John Calvin Commentary Genesis 35:16

"And they journeyed from Beth-el; and there was still some distance to come to Ephrath: and Rachel travailed, and she had hard labor." — Genesis 35:16 (ASV)

And they journeyed from Beth-el. We have seen how severe a wound the defilement of his daughter inflicted on holy Jacob, and with what terror the cruel deed of his two sons had filled him. Various trials are now blended together, by which he is heavily afflicted throughout his old age, until, on his departure into Egypt, he receives new joy at the sight of his son Joseph.

But even this was a most grievous temptation: to be exiled from the promised land until his death. The death of his beloved wife is next related; and soon after follows the incestuous intercourse of his firstborn with his wife Bilhah. A little later, Isaac his father dies; then his son Joseph is snatched away, whom he supposes to have been torn in pieces by wild beasts.

While he is almost consumed with perpetual mourning, a famine arises, so that he is compelled to seek food from Egypt. There another of his sons is kept in chains; and, finally, he is deprived of his own most beloved Benjamin, whom he sends away as if his very heart were torn from him.

We see, therefore, by what a severe conflict, and by what a continued succession of evils, he was trained to the hope of a better life. And since Rachel died in childbirth from the fatigue of the journey, before they reached a resting-place; this would prove a significant addition to his grief.

But, regarding his being bereaved of his most beloved wife, this was probably because the Lord intended to correct the immoderate nature of his affection for her. The Holy Spirit fixes no mark of infamy upon Leah, since she was a holy woman and endowed with greater virtue; but Jacob more highly appreciated Rachel’s beauty. This fault in the holy man was cured by a bitter medicine when his wife was taken away from him; and the Lord often deprives the faithful of his own gifts to correct their perverse abuse of them.

The wicked, indeed, more audaciously profane the gifts of God; but if God overlooks their misconduct longer, a more severe condemnation awaits them because of his forbearance. But in taking away from his own people the occasion of sinning, he promotes their salvation. Whoever, therefore, desires the continued use of God’s gifts, let him learn not to abuse them, but to enjoy them with purity and sobriety.