Genesis 27:13. Rebekah was captivating. Do we believe God as Rebekah did? Read the story of Esau and Jacob in Genesis 25:29-34. Describe the promise/prophecy God spoke to Rebekah regarding. window.fd('form', { Isaac Prays For Rebekah, Being Barren - King James Bible Online After the well incident, Rebekah brings the servant home, enters into the marriage arrangement, and sets off to meet her future husband. Features thousands of biographic and thematic essays on Jewish women around the world. . What reason might Abraham have for calling Esau his favorite? Guide every thought toward worshiping at Your feet because only You are worth it! It signifies the important role of the senior woman in a family household, at least when considered from a female perspective, as does the use of the phrase his mother Sarahs tent for Isaacs home. First, lets set the stage with some Rebekah in the Bible facts and trivia! Last updated June 23, 2021 Jacob Deceives Isaac (Rebekah in back). This act of kindness was the sign to the servant of Abraham that God had indeed answered his prayer and had shown kindness to Abraham in directing him to the chosen wife for Isaac. And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. A couple years about I went to a Bible study group for moms where we talked about Isaac, Rebekah, and their family drama. Their lessons from Rebekah in the Bible focused primarily on the fact that having favorites in families causes problems. She knew that Isaacs mind was set on conferring the greater blessing of national prominence on his firstborn, Esau. There is always concern whether a pregnancy is going well or not. The LORD answered Isaac's prayer, and Rebekah became pregnant with twins. We talk about the role she played in stealing Esaus birthright and the dysfunction that caused within the family. And Abram hearkened to the voice of Sarai. Jacob was given the birthright and the blessing because it was the will of God for him to have them. At times Rebekah took matters into her own hands. Another meaning of Rebekah is that of captivating, according toBibleGateway. Sign up to receive the week's latest articles, blog posts andupdates. Genesis 25:23. Unaware the blessing was given to his brother: He also prepared delicious food and brought it to his father. Weve been taught for a long time that faith has a certain look, but if we study the Bible we learn quickly that faith isnt the cookie cutter thing we thought it was. What does Genesis 25:21 mean? She knew Esau was the firstborn son and had a right over everything, but she still manipulated things for Jacob (the younger) to receive the blessing instead! The LORD answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant. Never miss a post! San Francisco: Harper & Row, 1987. The death of Rebekah in the Bible is a mystery. What does Genesis 25:21 mean? | BibleRef.com They called him Esau (hairy). Like her mother-in-law Sarah, she was barren. Until Sarah died, Isaac enjoyed a close relationship with his parents. And confident. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. If you have any questions, please review our Privacy Policy or email us at privacy@biblegateway.com. A divine oracle is addressed to her when she is pregnant; God proclaims that two nations are in her womb and will contend with each other (25:23). Read More 51 Identity In Christ Bible Verses To Live ByContinue. Afterward, when Isaac temporarily settled at Gerar, he and Rebekah agreed to pass as brother and sister. John Foster grew up in the Chicago, Illinois, area and began attending the Church of God with his parents in 1958. The servant, though, had a very logical concern: "Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land" (verse 5). Through no fault of her own, she was not one of the "beautiful people" and it caused her a lifetime of heartache. Then Manasseh knew that the LORD he was God. Isaacs wife could not have children. While Abraham and his descendants were far from perfect, they were who God chose to bring about His plan for redemption for the world. Genesis 25:21-28 - The Bible App | Bible.com Indeed, Jewish tradition in general elevates her, considering her a righteous woman and even a prophet. By doing this, Isaac would believe Jacob to be Esau and give the younger son the firstborns blessing. We know from Genesis 25:19 that Isaac loved Rebekah. Through clever manipulation, whereby Isaac is deceived, she achieves her purpose and controls the family destiny. Because this isnt about favoritism, but heeding the direction of God Rebekah responds with a boldness often overshadowed. