as her soule was in departing] The beginning of life is when the soule is united to the body upon the configuration of the parts fit for reception of it, and operation by it; and the end of it is when there is a parting of them by the soules departing from the body, which liveth while the soule is in it, 2 Samuel 1:9. where the English hath my life, the Hebrew Naphshi, my soul, and dyeth when the soule departeth as here; and restitution to life is the returne of the soule unto that body from whence it was departed, 1 King. 17. 21, 22. for she dyed] Rachel called to her husband for children with such passionate importunitie, as if she should die of griefe if she had them not; and now she hath her desire, and dies by that meanes. How fond are many in their affections, who think there is no contentment without satisfaction to them, when it may be their greatest affliction to have them take effect? It is good to be so moderate in our wishes of all temporall comforts, as to crave them onely with condition of Gods good will and pleasure, and that with such indifferencie as to be pleased without them, if he please not to bestow them. Benjamin] Rachel gave unto her sonne a name of sorrow, Jacob liked not that because it would be too constant a motive of mourning in remembrance of the losse of his best beloved Rachel, therefore (though he permitted much to his wives in this kinde) he used his own authoritie for the change of that name and choice of a better, which is, Benjamin; whereby burying the intimation of griefe, he would beare in minde a memento of love, and professe by that name, that Benjamin for his mothers sake should be as neere and deare unto him as his right hand. See Psalms 80:17.