Genesis 46:25 - Bilha's seven souls' legacy

Context in the Torah

The verse (Bereshit 46:25) lists the descendants of Bilhah, the maidservant whom Lavan gave to his daughter Rachel. These children—Dan, Naftali, and their descendants—are counted among Yaakov's household as they journey to Egypt. The Torah emphasizes that "all the souls were seven," referring to the total number of Bilhah's descendants who accompanied Yaakov.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 46:26) clarifies that the "seven souls" include:

• Dan and his son Ḥushim (as Dan had only one son at this time).
• Naftali and his four sons: Yaḥtze'el, Guni, Yeitzer, and Shilem.

Rashi notes that the phrasing "whom Lavan gave to Rachel" is significant—it underscores that Bilhah was originally designated for Rachel, even though she later became a secondary wife to Yaakov after Rachel's death.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 94:9) highlights that Bilhah's children were considered equal to Rachel's own descendants, demonstrating the Torah's principle that the offspring of maidservants given to a wife are legally attributed to the wife herself. This reinforces the idea that Bilhah's sons, Dan and Naftali, were fully integrated into Yaakov's family.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Nachalos 1:7) discusses the inheritance rights of children born to maidservants like Bilhah. He rules that they inherit equally alongside children born to primary wives, as seen in Yaakov's family, where all twelve tribes—including those from Bilhah and Zilpah—received equal portions in Eretz Yisrael.

Symbolism of the Number Seven

The number seven ("sheva") is often associated with completeness in Jewish thought. Here, it signifies the wholeness of Bilhah's contribution to Yaakov's household. The Kli Yakar (Bereshit 46:25) suggests that this number also alludes to the future role of Dan and Naftali's descendants in completing the spiritual mission of Klal Yisrael.