Topical Bible: Thankfulness: To God of Rachel

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Rachel, a prominent matriarch in the biblical narrative, is a figure whose life account is interwoven with themes of longing, struggle, and ultimately, thankfulness to God. Her journey, as recorded in the Book of Genesis, provides a profound insight into the nature of gratitude amidst personal trials and divine intervention.

Rachel was the younger daughter of Laban and the beloved wife of Jacob. Her account is primarily found in Genesis 29-35. Despite Jacob's deep love for her, Rachel faced the heart-wrenching challenge of barrenness, a significant source of distress in the cultural context of her time. Her initial response to this trial was one of envy and desperation, as seen in Genesis 30:1 : "When Rachel saw that she was not bearing children for Jacob, she envied her sister. 'Give me children, or I will die!' she said to Jacob."

In her desperation, Rachel turned to God, seeking His intervention. Her prayers were eventually answered, and she bore a son, Joseph. This moment marked a significant turning point in Rachel's life, as she expressed her thankfulness to God. Genesis 30:22-24 records this pivotal moment: "Then God remembered Rachel. He listened to her and opened her womb, and she conceived and bore a son. 'God has taken away my disgrace,' she said. She named him Joseph, saying, 'May the LORD add to me another son.'"

Rachel's expression of gratitude is multifaceted. It acknowledges God's sovereignty and His role in alleviating her suffering. Her thankfulness is not merely for the gift of a child but also for the removal of her disgrace, a significant social stigma of her time. By naming her son Joseph, which means "May He add," Rachel's gratitude is coupled with hope and faith for future blessings, reflecting a deep trust in God's continued provision.

The narrative of Rachel's thankfulness is further enriched by the birth of her second son, Benjamin. Although Rachel died during childbirth, her earlier expressions of gratitude and faith left a lasting legacy. Her life account serves as a testament to the power of thankfulness to God, even amidst life's most challenging circumstances.

Rachel's journey from despair to thankfulness underscores a broader biblical theme: the transformative power of gratitude. Her account encourages believers to trust in God's timing and to remain thankful for His blessings, even when they are not immediately apparent. Through Rachel, the Bible illustrates that thankfulness is not only a response to God's gifts but also an act of faith in His ongoing work in our lives.

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Genesis 30:6
And Rachel said, God has judged me, and has also heard my voice, and has given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.
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Library

Jacob, a Prince of God.
... on his way into Canaan full of joy and thankfulness. ... to Beth-el, and there built
an altar and worshipped God. ... another little son was born to Rachel, and there ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter v jacob a prince.htm

Of Contemplation
... godly things, in which is the halsing of Rachel, is to ... is above all things: truly
to know God; to love ... be worship and joy, with deeds of thankfulness, in the ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/rolle/the fire of love/chapter xii of contemplation.htm

Against Publishing the Errors of the Brethren.
... poor, but because he had borne his poverty with thankfulness. ... his daughter-in-law,
the wife of Jacob, Rachel. ... living in virtue, all were witnessed to by God. ...
/.../chrysostom/on the priesthood/against publishing the errors of.htm

Seasonable Counsel: Or, Advice to Sufferers.
... To Bunyan this was not only harmless to others, but the most boundless mercy that
God could bestow upon man. ... There is nothing too hard for God. ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/seasonable counsel or advice to.htm

The Third Continental Journey, or the Journey to Greece.
... the foregoing passage was probably intended Rachel, wife of Dr ... and interior in his
walk with God that it ... openness in addressing them, and thankfulness filled my ...
/.../chapter xi the third continental.htm

The Pilgrim's Progress
... When Jacob saw his Rachel with the sheep, He did at the same time both ... When little
tripping maidens follow God, And leave old doting sinners to His rod; 'Tis ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/the pilgrims progress.htm