“And it came to pass, when she was in hard labor, that the midwife said unto her, Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.”
This verse is part of the narrative about the birth of Benjamin, the twelfth and youngest son of Jacob (Israel) and Rachel. It takes place during their journey from Bethel to Ephrath, and it marks a significant event in the family’s life.
The verse begins with the phrase “And it came to pass.” This phrase is often used in the Bible to introduce a new event or occurrence in the narrative. In this case, it sets the stage for the labor and delivery of Rachel’s child.
The verse continues by stating that Rachel was in hard labor. This indicates that she was experiencing intense pain and difficulty during childbirth. It’s important to remember that in biblical times, childbirth was often a challenging and perilous process, as medical advancements were not available as they are today.
During Rachel’s labor, a midwife is present to assist her. The midwife, recognizing Rachel’s distress, offers words of comfort and assurance, saying, “Fear not; thou shalt have this son also.” The midwife’s words were meant to alleviate Rachel’s fear and anxiety in the midst of her pain.
This verse highlights the faithfulness of God in fulfilling His promises. Rachel had previously struggled with infertility and had longed for children. In Genesis 30, we see her desperation and jealousy towards her sister Leah, who had given birth to several children. However, despite Rachel’s struggles, God blessed her with a son, Joseph, and now, even in the midst of her labor pains, she is reassured that she will give birth to another son, Benjamin.
The birth of Benjamin is significant because he becomes one of the twelve patriarchs of the tribes of Israel. The twelve sons of Jacob later become the twelve tribes that form the nation of Israel. Benjamin’s birth represents the fulfillment of God’s covenant and His faithfulness to His chosen people.
