Genesis 35:8

DEBORAH

"And Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried below Bethel under the oak: and the name of it was called Allon-bacuth."

As Richardson said, "This note, so surprising in its context, can only be explained as recording an event that took place."[18] Many have commented upon the fact that Deborah, a woman of low estate, should be accorded this special and devoted reference, whereas her mistress Rebekah died and was buried with no notice whatever of the event itself appearing anywhere in the sacred text. This is an outstanding demonstration of how worthless in the sight of God are the social distinctions so precious in the sight of men.

The place of Deborah's burial was called Allon-bacuth, which means "Oak of Weeping,"[19] indicating that Deborah was highly respected and sincerely loved.

Note that there is not the slightest indication in this verse of when the event recorded occurred. It might have been long before Jacob's visit to Bethel on the occasion just related. Nevertheless, many respected scholars assume that it was a happening closely connected, timewise, with other events in the chapter. Of course, there is no problem either way it may be understood. If Deborah's death occurred here at Bethel on the occasion of Jacob's return, then she must have been at least 150 years of age, which is not at all unreasonable in view of the ages recorded for other people of that same historical period. Regarding the fact of Deborah's being part of Jacob's household, rather than that of Isaac, Keil has this:

"Deborah had either been sent by Rebekah to take care of her daughter-in-law and grandsons, or had gone of her own accord into Jacob's household after the death of her mistress Rebekah. The mourning at her death, and the perpetuation of her memory, are proofs that she must have been a faithful and highly esteemed servant in Jacob's house."[20]