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Genesis 35:9,14
And God appeared unto Jacob again, when he came out of Padanaram, and blessed him…

1 Samuel 10:2
When thou art departed from me to day, then thou shalt find two men by Rachel's sepulchre in the border of Benjamin at Zelzah; and they will say unto thee, The asses which thou wentest to seek are found: and, lo, thy father hath left the care of the asses, and sorroweth for you, saying, What shall I do for my son?

2 Samuel 18:17,18
And they took Absalom, and cast him into a great pit in the wood, and laid a very great heap of stones upon him: and all Israel fled every one to his tent…

it marks Rachel’s tomb
Rachel's tomb is traditionally located near Bethlehem, a site that has been venerated for centuries. The mention of the tomb's location provides a geographical anchor in the biblical narrative, connecting the story to a real place that can be visited. This site has been a place of pilgrimage and prayer, especially for Jewish and Christian believers. The tomb's enduring presence underscores Rachel's significance in Israel's history as the mother of Joseph and Benjamin, two of the twelve tribes of Israel.

to this day.
The phrase "to this day" suggests the enduring nature of Rachel's tomb as a landmark and its continued recognition by the people of Israel. This expression is used throughout the Old Testament to indicate the lasting impact of certain events or places (e.g.,Deuteronomy 34:6). It implies that the memory of Rachel and her significance in the lineage of Israel persisted long after the events of Genesis, highlighting the continuity of God's promises through the generations. This enduring legacy can also be seen as a type of Christ, as Rachel's life and death point to themes of sacrifice and the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.

• When Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin (Genesis 35:16-19), Jacob responded by raising a stone pillar—something he had done earlier at Bethel and Galeed (Genesis 28:18-22; 31:45-48).

• Such memorial stones were common markers of God’s faithfulness (Joshua 4:8-9;1 Samuel 7:12).

• The act shows Jacob’s desire for a permanent reminder of both his wife and the Lord’s covenant faithfulness that had sustained their family.

• Placing the pillar directly upon the burial site honors Rachel in death, just as Abraham honored Sarah with the cave of Machpelah (Genesis 23:17-20).

• Scripture consistently affirms dignified burial and clear remembrance (Genesis 49:29-31;2 Kings 23:17).

• For believers today, it models respectful care for the bodies of loved ones while looking ahead to bodily resurrection (1 Corinthians 15:42-44).

• The pillar served as a clear identifier: “Rachel’s tomb.” Her unique place in Israel’s story (Jacob’s beloved wife; mother of Joseph and Benjamin) warranted such a memorial.

• The location south of Bethlehem became a national landmark, later evoked byJeremiah 31:15 and echoed inMatthew 2:18 when Rachel is pictured “weeping for her children.”

• God’s redemptive storyline thus ties Rachel’s personal sorrow to Israel’s future hope (Jeremiah 31:16-17).

• The phrase indicates that, at the time Genesis was penned, Rachel’s tomb and its marker were still visible—a tangible witness to historical accuracy (cf.Deuteronomy 34:6;Joshua 4:9;Judges 1:26).

• Such ongoing physical evidence reinforces confidence in Scripture’s reliability and in God’s enduring promises.

Jacob’s simple but heartfelt act of setting a pillar on Rachel’s grave transformed a moment of personal grief into a lasting testimony. The stone spoke of love remembered, covenant faith trusted, and history grounded in real places “to this day.”