Sing Barren One and Why Israel Is Called by Rachel

Rabbi Reuben opened: "Sing, O barren one" (Isaiah 54:1), behold now, barren. Rabbi Meir said: "barren" means uprooted, a nation that the nations of the world uprooted. This is as it is written, "Remember, O LORD, against the children of Edom the day of Jerusalem, who said: Strip it bare, strip it bare, down to its foundation" (Psalms 137:7). Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: it means tear it down, tear it down, as you say, "the broad wall of Babylon shall be utterly overthrown" (Jeremiah 51:58). The rest of this section is like the parallel passage. Rabbi Abba bar Kahana said: the bulk of those reclining at the meal were of Leah, yet they made Rachel the principal one, as you say, "and Rachel was barren" (Genesis 29:31). Rabbi Isaac said: Rachel was the foundation of the house, as you say, "and Rachel was barren" (Genesis 29:31), the essence. Rabbi Simeon ben Yohai taught: because all matters depended on Rachel, therefore the children were called by her name, "Rachel weeping for her children" (Jeremiah 31:14). And not only by her name, but even by the name of her son, "perhaps the LORD of hosts will be gracious to the remnant of Joseph" (Amos 5:15). And by the name of her grandson, "Is Ephraim my dear son?" (Jeremiah 31:19).