The Handmaid, Mother, and Matriarch
Bilhah was the handmaid of Rachel, the favorite wife of Jacob (later named Israel), and through her relationship with Jacob, she became the mother of two of the twelve patriarchs who founded the tribes of Israel: Dan and Naphtali. Her story is found in the foundational narrative of the Book of Genesis.
Given to Jacob
The custom of a wife giving her handmaid to her husband to bear children on her behalf was common in the ancient Near East, especially when the wife was barren. Rachel, having struggled with barrenness while her sister Leah bore children, resorted to this practice to ensure her lineage would be established through Jacob.
The Scripture records this event and the significance of the names given to Bilhah’s children:
“And Rachel said, Behold my maid Bilhah, go in unto her; and she shall bear upon my knees, that I may also have children by her. And she gave him Bilhah her handmaid to wife. And Jacob went in unto her, and Bilhah conceived, and bare Jacob a son.” (Genesis 30:3-5, KJV)
The Mothers of the Tribes
Bilhah bore two sons for Jacob, and the names they were given reflect Rachel’s spiritual struggles and her competitive relationship with her sister Leah:
- Dan: (Meaning “Judge”) When Bilhah bore her first son, Rachel exclaimed:”And Rachel said, God hath judged me, and hath also heard my voice, and hath given me a son: therefore called she his name Dan.” (Genesis 30:6, KJV)
- Naphtali: (Meaning “My Wrestling”) When Bilhah bore her second son, Rachel rejoiced again:”And Rachel said, With great wrestlings have I wrestled with my sister, and I have prevailed: and she called his name Naphtali.” (Genesis 30:8, KJV)
In this way, Bilhah fulfilled her purpose as a surrogate, securing the birthright for Rachel through her children, Dan and Naphtali, who would become two of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Later Life and Scandal
Bilhah traveled with Jacob and his family back to Canaan. Her sons are listed among the seventy souls of Jacob’s house who went down to Egypt (Genesis 46:25).
A dark event associated with Bilhah is recorded during the family’s journey: Reuben, Jacob’s eldest son by Leah, committed incest with her. This act was a grievous offense against his father and a transgression of the family structure, resulting in the forfeiture of Reuben’s birthright and a curse from his father:
“Reuben, thou art my firstborn, my might, and the beginning of my strength, the excellency of dignity, and the excellency of power: Unstable as water, thou shalt not excel; because thou wentest up to thy father’s bed; then defiledst thou it: he went up to my couch.” (Genesis 49:3-4, KJV)
Despite this scandal, Bilhah is recognized as a matriarch of Israel, with her sons’ names enduring as eternal designations of the covenant people.