What Happens in Genesis 35–36? The Deaths of Rachel and Isaac and the Birth of Israel’s Tribes
Genesis chapters 35-36 are very important. A couple of momentous events occur. First, Isaac and Rachel both die. Rachel first, in childbirth, giving birth to Jacob’s (Israel’s) twelfth son, Benjamin.
The other major event in these chapters is the record of Jacob’s sons, later the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Chapter 36 is entirely a genealogy, and God does this because of the establishment of the tribes. Is Israel still structured by the tribes?
Genesis Chapters 35-36 Summary
In Genesis 35, Jacob (Israel) goes to Bethel. Then his wife, whom he loved, Rachel, died in childbirth. As she was dying, she exclaimed the name of Israel’s twelfth son, Benjamin. Actually, she called him Ben-Oni, and Israel marked her tomb with a pillar (standing stone). Israel loved her greatly.
Significantly, Israel had twelve sons, because they each beget a tribe of the country of Israel. That makes twelve tribes of Israel. These are the twelve sons, born to four different women: the sons of Leah were Reuben, Simeon, Levi, Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun. The sons of Rachel were Joseph and Benjamin. The sons of Rachel’s servant Bilhah were Dan and Naphtali. The sons of Leah’s servant Zilpah were Gad and Asher.
Chapter 36 is the family line of Esau. The lineage goes the entire chapter, and since Esau was the firstborn, he held the inheritance, though he sold his birthright to Jacob. Esau became the ancestor of the Kingdom of Edom.
Historical Background
The historical background here is important. Jacob and Esau are the sons of Rebeckak and Isaac, the grandsons of Abraham. To him, God promised descendants as numerous as the stars in the sky or the sands on the beach. Because of this promise, the lineages of both Jacob and Esau are very significant, as their descendants become the Nation of Israel.
Modern Relevance
The establishment of the twelve tribes of Israel begins with the naming of Jacob’s sons in Genesis 35. It is very meaningful that the twelve tribes of Israel are the sons of Jacob (renamed Israel by God). When the readers consider all the contemporary news coming out of Israel, this establishment is vitally important. This is a new thing that God is doing, creating a new nation through this man.
Parting Shots
These two chapters of Genesis present some momentous events. First, both Rachel and Isaac die. Rachel died in childbirth, giving birth to Isaac’s twelfth-born son, Benjamin. Isaac outlived his wife and lived to be 180 years old. More significant than these deaths is the creation of the twelve tribes of Israel. These are the twelve sons of Jacob (or Israel). Chapter 35 of Genesis might be the most important in the entire bible.
Disclaimer: This article contains a summary of Genesis 35–36 as well as interpretive insights from the author. Interpretations of biblical texts can differ, and this piece represents one approach to understanding the passage.
