“And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave: that is the pillar of Rachel’s grave unto this day.”– Genesis 35:20 (KJV)
“Jacob set up a stone monument over Rachel’s tomb, and it can be seen there to this day.”– Genesis 35:20 (NLT)
“Jacob put up a monument for Rachel’s grave; it’s still there today.”– Genesis 35:20 (MSG)
What Does Genesis 35:20 Mean?
The verse Genesis 35:20 refers to a solemn moment in the life of Jacob when he faced the tragic loss of Rachel, his beloved wife. This loss was not just a personal tragedy for Jacob but also marked a significant moment in the history of the Israelite people. In this verse, we notice that Jacob sets up a pillar on Rachel’s grave, a poignant gesture that symbolizes both mourning and a lasting memory. By raising this monument, Jacob honors Rachel, ensuring that her memory is preserved for future generations.
In a cultural context, creating a monument or setting up a grave marker often indicated respect and acknowledgment of the deceased’s importance. Jacob’s actions illustrate the depth of his love for Rachel and the pain of losing her. It reflects the importance of memorializing loved ones, allowing their legacy to live on in the hearts of those left behind.
Genesis 35:20 Explanation and Commentary
This verse encapsulates a profound emotional moment in Jacob’s life. Having worked for many years to marry Rachel and build a family, Jacob faced heartbreaking experiences, including infertility and jealousy within his family. Rachel had struggled to have children, and when she finally gave birth to Benjamin, it came at the cost of her own life. This heartbreaking event added immense sorrow to Jacob’s already complicated life.
Setting up a pillar or monument indicates that Jacob wanted to honor Rachel not just as his wife but as the mother of his beloved son, Benjamin, and as a significant person in his life. This gesture symbolizes that the journey of grief does not end but continues through the act of remembering and honoring those we love. In fact, we find echoes of this sentiment throughout scripture, like in John 11:35, where we see Jesus weeping at the death of Lazarus, demonstrating the depth of sadness that accompanies loss.
Jacob’s pillar continued to stand, serving as a visual reminder for future generations of the love between him and Rachel. In a sense, it acted as a placeholder for the emotional and spiritual connection that Jacob felt to Rachel. We can reflect on how we also memorialize our loved ones and the stories we choose to tell about them, showing how they shaped our lives.
Moreover, the act of mourning itself is intertwined with love, and in that love, we see a reflection of God’s love for us. God understands our pain and sorrow, just as He walked with Jacob in this moment of loss. In Psalm 34:18, we are reminded that the Lord is close to the brokenhearted, which reflects the comfort we can find in Him during our times of grief. Our mourning invites us to lean into God’s love, assuring us that we are not alone as we remember those we have lost.
Context of Genesis 35:20
To fully grasp the weight of Genesis 35:20, we need to look at its context within the larger narrative of Jacob’s life. Jacob, who was born as a twin, had lived a life filled with struggle and deceit. His early years were marked by the acquisition of blessings and birthrights that led him to flee from home and seek refuge with his uncle Laban.
In the following years, Jacob faced numerous challenges that tested his faith and resilience. The love he had for Rachel was profound, as she was the woman he worked for years to marry. The journey leading to the birth of their two children was riddled with challenges. Sadly, after Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin, Jacob was left to navigate the complexities of family life without her. Rachel’s death represents not just a personal loss but the closing of a significant chapter in Jacob’s life filled with love, hope, and now despair.
In the broader biblical narrative, the story of Jacob is critical as it leads to the establishment of the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Rachel’s death and the establishment of her grave mark a pivotal moment in the transformation of Jacob into Israel—a name given to him after wrestling with God. This transformation is significant as it signifies that the struggles Jacob faced throughout his life were not in vain; they were part of a larger story God was weaving through his life and through his descendants.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Genesis 35:20
In Genesis 35:20, we find key components that add depth to its meaning. The word “pillar” denotes a physical structure that symbolizes strength and permanence. Jacob’s act of erecting a pillar suggests that he wants Rachel’s memory to endure the test of time. In a world where memories can fade, having a monument serves as a reminder of love, loss, and the experiences that shaped us as individuals and as a family.
The term “grave” carries an emotional weight. A grave represents the final resting place of a loved one, serving as a reminder of our mortality. This physical space is often where we confront our feelings of sorrow and love, a sacred place for many families. Jacob’s choice to acknowledge Rachel’s grave by creating a pillar at her site reveals the importance of taking a moment to remember and mourn.
This verse is also significant in that it demonstrates the importance of family within the context of biblical narratives. Each character is woven into the identity of the communities that follow, and Rachel’s place in Jacob’s family story highlights her role not just as a mother and wife but as an integral part of God’s plan for His chosen people. It’s a stark reminder of how family legacies can influence generations to come, shaping their beliefs and their connections to God.
Lessons to Learn From Genesis 35:20
There are several lessons that we can gather from Genesis 35:20. Firstly, we see how important it is to honor and remember our loved ones. Just like Jacob, we may experience loss in our lives, and the act of creating memorials or sharing stories can help keep their memories alive. Through rituals, storytelling, and other means, we ensure that their legacy continues, providing comfort and connection even after they are gone.
Secondly, grief is a natural and necessary part of life. While we may try to suppress our feelings or rush through mourning, allowing ourselves to feel might lead us to healing. God created us to feel deeply, and He invites us to bring our pain to Him. In Matthew 5:4, we read, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.” This promise reassures us that our grief does not go unnoticed by God, and through our struggles, we can find His embrace.
Another lesson is found in the importance of legacy. What we leave behind will shape future generations. Jacob’s dedication to memorializing Rachel is not just a tribute to her but a declaration of the love and family values he wanted to pass on. Similarly, we are encouraged to build a legacy of faith and love in our lives. How are we living our lives in such a way that honors those who came before us and sets a foundation for those who will come after us?
Final Thoughts
Genesis 35:20 serves as a powerful reminder of both grief and love. Jacob’s actions at the grave of Rachel illustrate the emotional complexity of life that we all encounter. Through this heartfelt moment, we see the human experience laid bare: love, loss, and the desire to hold onto the memories that shape our lives.
As we navigate our own relationships and experiences of loss, we can take comfort in knowing that mourning is an expression of love. We can trust that God walks beside us in our times of grief and provides the comfort we seek. Following the example of Jacob, let us honor those we love, carry their memories forward, and confidently embrace the healing that comes with remembrance.
For more topics that offer encouragement and reflection, visit our link to explore the Bible Repository, or check out Matthew 11, where we continue to lean into the beauty of the scriptures. Whether it’s understanding more about Jacob’s story or other important biblical narratives, there’s a treasure trove of wisdom just waiting for us to discover!