The Symbolism Of Rachel In The Book Of Genesis
Rachel is significant figure in biblical history, and her story of love is recalled in the book of Genesis. Rachel was the younger and more beautiful daughter of Laban, brother of Isaac’s wife Rebecca. Her name means ‘ewe’, a female sheep, a symbol of prosperity and security for nomadic people.
Every afternoon, Rachel watered her flock of sheep at a well near Haran, an outpost of the ancient city of Ur. When analysing this story critically, a well was identified as a symbol of the feminine and of women's power to produce and nurture life. On this particular afternoon where the story begins, Jacob, a young traveller also visited the well. From this instance the two immediately fell in love. Rachel’s father and family warmly welcomed Jacob. …show more content…
When the seven years had lapsed Jacob demanded his bride; it was then that he realized that Laban had deceived him. Laban instead handed over his older and plainer daughter, Leah. During this time, polygamy was acceptable, and so Jacob now insisted that Rachel become his wife as well. Laban agreed but demanded he work for another seven years for her. Jacob had no choice, and had to accept Laban's bargain. So after the ceremonial week of the wedding, Rachel became his second but most-loved wife. Despite this, Rachel was less fertile than her sister Leah; and a fierce rivalry grew between the two …show more content…
Identifying these nations today help us understand what will occur before Christ’s return. Some people mistakenly think that, since the establishment of the New Testament Church, the identities of Rachel and Leah’s sons will no longer serve any purpose. What some believe is that God has many more plans in store for the people whom have descended from the twelve tribes of Israel after Christ returns.
Why was this woman’s story placed in the Scriptures?
The twelve sons of patriarch Israel each became the fathers of a tribe of the ancient nation of Israel. Rachel and Leah are remembered as the two ‘who together built up the house of Israel.’ Rachel, who died young, became an image of tragic womanhood. Her tomb remains as a landmark and a testimony to her. After the biblical period, ‘Mother Rachel’ continued to be celebrated as a powerful intercessor for the people of Israel.
Every afternoon, Rachel watered her flock of sheep at a well near Haran, an outpost of the ancient city of Ur. When analysing this story critically, a well was identified as a symbol of the feminine and of women's power to produce and nurture life. On this particular afternoon where the story begins, Jacob, a young traveller also visited the well. From this instance the two immediately fell in love. Rachel’s father and family warmly welcomed Jacob. …show more content…
When the seven years had lapsed Jacob demanded his bride; it was then that he realized that Laban had deceived him. Laban instead handed over his older and plainer daughter, Leah. During this time, polygamy was acceptable, and so Jacob now insisted that Rachel become his wife as well. Laban agreed but demanded he work for another seven years for her. Jacob had no choice, and had to accept Laban's bargain. So after the ceremonial week of the wedding, Rachel became his second but most-loved wife. Despite this, Rachel was less fertile than her sister Leah; and a fierce rivalry grew between the two …show more content…
Identifying these nations today help us understand what will occur before Christ’s return. Some people mistakenly think that, since the establishment of the New Testament Church, the identities of Rachel and Leah’s sons will no longer serve any purpose. What some believe is that God has many more plans in store for the people whom have descended from the twelve tribes of Israel after Christ returns.
Why was this woman’s story placed in the Scriptures?
The twelve sons of patriarch Israel each became the fathers of a tribe of the ancient nation of Israel. Rachel and Leah are remembered as the two ‘who together built up the house of Israel.’ Rachel, who died young, became an image of tragic womanhood. Her tomb remains as a landmark and a testimony to her. After the biblical period, ‘Mother Rachel’ continued to be celebrated as a powerful intercessor for the people of Israel.