“Now when Rachel saw that she bore Jacob no children, Rachel envied her sister, and said to Jacob, “Give me children, or else I die!” ” Genesis 30:1 (NKJV)
While Leah was having her children, Rachel was unable to have any children. The Bible records that God opened Leah’s womb, but Rachel was barren. (Genesis 29:31) After 4 boys born to Leah, Rachel was jealous and complained to Jacob. Actually, she demanded that Jacob give her a child as though it was his fault that she had not given birth to any children.
Rachel’s solution was consistent with the culture of where they were living, but not consistent with God’s plan for marriages. She gave Jacob her maid so that she could have children through her maid. Oh what problems come about when we try to fix situations on our own rather than waiting on the Lord.
Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, gave birth to a son and Rachel named him Dan. “God has judged my case; and He has also heard my voice and given me a son.” (Genesis 30:6) When Bilhah had another son, Rachel said “With great wrestlings I have wrestled with my sister, and indeed I have prevailed.” So she called his name Naphtali” (Genesis 30:8)
So, now Jacob had six sons from two different women – one he was married to and the other was the maid of his second wife. Multiple wives at the same time have consistently throughout history been trouble! Personally, I don’t know how anyone can handle more than one man or one woman at a time in their lives. Emotions run amuck with too many people in a household. There’s always going to be a pecking order battle because someone has to be in charge to have anything accomplished.
What can I learn from this part of Rachel’s story? Wait upon the Lord for His solutions! God always has a plan and I need to listen to the Holy Spirit and wait until the Lord works things out. Exercising patience is challenging, but so rewarding.
Listen to Leland as he sings “Wait Upon the Lord.”
Published on MyBibleRoom.com 1/14/24, 5:00 pm