Genesis 30:12

¹¹Then Leah said, “How fortunate!” So she named him Gad.¹²When Leah’s servant Zilpah bore Jacob a second son, ¹³Leah said, “How happy I am! For the women call me happy.” So she named him Asher.

Sermons

(Through the Bible) Exodus 1-5

Chuck Smith

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Summary

In this verse, Rachel expresses her hope and belief that God will hear her prayer and grant her a son through her maid Bilhah. Rachel's desire for a child reflects the cultural significance of bearing offspring during that time. Her faith in God's ability to answer her prayer demonstrates a reliance on divine intervention for the fulfillment of her deepest longing. This verse highlights the theme of fertility and the importance of offspring in the biblical narrative, showcasing the complexities of human emotions and relationships in the context of God's providence.

Commentary

John Gill

John Gill Bible Commentary

And she said unto her,.... Leah to Rachel, taking this opportunity to bring out a thing which had some time lain with uneasiness upon her mind: is it a small thing that thou hast taken away my husband? got the greatest share of his affections, and had most of his company; which last was very probably the case, and more so, since Leah had left off bearing; and this she could not well stomach, and therefore upon this trifling occasion outs with it: and wouldest thou take away my son's mandrakes also? which were poor things to be mentioned along with an husband; and besides, Rachel did not offer to take them away from the child without her leave, which she in very humble manner asked of her: and Rachel said, therefore he shall lie with thee tonight for thy son's mandrakes; which showed no great affection to her husband, and a slight of his company, to be willing to part with it for such a trifle; and it seems by this as if they took their turns to lie with Jacob, and this night being Rachel's turn, she agrees to give it to Leah for the sake of the mandrakes: or however, if she had engrossed him to herself very much of late, as seems by the words of Leah above, she was willing to give him up to her this night, on that consideration; which Leah agreed she should have, as appears by what follows.