Zilpha was handmaid to Lea, and Bilha to Rachel; by no means slaves, [35] but however subject to their mistresses.

Now Lea was sorely troubled at her husband's love to her sister; and she expected she should be better esteemed if she bare him children: so she entreated God perpetually; and when she had borne a son, and her husband was on that account better reconciled to her, she named her son Reubel, because God had had mercy upon her, in giving her a son, for that is the signification of this name.

After some time she bare three more sons; Simeon, which name signifies that God had hearkened to her prayer.

Then she bare Levi, the confirmer of their friendship.

After him was born Judah, which denotes thanksgiving.