings with Jacob.

Key Themes and Insights

  • Ancient Customs and Household Structure: This verse highlights the prevailing cultural practice where wealthy fathers provided personal servants, or handmaids, to their daughters upon marriage. These handmaids were integral to the household, assisting the mistress and often having specific duties. This custom contributes to the complex family structure of Jacob, which included multiple wives and their respective handmaids.
  • Foreshadowing Future Events: While Bilhah is introduced here simply as Rachel's maid, her role becomes profoundly significant later. When Rachel struggles with barrenness, she follows the cultural practice of the time by giving Bilhah to Jacob as a surrogate mother, through whom Dan and Naphtali are born (Genesis 30:3). This seemingly minor detail sets the stage for critical developments in the lineage of the twelve tribes of Israel.
  • Laban's Continued Actions: Despite his deceit in the marriage arrangements, Laban fulfills the traditional role of a father by providing for Rachel in a customary manner, mirroring his earlier provision for Leah. This shows a blend of adherence to custom and personal manipulation in Laban's character.

Linguistic Nuances

The Hebrew word for "handmaid" is shifchah (שִׁ׀ְחָה), which refers to a female servant or slave, often a personal attendant. This term is distinct from a general domestic servant and implies a closer, more personal relationship to the mistress of the house, as seen in Bilhah's subsequent role.

Practical Application

Understanding the cultural context of this verse helps us appreciate the intricate social dynamics and family structures of the patriarchal age. It reminds us that God's overarching plan for His people unfolds through the lives of individuals and families, even amidst their personal struggles, cultural norms, and imperfections. The seemingly small detail of a handmaid being given becomes a crucial piece in the unfolding narrative of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants and the formation of the nation of Israel.

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Cross-References

  • Genesis 35:22 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, when Israel dwelt in that land, that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine: and Israel heard [it]. Now the sons of Jacob were twelve:

  • Genesis 30:3 (3 votes)

    And she said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her.

  • Genesis 30:8 (3 votes)

    And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.

  • Genesis 29:24 (3 votes)

    And Laban gave unto his daughter Leah Zilpah his maid [for] an handmaid.

  • Genesis 35:25 (2 votes)

    And the sons of Bilhah, Rachel's handmaid; Dan, and Naphtali:

  • Genesis 37:2 (2 votes)

    These [are] the generations of Jacob. Joseph, [being] seventeen years old, was feeding the flock with his brethren; and the lad [was] with the sons of Bilhah, and with the sons of Zilpah, his father's wives: and Joseph brought unto his father their evil report.