“These are the sons of Rachel, which were born to Jacob: all the souls were fourteen.”
This verse is a part of the narrative in Genesis that describes Jacob’s journey to Egypt with his entire family. Jacob, also known as Israel, was preparing to reunite with his long-lost son, Joseph, who had become a prominent figure in Egypt.
In this particular verse, the focus is on Rachel’s sons. Rachel was Jacob’s beloved wife, but sadly, she passed away giving birth to Benjamin, her second son. The mention of “sons of Rachel” in this verse refers to Joseph and Benjamin, who were born to Jacob through Rachel.
The phrase “all the souls were fourteen” indicates that the total number of descendants of Rachel, including Joseph and Benjamin, who accompanied Jacob to Egypt, was fourteen. It is important to note that this count includes Rachel’s sons, not just her direct descendants.
This verse is significant in the broader context of the story because it highlights the fulfillment of God’s promise to Jacob. God had promised to make Jacob’s descendants into a great nation (Genesis 46:3), and the inclusion of Joseph and Benjamin in the count of fourteen souls marked the preservation and continuation of the chosen line of Israel.
Moreover, this verse also reflects the love and remembrance Jacob had for Rachel, even after her passing. By explicitly mentioning Rachel’s sons, the text emphasizes the enduring legacy of her family within the larger framework of God’s plan for Israel.
In summary, Genesis 46:22 portrays the inclusion of Joseph and Benjamin, sons of Rachel, in the total number of fourteen souls who accompanied Jacob to Egypt. It serves as a reminder of God’s promise to Jacob and the continuation of the chosen line, as well as the enduring love and remembrance of Rachel within the narrative.
