22 It came about while Israel was dwelling in that land , that Reuben went and lay with Bilhah his father's concubine , and Israel heard of it. Now there were twelve e sons of Jacob - 23 the sons of Leah : Reuben , Jacob's firstborn , then Simeon and Levi and Judah and Issachar and Zebulun ; 24 the sons of Rachel : Joseph and Benjamin ; 25 and the sons of Bilhah , Rachel's maid : Dan and Naphtali ; 26 and the sons of Zilpah , Leah's maid : Gad and Asher . These are the sons of Jacob who were born to him in Paddan-aram .
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Genesis 35:22-26
Commentary on Genesis 35:21-29
(Read Genesis 35:21-29)
What a sore affliction Reuben's sin was, is shown, " and Israel heard it." No more is said, but that is enough. Reuben thought that his father would never hear of it; but those that promise themselves secrecy in sin, are generally disappointed. The age and death of Isaac are recorded, though he died not till after Joseph was sold into Egypt. Isaac lived about forty years after he had made his will, Genesis 27:2. We shall not die an hour the sooner, but much the better, for timely setting our hearts and houses in order. Particular notice is taken of the agreement of Esau and Jacob at their father's funeral, to show how God had wonderfully changed Esau's mind. It is awful to behold relations, sometimes for a little of this world's goods, disputing over the graves of their friends, while they are near going to the grave themselves.