Genesis 35:18Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

We will entrust the understanding of this mystery to God and to those more astute than ourselves, yet there is no harm in expressing our thoughts.

It seems plausible to interpret “the son of the disease” as representing the community of believers in the latter days. Concurrently, there shall arise “the man of sin, the son of perdition, who opposes and exalts himself above all that is called God or sacred, so that in the temple of God he sits as God, pretending to be God” (2 Thess. 2:3-4). This figure will turn against the saints, resembling the unyielding beasts, as the Savior Himself proclaimed, “for then shall be great tribulation, such as was not from the beginning of the world until now, nor ever shall be” (Matt. 24:21). The severity and cruelty of this tribulation will predominantly target the saints, as Christ noted, adding, “And if those days had not been shortened, no flesh would have been saved; but for the sake of the elect, those days will be shortened” (Matt. 24:22). Persecution will be aimed at the faith of every elect and genuine Christian, with violence so horrific that it could threaten lives; thus, the time shall indeed be curtailed, reflecting the mercy of God, who proportionately designs temptations according to the strength of those enduring them. The wise Paul encourages this perspective when he says, “God is faithful, who will not allow you to be tempted beyond your strength, but will also provide an escape so that you may be able to bear it” (1 Corinthians 10:13).

With the birth of Benjamin, symbolizing the conclusion and the suffering of the nation, Rachel also reaches her end. The Church, as I previously mentioned, transitions into another existence, as we, through faith in Christ, reach communion with God through the Spirit. It may be startling for some to consider that death liberated Rachel from worldly bonds, for there are those who recoil at contemplating past events. Some may argue that the Church will cease to exist in time, and with its demise, is this a regression? Our response is that when one hears the term “Church,” it should evoke the image of a sacred fellowship of believers, whose death in the temporal and carnal realm leads to a more profound life in Christ, marking a change that is genuinely positive and superior.

Thus, the blessed Paul strongly rebukes certain individuals, stating, “If ... you died to the elements of the world, why do you, as those living in the world, hold on to the traditions?” (Col. 2:20). He further tells those who reject a carnal and glorious existence: “For you are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” Therefore, “When Christ, who is your life, shall appear, then you shall also appear with Him in glory” (Col. 3:3-4). He clearly instructed us to mortify our “members,” our “earthly members,” which include “fornication, uncleanness,” and the like (Col. 3:5). Consequently, the death of Rachel illustrates the passing of the community of believers, the Church envisioned in Christ, which transitions into another form of existence, provided that it is indeed true that we will be transformed from corruption to incorruption, from death to life, from weakness to strength, from dishonor to glory, from the constraints of time to everlasting life. In this manner, we will forever remain with Christ Himself, to whom belongs glory and power with the Holy Spirit, forever and ever. Amen.