Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the context of Genesis 35:17?
A: Genesis 35:17 describes the difficult childbirth of Rachel, the wife of Yaakov (Jacob), as she gives birth to her second son, Binyamin (Benjamin). The midwife comforts Rachel by telling her not to fear, for she will have another son. This event occurs during Yaakov's journey back to Canaan.
Q: Why did the midwife tell Rachel 'Fear not'?
A: The midwife reassured Rachel because she saw that Rachel was in great distress during childbirth (Rashi on Genesis 35:17). The phrase 'Fear not' was meant to comfort her, assuring her that she would successfully give birth to another son despite the difficulties.
Q: What is the significance of Rachel naming her son Ben-Oni before she died?
A: Rachel named her son Ben-Oni ('son of my sorrow') because of the pain she endured during childbirth (Genesis 35:18). However, Yaakov later called him Binyamin ('son of the right hand'), symbolizing strength and blessing (Rashi). This teaches us how names in the Torah reflect deep emotions and divine providence.
Q: How does Rachel's death in childbirth relate to Jewish tradition?
A: Rachel's passing while giving birth to Binyamin is seen as a great tragedy in Jewish tradition. The Midrash (Eicha Rabbah) highlights her righteousness and how her tears for her children's future exile are remembered before Hashem. Her burial near Bethlehem (not in the Cave of Machpelah) also carries deep significance in Jewish thought.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 35:17?
A: This verse teaches us about faith in difficult moments. Even in pain, Rachel was assured of Hashem's blessing—another son. Jewish tradition emphasizes trusting in divine providence, especially during hardships, as seen in the midwife's comforting words to Rachel.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Genesis 35:17) describes the difficult labor of Rachel as she gives birth to Binyamin (Benjamin). The midwife reassures Rachel during her distress, saying, "Fear not; thou shalt have this son also." This moment is significant as it occurs during Rachel's final childbirth, after which she tragically passes away.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that the midwife's words, "כִּי־גַם־זֶה לָךְ בֵּן" ("thou shalt have this son also"), indicate that Rachel was fearful she would not survive the birth. The midwife comforted her by affirming that she would indeed bear another son, just as she had previously given birth to Yosef (Joseph). Rashi also notes that the term "בְּהַקְשֹׁתָהּ" ("in hard labour") suggests an unusually difficult delivery, which foreshadows Rachel's impending death.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 82:8) elaborates on this scene, teaching that Rachel's suffering was a consequence of Yaakov's (Jacob's) words in Genesis 30:2, where he angrily responds to Rachel's plea for children by saying, "הֲתַחַת אֱלֹהִים אָנֹכִי" ("Am I in the place of G-d?"). The Midrash suggests that this exchange contributed to the hardship she faced during Binyamin's birth.
Rambam's Perspective
While Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings on divine providence (hashgacha pratit) can be applied here. The midwife's reassurance reflects the idea that even in moments of suffering, there is divine care and purpose. Rachel's role as a matriarch and her enduring legacy through her children—particularly Yosef and Binyamin—demonstrate how individual trials contribute to the broader divine plan.
Halachic and Ethical Lessons