Why Jacob Buried Rachel on the Road to Ephrath

Midrash Aggadah, Genesis 35:19

Curated by Arthur·Told by Maggid·

"And she was buried on the road to Ephrath" (Genesis 35:19). What did Jacob our father see, that he buried Rachel on the road to Ephrath? Rather, Jacob foresaw by the Holy Spirit that the exiles were destined to pass by there. Therefore he buried her there, so that she might plead for mercy. This is what is written: "Rachel weeping for her children" (Jeremiah 31:15).

Themes

MatriarchsPatriarchsJacobExileDeath

Biblical References

Continue Reading

Book of TobitSarah's Seven Husbands Die on Their Wedding NightThat’s kind of where Sarah finds herself in the Book of Tobit. You’re a young woman, ready to start your life, but every man you marry dies on your wedding nighBook of JubileesAbraham's Final Trial - Silent Grief for SarahTrials is often remembered as grand, sweeping events, but sometimes the most profound tests come in the quiet moments of grief. Think about Abraham. We know himBook of JubileesAbraham's Legacy of HebronSometimes, the most fascinating details are tucked away in texts just outside the mainstream, like the Book of Jubilees. Abraham is familiar. But do we really kBook of JubileesKingdom of Abraham of IshmaelWhen you're talking about someone like Abraham, the father of monotheism, the grief takes on a whole new dimension. The tradition turns to the Book of Jubilees,Book of JubileesRebecca Blesses Jacob Before He Departs in JubileesBook of Jubilees turns to Rebecca Blesses Jacob Before He Departs in Jubilees. The Book of Jubilees, sometimes called Lesser Genesis, is a fascinating ancient JBook of JubileesJacob Disguised in Goatskins Fools Blind IsaacBook of Jubilees turns to Jacob Disguised in Goatskins Fools Blind Isaac. Isaac is getting old, his eyesight’s failing. He knows his time is drawing near. So he