Rebekah is a significant woman in the Bible who was the wife of Isaac and mother of Jacob and Esau. Here is an overview of her story and character in Scripture:
Rebekah’s Family Background
Rebekah was the granddaughter of Milcah and Nahor, Abraham’s brother (Genesis 22:20-23). She grew up in Paddan Aram, where her father Bethuel lived (Genesis 25:20). Rebekah had a brother named Laban who would later play an important role in the life of Jacob (Genesis 24:29).
Rebekah Chosen as a Wife for Isaac
When Abraham was old, he sent his servant back to his relatives in Paddan Aram to find a wife for his son Isaac from his own people. The servant prayed that God would reveal the chosen woman through her willingness to draw water for him and his camels when asked. Rebekah fulfilled this sign and graciously offered to draw water for the servant. After telling Rebekah’s family of his mission, Laban and Bethuel agreed that Rebekah could return with the servant to marry Isaac (Genesis 24:1-61).
Rebekah Marries Isaac
When Rebekah and the servant arrived back in Canaan, she saw Isaac and got down from her camel to meet him. Isaac brought Rebekah into the tent of his mother Sarah and she became his wife. He loved her deeply and was comforted after the loss of his mother (Genesis 24:62-67).
Rebekah Struggles with Barrenness
For the first twenty years of their marriage, Rebekah remained barren. Isaac prayed for her and God granted conception to Rebekah (Genesis 25:20-21). During her pregnancy, Rebekah inquired of the Lord why she was suffering so severely. God told her that two nations were in her womb and the older would serve the younger, foreshadowing the conflict between Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:22-23).
Rebekah Gives Birth to Esau and Jacob
When it came time for delivery, Rebekah gave birth to twin boys. The firstborn was red and hairy so he was named Esau. The second twin came out grasping Esau’s heel and was named Jacob (Genesis 25:24-26). The boys grew up and Esau became a skillful hunter while Jacob was mild-mannered. Isaac favored Esau while Rebekah preferred Jacob (Genesis 25:27-28).
Rebekah Helps Jacob Steal Esau’s Blessing
One day when Jacob was cooking stew, Esau came in famished from the field and begged Jacob for some food. Jacob offered it in exchange for Esau’s birthright and Esau recklessly agreed. Years later, when Isaac was old and blind, he told Esau he wanted to give him his blessing before death. Rebekah helped Jacob deceive Isaac into giving him Esau’s blessing instead, securing him the promises of Abraham’s covenant (Genesis 27:1-40). This caused great anger in Esau. Rebekah told Jacob to flee to her brother Laban to escape Esau’s wrath (Genesis 27:41-46).
Rebekah Sends Jacob to Find a Wife
Rebekah told Isaac she wanted Jacob to marry from their relatives rather than Canaanite women. Isaac agreed and called Jacob to charge him not to marry a Canaanite. Rebekah was likely privy to this conversation. After Jacob left, Esau realized his Canaanite wives were displeasing to his parents so he married an Ishmaelite in attempt to gain favor again (Genesis 28:1-9).
Rebekah’s Death and Burial
The Bible notes that Rebekah’s nurse Deborah died and was buried near Bethel under an oak tree that was named Alon Bacuth, or the Oak of Weeping (Genesis 35:8). It is probable that Rebekah had also died prior to Jacob’s return from Paddan Aram, since she is not mentioned as being alive when Jacob comes back. Rebekah would have been buried in the cave of Machpelah near Mamre with the other patriarchs and matriarchs (Genesis 49:29-32).
Lessons from Rebekah’s Life
Here are some key lessons and reflections on Rebekah’s life:
- God chose Rebekah for His purposes, even though she was from a pagan family and land.
- Rebekah showed remarkable hospitality and generosity by drawing water for the servant and his camels.
- She left her family and followed God’s leading to marry Isaac and enter the covenant line.
- Rebekah suffered barrenness for many years yet persevered in prayer until God granted children.
- At times she relied on deception and manipulation rather than trusting God.
- Rebekah favored Jacob over Esau and disrupted God’s plan for the firstborn to receive the blessing.
- She was resourceful in protecting her family from danger and securing blessing for them.
- Rebekah prioritized ethnic and spiritual purity in insisting Jacob not marry a Canaanite.
Overall, Rebekah stands out as a woman used by God despite imperfections. She shows us that God can work through anyone willing to follow His call. Rebekah was tenacious in seeking prayer and wisdom. However, she relied too often on her own reasoning. As Abraham’s son’s wife, Rebekah entered fully into the covenant family line. God used her mightily as the mother of the patriarchs Jacob and Esau, through whom the promised nation would come.
