Story · 22 · The Matriarch
Rivalry between sisters brings new life
Brothers in the Bible fight violently. Rachel and Leah compete too, but their rivalry produces children, the tribes of Israel.
They 'built the house of Israel' together.
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Leah names her sons for her longing for Jacob's love. Rachel has his love but can't conceive, then dies giving birth to her second son. It's the closest the Bible comes to heroic death, and it's a woman's, bringing life.
Bible reference: Genesis 29–30; 35; Ruth 4:11
Source: Why the Bible Began, pp. 361
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