Section One

Jacob and his Sons

There is another story in the book of Genesis that bears a striking resemblence to the story of Abraham and Sarah. This story about Jacob also highlights the importance placed on having children and how they were considered a blessing. Jacob wanted to marry a woman named Rachel but is tricked into marrying her sister Leah. After that, he marries Rachel as well. Leah then bears three children. On each occasion, Leah hopes that the child will result in a better relationship between her and Jacob. Leah then gives birth to a fourth son. Rachel becomes jealous of her sister and offers her servant named Bilhah to Jacob so that they can have children. Then Leah does the same! She offers her servant named Zilpah. Jacob eventually has 12 sons. The descendants of these 12 sons form the 12 tribes that end the exodus and take possession of the land that God had promised.