Genesis 35:20 – “Over her tomb Jacob set up a pillar, and to this day that pillar marks Rachel’s tomb.”

Extended Explanation

Genesis 35:20 describes how Jacob, in his grief over the death of his beloved wife Rachel, set up a pillar over her tomb. This pillar was not just a marker of her burial place but a lasting memorial to her life and significance in Jacob’s heart and in the history of Israel. The verse notes that even at the time of the writing, the pillar was still standing, indicating that Rachel’s memory was preserved and honored by future generations.

By setting up this pillar, Jacob was expressing his deep love and respect for Rachel. It was a way to ensure that her life and death would not be forgotten. The pillar served as a physical reminder of the pain of her loss, but also of the important role she played in the unfolding story of God’s people.

Historical Context

The historical context of Genesis 35:20 is rooted in the patriarchal period of Israel’s history. Rachel’s death occurred as Jacob and his family were journeying toward Bethlehem, a town that would later hold great significance in the Bible. Rachel, who had longed for children and finally bore two sons, Joseph and Benjamin, died in childbirth with Benjamin.

In the ancient Near East, setting up a pillar or monument over a grave was a common practice to honor the deceased and to mark the burial site. Rachel’s tomb became a significant landmark, remembered and revered by the Israelites. Her burial place near Bethlehem would later be associated with the sorrow of Israel, as seen in Jeremiah 31:15, where Rachel is depicted weeping for her descendants.

Theological Implications

Theologically, Genesis 35:20 highlights the importance of remembering and honoring those who have gone before us. Rachel’s life and death are preserved in the memory of Israel through the pillar Jacob set up. This act of remembrance speaks to the value of commemorating the lives of those who have played significant roles in God’s plan.

This verse also reflects the reality of loss and the ways in which we, as people of faith, deal with grief. Jacob’s setting up of the pillar is an act of both mourning and respect. It acknowledges the pain of loss while also honoring the legacy of the one who has passed away. It reminds us that in our faith journey, it is important to both grieve and to remember the impact of those who have influenced our lives.

Literary Analysis

From a literary perspective, Genesis 35:20 serves as a solemn conclusion to the narrative of Rachel’s life. The verse is brief but powerful, focusing on the enduring memory of Rachel through the pillar that Jacob set up. The mention that the pillar “to this day” marks Rachel’s tomb adds a sense of continuity, indicating that her memory remained significant long after her death.

The pillar itself is symbolic, representing both a marker of sorrow and a tribute to Rachel’s importance in Jacob’s life and in the lineage of Israel. It is a physical manifestation of the grief that Jacob felt and his desire to keep Rachel’s memory alive.

Biblical Cross-References

• Genesis 48:7: Jacob recalls Rachel’s death and burial as a significant event in his life, emphasizing the importance of her memory.
• Jeremiah 31:15: Rachel is poetically depicted as weeping for her children, symbolizing the sorrow of Israel, connecting her tomb with the broader narrative of Israel’s suffering and hope.
• 1 Samuel 10:2: The mention of Rachel’s tomb as a landmark indicates its continued significance in Israel’s history.

What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian

For today’s Christian, Genesis 35:20 serves as a reminder of the importance of honoring the memory of loved ones who have passed away. Jacob’s act of setting up a pillar over Rachel’s tomb encourages us to find ways to remember and honor those who have made a significant impact on our lives and our faith.

This verse also invites Christians to reflect on how they deal with grief and loss. Like Jacob, we can acknowledge our sorrow while also commemorating the lives of those who have gone before us. It challenges us to consider how we can preserve the legacy of faith that has been passed down to us, ensuring that the stories of those who have influenced our spiritual journey are not forgotten.

How This Verse Relates to a Loving God

Genesis 35:20 reflects God’s loving nature in the way He values and remembers each person. Rachel’s life and death are not overlooked but are memorialized through Jacob’s act of setting up the pillar. This verse shows that God cares about our grief and our desire to honor the memory of those we love.

God’s love is also evident in the way He continues to work through the lives of those who have passed away. Rachel’s influence did not end with her death; her sons, Joseph and Benjamin, played crucial roles in the history of Israel. This reminds us that God’s purposes often extend beyond our lifetimes, and the impact of our lives can continue through those we leave behind.

How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ

This verse connects to Jesus Christ in that Bethlehem, where Rachel was buried, would later become the birthplace of Jesus. The place of Rachel’s sorrow and death is transformed into the place of the Messiah’s birth, symbolizing how God brings life and hope out of loss and grief.

Jesus Himself speaks to the value of remembering and honoring others, and He provides the ultimate hope in the face of death. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus assures us that death is not the end and that our lives, like Rachel’s, have lasting significance in God’s eternal plan.

Questions for Reflection and Discussion

1. How do you honor the memory of loved ones who have passed away, and what can you learn from Jacob’s example in this verse?
2. What does this verse teach us about the importance of remembering and commemorating the lives of those who have influenced our faith?
3. How can we find comfort in knowing that God remembers and values each life, even after death?
4. In what ways does the connection between Rachel’s tomb and the birthplace of Jesus offer hope in the midst of grief?
5. How can you preserve and pass on the legacy of faith that has been entrusted to you by those who have gone before?

This article invites you to reflect on Genesis 35:20, encouraging you to honor the memory of those who have passed away, to find comfort in God’s enduring love, and to see how the places of our greatest sorrows can be transformed into sources of hope through Jesus Christ.