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was barren. Mandelbaum], Roni . He provided for their household as required by customs. The beautiful narratives in Genesis 24-27 describe how she becomes Isaac's wife, gives birth to twin sons after years of barrenness, and gains the primary place in the lineage of her younger son, Jacob. Genesis carries the first but also the basic descriptions of creation in the Bible. Add that to the list of Rebekah in the Bible characteristics. That might sound without context, but I promise you itll make sense by the end of this story. Isaac and Rebekah believed Gods promises. We say she played favorites and was selfish and deceptive. No material possessions are mentioned as a part of this blessing. When the children were wrestling in Rebekahs womb, she prayed. We first meet Rebekah in Genesis 24:15, where she is identified as "the daughter of Bethuel son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham's brother Nahor." This would have made Rebekah a great-niece to Abraham and second cousin to Isaac. 8 Blessed Mothers in the Bible - Learn Religions Whats interesting about this is that in all three cases God promised these couples innumerable descendants. Learn how your comment data is processed. Abraham and Sarah dealt with infertility. Save on BibleGateway+ with code FAITH. - Let's Talk Bible Study | ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. Summarize the story of Rebekahs engagement. Rebekah was barren. As a resourceful trickster, Rebekah serves God and preserves the ancestral lineage. The midrash includes Rachel among the seven barren women who were eventually blessed with offspring: Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel, Leah, Manoah's Wife, Hannah and Zion [in a metaphorical sense], of whom Ps. The Jewish tradition of elevating Rebekah is apparent in how they portray her as a righteous woman and even prophet. We should never confuse delay with denial. Describe the covenant God made with Isaac? When we consider that Rebekah loved and preferred Jacob over Esau, we must remember that the Bible says that God loved and preferred Jacob as well. Captivating Esau my brother is a hairy man, and I am a smooth skinned man. This content may contain affiliate links. Isaac and Rebekah were happily married for many years, yet were without children. She would immediately leave her home to become the bride of Isaac. Makes me wonder if he intended to give him anything at all. Who was Rebekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org The biblical matriarch Rebekah (Heb. So she said, Drink, my lord. Then she quickly let down her pitcher down and to her hand and gave him a drink. As the boys grew, the differences between the two became apparent. When her husband Isaac prayed for her, God opened Rebekah's womb and she conceived and gave birth to twin sons, Esau and Jacob. Its easy to grow impatient or anxious when God doesnt move within our timeframe but theres a beauty in waiting for Him that can never be matched by anything else. Rebekah was barren when she married Isaac and unable to give birth until Isaac prayed for her. As for you, you meant evil against me, butGod meant it for good, to bring it about that many peopleshould be kept alive, as they are today. Youll find the story of Rebekah in the Bible verses in Genesis 24 and Genesis 25. 20-26). Rebekah - Women of the Bible | The Living Word Library Who was Rebekah? Its my belief that it wasnt just Rebekahs appearance that was captivating, but also her character. Is there unrighteousness with God? Verse (Click for Chapter) New International Version Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was childless. So Rebekah encouraged Jacob to flee back to her family to escape any death attempts from Esau. His name was changed to Israel. Isaacs wife could not have children, so Isaac prayed to the, Rebekah couldnt have children. She should have borne twelve sons, fathers of twelve tribes, but through the birth of . EHV Isaac prayed to the Lord for his wife, because she was barren. When I was reading her story in Genesis 25 there were a couple things about it that hit much differently than they have in prior studies. Unfortunately for both of people, what the anticipated was different than what God had ordained. Lord, I know that you are the almighty God of all. That is why they were willing to let her go with Abrahams servant to be Isaacs wife, as the Lord has spoken (verses 50-51). Sheffield: Sheffield Phoenix Press, 2015. Rebekah's story is a great example of God's sovereignty and how God blesses those who are faithful to Him. Traditionally among Gods people (and likely other cultures in biblical history), family blessing were given at the time of a fathers passing or a sons departing (due to marriage or relocation). Help us elevate the voices of Jewish women. