“And it came to pass, as her soul was in departing, (for she died) that she called his name Benoni: but his father called him Benjamin.”
Context: Genesis 35:18 is part of the narrative of Jacob’s journey back to Bethel, where he had previously encountered God and received a promise of blessing. In this passage, Jacob’s beloved wife Rachel is giving birth to her second son.
Rachel’s Death: The verse begins with the mention of Rachel’s soul departing as she dies while giving birth to her child. This event is significant because Rachel was Jacob’s favorite wife, and her death is a great loss to him.
Benoni and Benjamin: In her final moments, Rachel names her son Benoni, which means “son of my sorrow” or “son of my pain.” This name reflects the anguish Rachel experienced in childbirth and the sorrow surrounding her death. However, Jacob, the child’s father, changes his son’s name to Benjamin, which means “son of the right hand” or “son of my strength.” Jacob’s decision to change the name reflects his desire to emphasize the positive aspects of the child’s birth and to honor his own strength and blessing.
Symbolism: The contrasting names given to Rachel’s son highlight the tension between sorrow and blessing, pain and strength, in this particular moment. It captures the bittersweet reality of life and the complex emotions that can accompany significant events. It also underscores the significance of names in the Bible as they often carry deep meaning and reflect the circumstances and character of the individuals involved.
Jacob’s Perspective: Jacob’s decision to change the name indicates his role as the child’s father and his authority to bestow a name that reflects his own perception and hope for the child’s future. By choosing Benjamin, Jacob emphasizes the importance of strength and blessing rather than dwelling on the sorrow and pain associated with Rachel’s death.
God’s Sovereignty: While this passage primarily focuses on the names given to the child, it is essential to recognize God’s sovereignty and His larger plan at work. Despite the tragedy of Rachel’s death, Jacob’s descendants would go on to become the twelve tribes of Israel, with Benjamin being one of them. God’s purposes are often fulfilled even in the midst of challenging circumstances.
In conclusion, Genesis 35:18 highlights the significant event of Rachel’s death during childbirth and the subsequent naming of her son. It illustrates the complex emotions and perspectives of Jacob and Rachel in the midst of sorrow and blessing. Ultimately, this passage points to God’s sovereignty and His ability to bring about His purposes even in the midst of difficult circumstances.
