And she said unto her, Is it a small matter that thou hast taken my husband? and wouldest thou take away my son’s mandrakes also? And Rachel said, Therefore he shall lie with thee to night for thy son’s mandrakes.
In this verse from Genesis, we see the complexities of human relationships and jealousy. Rachel, feeling envious of her sister Leah for having children with their husband Jacob, seeks to obtain some mandrakes that Leah’s son found in the field. Mandrakes were believed to have fertility properties, so Rachel desired them in hopes of conceiving a child herself. Leah accuses Rachel of already taking her husband and now wanting her son’s mandrakes as well. Despite the rivalry between the two sisters, they come to an agreement that Jacob will spend the night with Leah in exchange for the mandrakes. This passage highlights the desperation and competition that can arise in the pursuit of motherhood and the lengths some may go to in order to have children.
Image by Ai Junkie
