Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who was Zilpah in the Bible?
A: Zilpah was the maidservant of Leah, one of Jacob's wives. According to Rashi and traditional Jewish sources, she was given to Leah by her father Laban when Leah married Jacob (Genesis 29:24). Later, Leah gave Zilpah to Jacob as a wife to bear more children (Genesis 30:9).
Q: Why did Zilpah bear children for Jacob?
A: In the Torah narrative, when Leah temporarily stopped bearing children, she followed the custom of the time (as Sarah and Rachel had done) by giving her maidservant Zilpah to Jacob as a wife to bear children on her behalf. This was considered an acceptable practice in that era, as explained in the Talmud (Yevamot 65b).
Q: What can we learn from Zilpah having children with Jacob?
A: This episode teaches us about the importance of building family and continuity in Jewish tradition. The children born to Zilpah (Gad and Asher) became full tribes of Israel, showing how all descendants of Jacob's household were valued. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah) notes that these children were considered Leah's as well, demonstrating the complex family dynamics in Jacob's household.
Q: How many children did Zilpah have with Jacob?
A: Zilpah bore Jacob two sons: Gad and Asher (Genesis 30:10-13). These sons became the ancestors of two of the twelve tribes of Israel. The Torah lists their births in Genesis 30:9-13, and they are included in the enumeration of Jacob's sons in Genesis 35:26.
Q: What does the name of Zilpah's first son (Gad) mean?
A: When Zilpah bore her first son, Leah named him Gad, saying 'Good fortune has come!' (Genesis 30:11). Rashi explains that 'Gad' means 'mazal tov' or good luck in Aramaic. The name reflects Leah's joy at the expansion of her family through her maidservant's childbearing.
Context in the Torah
The verse (Bereshit 30:10) describes Zilpah, the maidservant of Leah, bearing a son for Yaakov. This occurs after Leah had temporarily stopped bearing children, and Rachel, unable to conceive, gave her maidservant Bilhah to Yaakov, resulting in two sons (Dan and Naftali). Leah then followed suit by giving her maidservant Zilpah to Yaakov.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi (Bereshit 30:10) explains that Leah acted similarly to Rachel by giving her maidservant Zilpah to Yaakov. He notes that this was done out of a sense of competition, as Leah saw that she had temporarily ceased bearing children. Rashi also emphasizes that the verse specifies "Zilpah, Leah’s maidservant," to clarify that she was under Leah’s authority, reinforcing the legitimacy of the children born from this union as part of Yaakov’s household.
Midrashic Insights
The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 71:9) elaborates on the dynamics between Leah and Rachel. It suggests that Leah’s decision to give Zilpah to Yaakov was not merely competitive but also reflected her desire to fulfill the mitzvah of building the tribes of Israel. The Midrash also highlights that Zilpah’s children (Gad and Asher) were considered full-fledged tribes, demonstrating that their status was equal to those born from Leah and Rachel.
Halachic Perspective (Rambam)
Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:4) discusses the permissibility of a man taking a maidservant as a wife under certain conditions, provided she is properly freed and converted. While this does not directly address Zilpah’s case, it underscores the Torah’s framework for such unions and their legitimacy within Jewish law when conducted properly.
Significance of the Names
Later in the parsha, Leah names Zilpah’s sons Gad and Asher. The names reflect themes of fortune and blessing:
These names indicate Leah’s recognition of Hashem’s role in granting her additional children through Zilpah.