Rachel’s handmaid, given to Jacob as a surrogate wife when Rachel was unable to conceive. Through Bilhah, Jacob fathered Dan and Naphtali—two of the twelve tribes of Israel. Though her role was defined by the customs of the ancient Near East, her sons became full and equal members of the tribal confederation of Israel.
Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.”Genesis 30:3 · Berean Standard Bible
Laban also gave his servant girl Bilhah to his daughter Rachel as her maidservant.
The deceiver gets deceived. Jacob works seven years for Rachel, wakes up married to Leah, and learns what it feels like to be tricked.
Then she said, “Here is my maidservant Bilhah. Sleep with her, that she may bear children for me, so that through her I too can build a family.” So Rachel gave Jacob her servant Bilhah as a wife, and he slept with her, and Bilhah conceived and bore him a son. Then Rachel said, “God has vindicated me; He has heard my plea and given me a son.” So she named him Dan. And Rachel’s servant Bilhah conceived again and bore Jacob a second son. Then Rachel said,…
Children born in rivalry and heartbreak. But these names — Reuben, Judah, Joseph — will become the twelve tribes of a nation.
Bilhah doesn't appear in the direct line from Adam to Jesus, but stands one step from it through Jacob, who does. See the whole line.
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