Bilhah

Servant of Rachel who became a concubine of Jacob. Mother of Dan and Naphtali.

Role

When Rachel was unable to conceive, she gave Bilhah to Jacob as a wife, following the custom of the time (similar to Sarah giving Hagar to Abraham). Children born to Bilhah were considered Rachel’s own.

Sons

Bilhah bore two sons to Jacob:

• Dan - ancestor of the tribe of Dan
• Naphtali - ancestor of the tribe of Naphtali

Later Incident

After Rachel’s death, Reuben, Jacob’s firstborn, “lay with Bilhah” (Genesis 35:22). This act cost Reuben his birthright and is referenced in Jacob’s final blessing.