Genesis 35:20 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

Jacob set a pillar upon her grave As a monument, or memorial of her life and death, and as a testimony of her future resurrection. That is the pillar of Rachel's grave unto this day Unto the time when Moses wrote this book. But it was known to be Rachel's sepulchre long after, 1 Samuel 10:2, and Providence so ordered it that this place afterward fell into the lot of Benjamin. Jacob set up a pillar in remembrance of his joys, (Genesis 35:14,) and here he sets up one in remembrance of his sorrows. Such is human life with the generality of mankind, a checkered scene! sorrows and joys follow one another in rapid succession. Happy they who, through that faith which is the evidence of things not seen, rise superior to them both, and have their conversation in heaven, where such changes have no place!