Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Lavan give Zilpa to Leah as a handmaid?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 29:24), Lavan gave Zilpa to Leah as a handmaid because it was customary in those times for a bride to receive a maidservant from her father when she married. This was part of the dowry and showed honor to the bride. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:12) explains that Lavan was deceptive—he gave Leah a maidservant to make it seem like he was treating her equally to Rachel, even though he was switching the sisters in the marriage.
Q: What was the role of a handmaid like Zilpa in biblical times?
A: In biblical times, a handmaid (שִׁפְחָה) like Zilpa served her mistress in household duties and sometimes assisted in raising children. The Talmud (Berachot 16a) discusses the status of handmaids and notes that they were considered part of the family structure. Later, Zilpa would bear children for Yaakov (Jacob) through Leah (Genesis 30:9-12), showing that handmaids could also play a role in building the family lineage.
Q: Does this verse teach us anything about Lavan's character?
A: Yes, this verse reveals Lavan's deceptive nature. While giving a handmaid might seem generous, Rashi (Genesis 29:24) explains that Lavan was trying to disguise his trickery—switching Leah for Rachel in marriage. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 70:19) further describes Lavan as cunning and untrustworthy, setting a pattern of dishonesty that continues in later interactions with Yaakov (Jacob).
Q: Why is Zilpa mentioned by name here?
A: Zilpa is mentioned by name because she later becomes significant in the Torah’s narrative as the mother of two of Yaakov’s sons, Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:9-13). The Talmud (Megillah 14a) notes that the names of matriarchs and their handmaids are recorded because of their role in building the Twelve Tribes of Israel. Thus, Zilpa’s mention here foreshadows her future importance.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish marriage customs?
A: This verse reflects ancient marriage customs where a bride’s father would provide a dowry, including servants. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 10:1) discusses how dowries were part of Jewish marital agreements in earlier times. While modern Jewish marriage does not include handmaids, the principle of honoring the bride with gifts (as part of the ketubah) remains an important tradition.
Context of the Verse
The verse (Bereishit 29:24) describes Lavan's actions when giving his daughter Leah in marriage to Yaakov. Along with Leah, Lavan gave his maidservant Zilpa to her as a handmaid. This practice was customary in biblical times, as seen with other matriarchs like Sarah (who had Hagar) and Rachel (who had Bilhah).
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Lavan gave Zilpa to Leah as a maidservant because it was customary for a father to provide his daughter with a maidservant upon marriage. He notes that this was done to honor Leah, just as he later gave Bilhah to Rachel (Bereishit 29:29). Rashi further comments that the phrasing "his maidservant" indicates Zilpa was originally Lavan's property before being given to Leah.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Perspective
The Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 1:2) discusses how this verse demonstrates the biblical laws regarding servants. A father could give his daughter a maidservant as part of her dowry, and the maidservant would then serve under the daughter's authority. This was considered an act of kindness to provide assistance to the new bride.
Symbolic Interpretation
Some commentators see deeper symbolism in this act. The giving of Zilpa represents how Lavan sought to maintain influence over his daughters even after their marriages. This foreshadows his later attempts to control Yaakov's household (as seen in subsequent chapters).