Genesis 35:16-29

The Deaths of Rachel and Isaac

As they continued their journey away from Bethel, Rachel experienced a very difficult time in childbirth. She named the boy born on that day Ben-Oni, or "son of my sorrow." However, Jacob would not let him have such a sorrowful name. He renamed him Benjamin, which means "son of my right hand." Likely, this name refers to the comfort he expected to receive in the life of the son after his mother was dead. Rachel died and was buried there on the way to Ephrath, or Bethlehem. They then travelled on past the sheep tower and set up camp. It was here that Reuben sinned by laying with his father's concubine, Bilhah, who was Rachel's handmaid.

Jacob was at last reunited with his father at Mamre, or Hebron. This was the place Isaac had lived with his father, Abraham. Isaac died at the age of one hundred eighty. Jacob and Esau, having put away all past wrongs, buried their father with those who had died before him (Genesis 35:16-29).