Genesis 30:3Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Learning that God had made her barren and observing her sister's pride in her offspring, she sought some solace and said to Jacob, "You have shown me that my inability to bear children is not your doing; therefore, please take my maidservant and have children through her, so that I may find some comfort in raising those born of her."

The Jewish people, although descended from free individuals, found themselves under the burden of bondage according to the law. This reality is illustrated by the births of the four sons through maidservants. Yet, there is a deeper significance in this. The sons of Bilhah, Dan and Naphtali, are associated with Rachel, while Gad and Asher, who came from Zilpah, are linked to Leah, even though the latter were born after those of Bilhah. One might rightfully raise an objection: why are the sons of the handmaid, namely Zilpah's children, credited to Rachel, particularly since they symbolize the Church among the Gentiles? How should we respond?

Upon learning that she would need to exercise immense patience, Rachel, wary of growing tired from the extended wait, implored Jacob, 'Please go to my maidservant so she may bear a child on my behalf, and through her I will find solace.' Rachel continued, 'Abraham accepted Hagar as a concubine (Gen. 16:2) in fulfillment of Sarah's desires because of his love for her, yet you seem unpersuaded by my words, as if you do not hold the same affection for me.'

Let her deliver on my lap. This appears to be the ceremonial act of adoption. To produce offspring, Rachel relies on the assistance of a servant. Similarly, the soul that lacks the joys of contemplation seeks outward acts of love to satisfy its feeling of emptiness.