Rebekah in the New Testament
The New Testament contains no direct references to Rebekah. However, as part of the genealogy of Christ, she is mentioned indirectly in passages that reference Abraham’s family and the covenant God made with him (Romans 4:13-25, 9:6-13; Galatians 4:21-31; Hebrews 11:17-19). Rebekah is also included with other heroes of the faith in the Hall of Faith passage (Hebrews 11:11). As part of the Genesis narrative, Rebekah helped pave the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Rebekah’s Character and Personality
Based on the Genesis account, some key aspects of Rebekah’s character and personality emerge:
- Attractive and beautiful: She is described as “very attractive in appearance” (Genesis 24:16).
- Hospitable: She readily volunteered to draw water for Abraham’s servant and his camels (Genesis 24:18-20).
- Generous: Rebekah offered hospitality by inviting the servant to her family’s home (Genesis 24:25).
- Adventurous and courageous: She left her family and homeland to marry Isaac and enter a foreign place (Genesis 24:58).
- Astute: Rebekah sought the Lord for insight into her difficult pregnancy (Genesis 25:22).
- Cunning and manipulative: Rebekah hatched the plan for Jacob to steal Esau’s blessing through deception (Genesis 27:6-17).
- Shrewd and discerning: She recognized the threat Esau posed and took steps to protect Jacob (Genesis 27:42-46).
- Resourceful and decisive: Rebekah acted quickly and sent Jacob away, urging Isaac to send him to her relatives (Genesis 27:43-46).
- Loving and protective: She favored Jacob and wanted to secure blessing for him.
Rebekah used her strengths in both positive and negative ways. At times she acted righteously with faith and wisdom, while at other times she sinned by lying and showing favoritism between her sons. But God still worked through Rebekah’s mix of good motives and sinful actions to fulfill His divine purposes.
Rebekah’s Significance and Legacy
As one of the matriarchs of Israel, Rebekah made significant contributions:
- Mother of the patriarchs Jacob and Esau, through whom the 12 tribes of Israel descended
- Wife of Isaac, connecting her to the covenant God made with Abraham
- Continued the line of the promised Messiah by bearing Jacob
- Left her homeland, securing Isaac a wife within the covenant community
- Provided refuge and created a home with Isaac, carrying Sarah’s legacy
- Sought wisdom from God during her barrenness and unusual pregnancy
- Took risky and decisive action to secure the line of inheritance/blessing
Rebekah’s legacy shines through her motherhood. As a wife and mother early in the patriarchal period, Rebekah paved the way for God’s formation of His chosen people. Her sons founded the nations of Israel and Edom. While Rebekah was far from perfect, God worked through her life to orchestrate His redemptive plan.
Interesting Facts About Rebekah
Here are some interesting facts and trivia about Rebekah:
- Her name means “to tie firmly or to snare” in Hebrew, which could symbolize her binding Isaac’s affections or capturing him as a husband.
- Rebekah is one of only two matriarchs (Sarah is the other) whose death and burial are explicitly mentioned in Genesis.
- She is one of three women highlighted for their hospitality to strangers (Genesis 18) along with Sarah and Lydia (Acts 16:14-15).
- Rebekah nursed Jacob when he was born, while a nurse cared for Esau (Genesis 35:8). Some see this as showing her favoritism of Jacob.
- At her tomb, Rebekah was described as a sister to Rachel in death as their sons had been brothers in life (Genesis 35:8).
- Rebekah deceived Isaac into thinking Jacob was Esau by covering his arms and neck with goatskins at her direction.
- Her schemes drove a wedge between her and Isaac that led him to charge Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman as Esau had done.
- The servant’s test for a wife willing to draw water echoes both Rebekah and Christ’s offer of living water.
- Rebekah never saw Jacob again after he fled Esau’s anger, but her actions secured the continuation of God’s covenant.
Rebekah’s distinctive actions reveal a woman of faith, flaws, and influence. Her story providesvaluable glimpses into Genesis history and culture.
Further Study on Rebekah
For those interested in extended study, here are some recommended resources related to Rebekah:
- Chapter in John MacArthur’s “Twelve Extraordinary Women” book
- Article in Insight for Living’s “Women of the Bible” series by Chuck Swindoll
- Biographical study guide from WomenintheBible.net
- Bible study lesson from Christianity.com
- Entry in the Rose Guide to the Tabernacle reference book
- Overview video from The Bible Project
- Bible study from the Gospel Coalition
- Article in the Bridgeway Bible Dictionary
Examining Rebekah through commentaries, theology texts, Bible dictionaries, and other study tools can provide more insight into her background, cultural context, family ties, and theological significance. With a complex, pivotal character like Rebekah, increased knowledge aids application.