Genesis 35:20

Arabic Bible (GNA) Good News Arabic - 1993 (الترجمة العربية المشتركة)

ونصبَ يعقوبُ عَمودا على قبرِها، وهوَ عَمودُ قبرِ راحيلَ إلى اليومِ.

What Does This Mean?

This verse tells us that Jacob placed a pillar at the burial site of his wife, Rachel. The pillar marked her grave and was still there in the writer's time. It shows the significance of Rachel in Jacob's life.

Explained for Children

Imagine if your mom built a big, special rock tower to remember where your grandma is buried. That's what Jacob did for Rachel. He made a big rock to show everyone where she was buried and so people would always remember her.

Historical Background

This verse is part of the Book of Genesis, written by Moses around 1440-1400 BCE. It tells the story of the ancestors of the Israelites and was meant for the Israelites who were about to enter the Promised Land. The practice of setting pillars as monuments was common in ancient Near Eastern cultures.

Living It Out Today

Today, we can think about how we remember important people in our lives. Maybe you have a special photo or a tree planted in memory of someone. Like Jacob, we can have our own ways to honor and remember those who were significant in our lives.

Topics

• memorial
• family
• loss
• remembrance
• ancestry
• tradition

Related Verses

• 1 Samuel 10:2
• 1 Kings 13:32
• 2 Kings 23:17
• Matthew 2:18
• John 9:7

Frequently Asked Questions

Why did Jacob set a pillar on Rachel's grave?

Jacob set a pillar on Rachel's grave to mark the place and honor her memory. It was a way to ensure that Rachel's burial site would be remembered and respected.

How do we know the pillar was still there in the writer's time?

The verse explicitly states 'unto this day,' indicating that the pillar was still visible and known at the time when the text was written.

What is the significance of setting pillars in the Bible?

Setting pillars in the Bible often signifies marking important events or places. It was a way to commemorate and remember significant occurrences or people in the history of God's people.

Are there other examples of setting pillars in the Bible?

Yes, there are other examples in the Bible where pillars or stones were set up to commemorate events, such as in Joshua 4:9, where Joshua set up stones from the Jordan River to mark the place where God stopped the waters.