Take Away and Add

After many disappointing years Rachel had a son named Joseph. She said, "God hath taken away my reproach." (Gen. 30: 23).

At the same time the coming of Joseph meant the possibility and probability that since she was no longer barren that she would bare more children (Gen. 30: 24). Indeed, she did. Jacob's twelfth son Benjamin was born. Rachel died giving birth to Benjamin.

So the birth of Joseph was not only a removal of reproach but allowed the addition of another child.

In one sense, take away and add describes the one who becomes a Christian. His past sins are taken away and he begins to add Christ-like virtues to his character.