Matriarchs and Mothers
Rachel
Beloved of Jacob
Description
Jacob's beloved wife, for whom he labored fourteen years, Rachel endured barrenness before bearing Joseph and Benjamin. Her death in childbirth brought sorrow, yet her sons became pivotal to Israel's history.Jeremiah's prophecy of 'Rachel weeping for her children' (Jeremiah 31:15) found fulfillment in Herod's slaughter of Bethlehem's infants (Matthew 2:18). Rachel's tomb near Bethlehem made her an apt symbol of maternal grief over Israel's suffering.
Key Verses
Leah was tender eyed; but Rachel was beautiful and well favoured.
And Jacob served seven years for Rachel; and they seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her.
And God remembered Rachel, and God hearkened to her, and opened her womb.
And Rachel died, and was buried in the way to Ephrath, which is Bethlehem.
Thus saith the LORD; A voice was heard in Ramah, lamentation, and bitter weeping; Rahel weeping for her children refused to be comforted for her children, because they were not.