What is the meaning of Genesis 35:20? Jacob set up a pillar • When Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin (Genesis 35:16-19), Jacob responded by raising a stone pillar—something he had done earlier at Bethel and Galeed (Genesis 28:18-22; 31:45-48). • Such memorial stones were common markers of God’s faithfulness (Joshua 4:8-9; 1 Samuel 7:12). • The act shows Jacob’s desire for a permanent reminder of both his wife and the Lord’s covenant faithfulness that had sustained their family. on her grave • Placing the pillar directly upon the burial site honors Rachel in death, just as Abraham honored Sarah with the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23:17-20). • Scripture consistently affirms dignified burial and clear remembrance (Genesis 49:29-31; 2 Kings 23:17). • For believers today, it models respectful care for the bodies of loved ones while looking ahead to bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42-44). it marks Rachel’s tomb • The pillar served as a clear identifier: “Rachel’s tomb.” Her unique place in Israel’s story (Jacob’s beloved wife; mother of Joseph and Benjamin) warranted such a memorial. • The location south of Bethlehem became a national landmark, later evoked by Jeremiah 31:15 and echoed in Matthew 2:18 when Rachel is pictured “weeping for her children.” • God’s redemptive storyline thus ties Rachel’s personal sorrow to Israel’s future hope (Jeremiah 31:16-17). to this day • The phrase indicates that, at the time Genesis was penned, Rachel’s tomb and its marker were still visible—a tangible witness to historical accuracy (cf. Deuteronomy 34:6; Joshua 4:9; Judges 1:26). • Such ongoing physical evidence reinforces confidence in Scripture’s reliability and in God’s enduring promises. summary Jacob’s simple but heartfelt act of setting a pillar on Rachel’s grave transformed a moment of personal grief into a lasting testimony. The stone spoke of love remembered, covenant faith trusted, and history grounded in real places “to this day.” |
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