MPV Commentary

1. Rachel felt envious of her sister - In ancient Eastern cultures, maternal status was highly valued and lacking it was considered a significant loss.

Give me children, or else I die - Rachel's intense longing for children stemmed from her hope to bear the promised offspring. Her behavior was sinful, contrasting with that of Rebekah (compare Genesis 25:22) and Hannah (1 Samuel 1:11).

3-9. Bilhah ... Zilpah - Following Sarah's example with Hagar, Rachel adopted the children of her maid servant. Leah took a similar course. The sisters' close relationship fueled their bitter rivalry, despite living in separate apartments with their families. Although this was customary for polygamous households, where husbands spent time with each wife in rotation, it did not alleviate their jealousy. This system, violating God's original ordinance, cannot bring happiness.

20. Leah said, "God has given me a good dowry" - The birth of a son is celebrated with joy, and having multiple sons brings honor and respect to the mother. Her husband also values this possession, making it difficult for him to abandon or be unfaithful to a wife who has borne him children. This explains Leah's optimism about her six sons.

21. Later, she gave birth to a daughter - The lower value placed on daughters is evident in the simple announcement of her birth.