GENESIS—NOTE ON Genesis 30:3 Because of her barrenness, Rachel offers Jacob her servant Bilhah as a substitute wife (v. Genesis 30:3). This was a common practice in ancient Near Eastern culture. Abraham and Sarah had also followed this custom (see Genesis 16:1). Children born to the second wife were regarded as belonging to the first wife, preserving the family line. Therefore, Rachel names the two boys born to Bilhah (Genesis 30:6, Genesis 30:8).

Continues after advertising
Continues after advertising