The Deaths of Rachel And Isaac

Genesis 35:16–29
» View this passage in NIV (Bible Gateway)

The first verse in this passage says, “and they journeyed from Bethel” (v. 16). This is a tragic move that seems to have a direct bearing on what followed. Jacob moved away from Bethel after God had told him to go there and dwell. As a result of Jacob’s backsliding several tragedies came into his life. His nurse died, his beloved wife Rachel dies in child birth to Benjamin, Dinah was nursing her heartache and shame, Levi and Simeon had brought disgrace to him, Reuben has an affair with his father’s concubine Bilhah and Jacob’s father dies. Jacob’s backsliding brought instant punishment.

It was a very foolish move for Jacob to ask Rachel to travel on the back of a camel as she was about to have her second child. If for no other reason Jacob should have stayed where he was. As a result when they had almost come to Ephrah, which is another name for Bethlehem, Rachel died in giving birth to Benjamin (vv. 17-18). When Rachel died Jacob’s heart died with her. She was buried beside the road to Bethlehem and Jacob set up a tombstone, which is still there (vv. 19-20). Jacob then traveled south to Eder Tower where he set up camp (v. 21).

Following the loss of Rachel we are told that Jacob’s oldest son Reuben slept with. Bilhah, one of Jacobs’s wives, and he found out about it (v. 22). Jacob had twelve sons who lived in Northern Syria (vv. 23-26). Ruben, who had lost all decency and self-control, lost his inheritance and birthright by this sinful act.

As the chapter ends we read about the death of Isaac, in Hebron, who was 180 years old (vv. 27-29). His burial found his son’s Jacob and Esau at peace as they bury their father.

Application

God will not allow his children to live in sin and pursue a course contrary to His will without consequences. I must be seeking God’s way and not my way in my life day by day.