And Jacob set a pillar upon her grave A sepulchral monument erected in memory of her; this according to Benjamin of Tudela
FOOTNOTES:
F5 was made of twelve stones, according to the number of the sons of Jacob, and over it was a vault or roof, supported by four pillars: that [is] the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day; it continued to the times of Moses, the writer of this history, and to the times of Samuel, as appears from ( 1 Samuel 10:2 ) ; and even travellers of late times affirm it to be seen still, to the north of Bethlehem, on the right hand of the way as you go from Bethlehem to Jerusalem; but the present sepulchral monument, as Mr. Maundrel says F6, can be none of that which Jacob erected, for it appears plainly to be a modern Turkish structure. Near the grave are found some little black stones, which strangers pick up, and are fancied to be helpful to women, to give them an easier birth, the same the above traveller says resemble peas. The Jews that pass by it were used to engrave their names on the stones, of the pillars F7. F5 ltinerar. p. 47. F6 Journey from Aleppo p. 87. F7 Benjamin. Itinerar. ib. Adrichom. Theatrum Terrae Sanct. p. 19. Bunting's Travels, p. 75.
18
And it came to pass in her giving up the ghost (for she was dying), that she called his name, The son of my pain; but his father called his name Benjamin.
19
So Rachel died, and was buried in the way of the course of Ephratha, this is Bethleem.
20
And Jacob set up a pillar on her tomb; this is the pillar on the tomb of Rachel, until this day.
21
And it came to pass when Israel dwelt in that land, that Ruben went and lay with Balla, the concubine of his father Jacob; and Israel heard, and the thing appeared grievous before him.