The Birth of Benjamin and the Deaths of Rachel and Isaac: This section contains small vignettes in the context of Jacob’s moving south from Bethel to Mamre. Jacob loses his beloved wife Rachel as she gives birth to Benjamin (vv. 16–20). Reuben sleeps with Bilhah (vv. 21–22a), and there is a list of Jacob’s children (vv. 22b–26). Isaac dies (vv. 27–29). These vignettes, framed by the burial scenes of Rachel and Isaac, conclude the core Jacob narrative. Jacob, however, continues to live and reemerges in the story of Joseph to bless Joseph’s sons (ch. 48) and his own twelve sons (ch. 49).

35:16–20 Having left Bethel and still some distance from Ephrath, most likely located in the territory of Benjamin, Rachel was stricken by excruciating birth pangs. Her midwife sought to comfort her by saying…