Genesis 30:5

And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.

And Bilhah {H1090} conceived {H2029}, and bare {H3205} Jacob {H3290} a son {H1121}.

Bilhah conceived and bore Ya'akov a son.

and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son.

And Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.

Commentary

Genesis 30:5 provides a concise yet significant detail in the unfolding narrative of Jacob's family, specifically concerning the birth of his fifth son.

Context

This verse is situated within a period of intense rivalry and competition among Jacob's wives, Leah and Rachel, to bear children. Rachel, Jacob's beloved wife, was initially barren, while Leah had already given birth to four sons. Driven by desperation and societal expectations, Rachel followed the ancient custom of giving her handmaid, Bilhah, to Jacob as a surrogate. This practice, also seen with Abraham and Sarah with Hagar, aimed to secure offspring for the barren wife through her servant, with the children legally considered the wife's. Genesis 30:5 marks the successful conception and birth of the first son through Bilhah, a moment of triumph for Rachel in her desire for children.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Family Dynamics and Rivalry: The verse highlights the deep-seated emotional distress and competition within Jacob's household, particularly between Leah and Rachel, over bearing children. This intense desire for offspring shaped their interactions and the very structure of Jacob's burgeoning family.
  • Ancient Surrogacy Practices: It illustrates a prevailing custom in the ancient Near East where a barren wife could provide her handmaid to her husband to bear children on her behalf. These children would then be considered legally hers, fulfilling the crucial need for an heir and perpetuating the family line.
  • The Desire for Offspring: This verse underscores the profound cultural and personal importance of having children in biblical times, especially sons, for establishing legacy and ensuring the continuation of the family and covenant promises.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "ื•ึทืชึผึทื”ึทืจ ื‘ึผึดืœึฐื”ึธื”ึ™ ื•ึทืชึผึตึฃืœึถื“ ืœึฐื™ึทืขึฒืงึนึ–ื‘ ื‘ึผึตึฝืŸ" (vattahar Bilhah vatteled l'Ya'akov ben) translates simply as "and Bilhah conceived, and bore Jacob a son." The verbs "conceived" (harah) and "bore" (yalad) are fundamental terms for pregnancy and childbirth. The straightforwardness of the language emphasizes the immediate and direct outcome of Rachel's strategy, leading to the physical birth of a son who would become a part of the future twelve tribes of Israel.

Related Scriptures

  • For the broader context of Rachel's distress and her plea to Jacob, see Genesis 30:1.
  • The naming of this son, Dan, and Rachel's interpretation of his birth, are found in Genesis 30:6.
  • The subsequent birth of another son through Bilhah is recorded in Genesis 30:7.

Practical Application

Genesis 30:5, while detailing ancient practices, offers insight into universal human desires for family, belonging, and legacy. It subtly reminds us that human strategies, though sometimes born of desperation, often play out within a larger divine plan. For believers today, it can serve as a reflection on the complexities of family relationships and the importance of seeking God's will and timing, even when faced with deep personal longings or societal pressures. Ultimately, the narrative of Jacob's family, with all its challenges, demonstrates God's faithfulness in raising up a nation through his chosen line.

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Cross-References

No cross-references found.