Genesis 30:14-24

Joseph, Rachel's Firstborn

There are two possible reasons Rachel wanted the mandrakes, a poisonous plant of the potato family. She may have thought they produced fertility, since many in that region still have such a superstition today. Or, she may have just wanted them because they are rare. At any rate, she exchanged an opportunity for Leah to be with Jacob for Reuben's mandrakes. Leah then bore Issachar, meaning "my hire." His name came from the fact that Leah hired Jacob in the exchange for the mandrakes. Leah then bore Zebulun, a name meaning "honor" and chosen because Leah felt God had honored her with six sons. She also bore a daughter named Dinah, or "rights controversy."

Finally, long years after any potential effect from the mandrakes would have worn off, God remembered Rachel. It should be noted that "God listened to her, which clearly indicates she had been praying about the matter. We all need to remember God is the source of all blessings, including children. She bore a son who she named Joseph, or "he adds." In the name is an expression of joy because God had taken away her source of shame in allowing her to have a child. Also, Joseph's name might be viewed as a prayer to God to give her more (Genesis 30:14-24).