Genesis 35:16 Then they journeyed from Bethel. When they were still some distance from Ephrath, Rachel went into labor, and she had hard labor. And when her labor was at its hardest, the midwife said to her, “Do not fear, for you have another son.” And as her soul was departing (for she was dying), she called his name Ben-oni; but his father called him Benjamin. So Rachel died, and she was buried on the way to Ephrath (that is, Bethlehem), and Jacob set up a pillar over her tomb. It is the pillar of Rachel’s tomb, which is there to this day. Israel journeyed on and pitched his tent beyond the tower of Eder.
Jacob is finally on track with God and following His lead back to his homeland. He has been visited by God and finally is wanting to obey Him. On the way, Rachel gives birth to Benjamin and dies. The woman he loves gives birth and dies. When we get right with God and turn away from that which is not in line with God’s leading, it doesn’t mean there will not be challenges or that life becomes easy and comfortable. Many times it does become a life of continual blessing with both physical and mental peace and joy, however, let us not forget God’s will, God’s plans, and God’s purposes. These will always be right, just, and holy. Even as I write this it is hard to put this into words that make sense. The joy of a son’s birth and your wife’s death does not seem like there is any comfort, peace, or joy. The emotions of both contradict each other. I can’t imagine these events on the same day. Life, this side of eternity, will be filled with deep valleys and high mountain tops. Both of these are under the loving hands of God. All I can truly say is that whether we are in a valley or on a mountain top our eyes need to continually rely on and trust in God. I find no other way to find peace for our souls.