Genesis 29:20
Who Was Rachel?
Rachel was the younger daughter of Laban and the beloved wife of Jacob. Jacob worked fourteen years for the right to marry her. Though she struggled with barrenness and rivalry with her sister Leah, Rachel became the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, two of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Key Events
Meeting Jacob at the Well
Jacob met Rachel at a well in Haran while she was tending her father's sheep. He was immediately moved by her and wept upon meeting her (Genesis 29:9-12).
Jacob's Seven Years of Labor
Jacob agreed to work seven years for Laban to marry Rachel, and the years "seemed unto him but a few days, for the love he had to her" (Genesis 29:18-20).
Laban's Deception
Laban substituted Leah for Rachel on the wedding night. Jacob had to work another seven years to also marry Rachel (Genesis 29:21-30).
Struggle with Barrenness
Rachel was barren while Leah bore multiple sons, causing her great anguish. She cried to Jacob, "Give me children, or else I die" (Genesis 30:1).
Birth of Joseph
God remembered Rachel and she conceived and bore Joseph, saying "God hath taken away my reproach" (Genesis 30:22-24).
Death Giving Birth to Benjamin
Rachel died in childbirth near Bethlehem while bearing her second son, Benjamin. Jacob set a pillar upon her grave (Genesis 35:16-20).
Key Scriptures
Genesis 29:20
Genesis 30:1
Genesis 30:22-24
Genesis 35:18-19
Jeremiah 31:15
Lessons from Rachel
- Deep love can sustain us through long periods of waiting.
- Comparing ourselves to others leads to bitterness and discontent.
- God hears our cries and answers in His own timing.
- Our lives can have lasting impact even when cut short.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Jacob loved Rachel so much that seven years felt like days. What does sacrificial love look like in a family?
- ? Rachel struggled with jealousy toward her sister. How can we be content with what God has given us?
- ? Rachel waited many years for a child. What can her story teach us about patience and trusting God?
Family Activity
Read about Rachel in the Bible this week. Have each family member draw or write about what they admire most about Rachel and share with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why did Jacob have to work fourteen years for Rachel?
Jacob initially agreed to work seven years for Rachel. However, Laban deceived him by giving him Leah on the wedding night instead. Jacob then agreed to work an additional seven years in exchange for also marrying Rachel (Genesis 29:18-30).
Why is Rachel mentioned in Jeremiah 31:15?
Jeremiah 31:15 speaks of "Rachel weeping for her children" as a poetic image of grief over the exile of Israel. Rachel, as the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, symbolically represents the mourning of all Israelite mothers. Matthew 2:18 applies this verse to Herod's slaughter of infants in Bethlehem.
Where was Rachel buried?
Rachel was buried near Bethlehem (also called Ephrath) on the road from Bethel. Jacob set a pillar upon her grave (Genesis 35:19-20). The traditional site of Rachel's Tomb near Bethlehem remains a place of pilgrimage to this day.
Daily Family Devotional
Start each morning with scripture, reflection, and family discussion questions delivered to your inbox.
Free, delivered daily. Unsubscribe anytime.