Genesis 30:1-8

Genesis 30:1-8

[1] And when Rachel  saw  that she bare  Jacob  no children, Rachel  envied  her sister;  and said  unto Jacob,  Give  me children,  or else  I die.  [2] And Jacob's  anger  was kindled  against Rachel:  and he said,  Am I in God's  stead, who hath withheld  from thee the fruit  of the womb?  [3] And she said,  Behold my maid  Bilhah,  go in  unto her; and she shall bear  upon my knees,  that I may also have children  [4] And she gave  him Bilhah  her handmaid  to wife:  and Jacob  went in  unto her. [5] And Bilhah  conceived,  and bare  Jacob  a son.  [6] And Rachel  said,  God  hath judged  me, and hath also heard  my voice,  and hath given  me a son:  therefore called  she his name  Dan.  [7] And Bilhah  Rachel's  maid  conceived  again, and bare  Jacob  a second  son.  [8] And Rachel  said,  With great  wrestlings  have I wrestled  with my sister,  and I have prevailed:  and she called  his name  Naphtali. 

What does Genesis 30:1-8 Mean?

Contextual Meaning

Rachel"s reaction to her barrenness and Jacob"s response contrast with how Rebekah and Isaac, and Sarah and Abraham behaved in similar circumstances. Sarah resorted to a custom acceptable in her culture, though contrary to God"s will, to secure an heir for Abraham (cf. Genesis 16:1-2). Isaac prayed that God would open Rebekah"s womb and waited ( Genesis 25:21). Rachel and Jacob followed the example of Sarah and Abraham.
The conflict between Rachel and Leah focuses on love and motherhood. Rachel had Jacob"s love, but she could not become a mother. Conversely Leah was the mother of Jacob"s children, but she could not win his love. [1]
The account of the birth of Bilhah"s sons, Dan and Naphtali, follows ( Genesis 30:5-8).