The answer is: Bilhah

Genesis 30

Bilhah, a figure not often discussed in the Sunday school lessons, offers us a fascinating glimpse into the complex dynamics of ancient family relationships and cultural practices surrounding marriage. In Genesis, when Rachel faced infertility, she exercised the ancient custom of giving her maidservant to her husband Jacob—a practice known as concubinage—to bear her children, a way of ensuring her lineage continued in a deeply patriarchal society.

This was how Bilhah became the mother of Dan and Naphtali, two of the twelve tribes of Israel! What's particularly intriguing is that the names of her sons reflect the context of their births. "Dan" means "he has vindicated," signaling Rachel's desperation for children, while "Naphtali" translates to "my struggle," indicating the intense rivalry between the sisters.

Bilhah's story also features dramatic twists, including her affair with Reuben. This relationship wasn’t just scandalous; it signified unsettling family tensions, especially since this act was disrespectful towards Jacob as the head of the household. Such affairs were heavily laden with political implications and were often seen as power struggles among the patriarchs.

An echo of Bilhah’s experience can be found in modern discussions about motherhood, ownership, and societal expectations. Her narrative pushes us to grapple with questions of agency, love, and sacrifice within familial frameworks. Bilhah may be an unsung heroine in the grand story of Israel, but her life story touches on themes that resonate deeply across time and cultures.