and bore him a son
The birth of Bilhah's son marks the continuation of Jacob's lineage, which is central to the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. This son, Dan, becomes one of the twelve tribes of Israel, playing a significant role in the history and identity of the nation. The naming of the son, which follows in the subsequent verses, reflects Rachel's struggle and her perception of divine justice. This event also foreshadows the complex family dynamics and rivalries that will characterize Jacob's descendants, ultimately leading to the fulfillment of God's plan through the nation of Israel.

- The small conjunction links this verse to the unfolding story that began with Rachel’s anguish over barrenness (Genesis 30:1).

- It shows the historical chain of events—each step literally occurring in time, just as earlier Scripture records that “God remembered Rachel” later on (Genesis 30:22).

- By using “and,” Moses keeps the reader’s focus on God’s ongoing covenant work, much like the repetitive “and” structure in Genesis 1 that ties each creative act together.

- Bilhah, Rachel’s maid, was physically united to Jacob at Rachel’s insistence (Genesis 30:3–4).

- Conception is presented as a direct, factual outcome, echoing how the Lord “opened” Leah’s womb earlier (Genesis 29:31) and how He would later open Rachel’s (Genesis 30:22).

- Scripture consistently credits God with life’s beginnings (Psalm 127:3; 1 Samuel 1:19–20). We therefore see this conception as the literal work of God’s providence, not mere biology.

- The narrative parallels Hagar’s conception by Abram (Genesis 16:4), highlighting both human attempts to secure heirs and God’s sovereign oversight.

- “Bore him” underlines two relationships:

• Bilhah served as the biological mother.

• Jacob received the child as his legal offspring, fulfilling Rachel’s plan that Bilhah would “bear on my knees, so that through her I too may have children” (Genesis 30:3).

- The phrase recalls Hagar who “bore Abram a son” (Genesis 16:15), illustrating how surrogate arrangements were culturally recognized, though not always commended.

- God permits these choices, yet His covenant purpose for Jacob remains intact (Romans 8:28).

- A son meant heritage, blessing, and covenant continuation (Genesis 12:2–3; 17:7).

- This particular son would be named Dan (Genesis 30:6), becoming head of one of Israel’s twelve tribes (Genesis 49:16–17).

- The birth advances God’s promise that Jacob’s descendants would be “as the dust of the earth” (Genesis 28:14).

- Each son in Genesis is treated as a literal historical figure whose lineage shapes redemptive history, culminating in the promised Messiah (Luke 3:34).

Genesis 30:5 gives a straightforward, literal record: “Bilhah conceived and bore him a son.” The conjunction ties the verse to Rachel’s quest for children; Bilhah’s conception displays God’s providence; the birth to Jacob secures legal paternity; and the arrival of a son advances the covenant line through the tribe of Dan. Every detail underscores God’s faithful orchestration of human history to fulfill His promises.