Rachel, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is a testament to the power of prayer and God's faithfulness in answering the heartfelt petitions of His people. She is introduced in the Book of Genesis as the beloved wife of Jacob and the younger sister of Leah. Rachel's account is one of deep longing and eventual fulfillment, highlighting the importance of persistence in prayer and trust in God's timing.

Rachel's struggle with infertility is a central theme in her narrative. Despite Jacob's deep love for her, Rachel remained childless while her sister Leah bore several sons. This situation caused Rachel great distress and envy, leading her to plead with Jacob, "Give me children, or I shall die!" (Genesis 30:1). Her desperation reflects the cultural and personal significance of childbearing in her time, as well as her intense desire to fulfill her role as a mother.

In response to her plight, Rachel turned to God in prayer. Her faith and persistence are eventually rewarded when God "remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb" (Genesis 30:22). This divine intervention resulted in the birth of her first son, Joseph, whose name means "May He add," reflecting Rachel's hope for additional children. Rachel's joy and gratitude are evident in her declaration, "God has taken away my disgrace" (Genesis 30:23).

Rachel's account does not end with Joseph. Her continued faith and reliance on God are further exemplified when she conceives again and gives birth to Benjamin, her second son. Tragically, Rachel dies during childbirth, but her legacy endures through her sons, particularly Joseph, who plays a crucial role in the history of Israel.

Rachel's experience underscores the biblical principle that God hears and answers the prayers of His people, though not always in the manner or timing they might expect. Her account serves as an encouragement to those who face similar struggles, reminding believers of the importance of faith, patience, and reliance on God's perfect plan. Through Rachel, the Bible illustrates that children are indeed a blessing from the Lord, often granted in response to earnest and heartfelt prayer.Genesis 30:22-24
And God remembered Rachel, and God listened to her, and opened her womb.
Nave's Topical Index

Chapter xxxiii
... brothers long estranged, but this reconciliation comes from God as an answer to
earnest prayer. ... So he divided the children among Leah and Rachel and the two ...
/.../leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxxiii.htm

At Masaarah
... then." He whirled upon the other children, cowering behind ... Frightened and trembling,
they did not answer till he ... There have my scribe draw up a prayer to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the yoke/chapter xviii at masaarah.htm

Letter cxxiii. To Ageruchia.
... trust is in God and their only work prayer. ... the other hand taught the children to
answer their parents ... and "thou shalt see thy children's children." [3292] But ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter cxxiii to ageruchia.htm

Palestine under Pagan Kings.
... before his eyes, and then his own eyes to be put out, thus making the slaughter
of his children the last ... At this crisis, in answer to prayer, Jehovah sent ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/palestine under pagan kings.htm

They Shall be Called the Children of God
... You hear no more of them. Before joy and assurance, O the sweet music of prayer
and repentance! ... (iii) I:answer: God may forsake his children in regard of ...
/.../the beatitudes an exposition of matthew 51-12/19 they shall be called.htm

Chapter twenty-four
... For answer to the Bishop's unfinished query, Felicia turned ... eternal calmness and
strength that the children of God ... the house she, with a prayer of forgiveness ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter twenty-four.htm

Of Various Degrees of this Repose, and How it is to be Preserved.
... to know what we are doing in prayer, we must ... and perfectly remembered it, though
she could not answer, or loose ... and quiet; as we see young children murmur and ...
/.../francis/treatise on the love of god/chapter x of various degrees.htm

Chapter xxx
... with one another in rivalry and with God in prayer. ... by giving him his wives and his
children that he ... Then my righteousness shall answer for me on any future day ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxx.htm

Chapter seventeen
... as we ask it, we also try to answer it from ... and it shall be given him." Surely his
prayer would be ... wearied, worn-out woman who had lost three children the year ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter seventeen.htm

Chapter thirty
... If so, such a man can answer this question better than I can ... one than this man and
his three children has on ... Certainly her prayer was being answered as she sang ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sheldon/in his steps/chapter thirty.htm

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Children: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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