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
Then as hir soule was a departinge that she must dye: she called his name Ben Oni. But his father called him Ben Iamin.
19
And thus dyed Rahel ad was buryed in the waye to Ephrath which now is called Bethlehem.
20
And Iacob sett vp a piller apon hir graue which is called Rahels graue piller vnto this daye.
21
And Israell went thece and pitched vp his tent beyonde the toure of Eder.
22
And it chaunced as Israel dwelt in that lande that Ruben went and laye with Bilha his fathers concubyne and it came to Israels eare. The sonnes of Iacob were .xij. in nombre.