Genesis 35:26Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

In the account given by the revered Moses, he recounts the offspring of Jacob, imparting wisdom on the qualities of a virtuous individual. To dispel any notions that Jacob's unions with Rachel, Leah, and their maidservants occurred by mere happenstance, Moses reveals that these relations were part of a divine plan, facilitating the emergence of the twelve tribes. Therefore, Scripture does not reference any other sons previously born to Jacob, emphasizing that these events were intentional and significant.

The descendants of Jacob, who were born to him in Padan-Aram, are listed here. It is important to note that Benjamin, who was born in Canaan, should have been omitted. This oversight, however, does not mislead anyone. Therefore, the total of twelve is consistently associated with the apostles, even when Judas was absent and Matthew had not yet joined them (1 Cor. 15:5). This interpretation aligns with how it was understood in the Greek texts and by Blessed Augustine in his work on Genesis, among others.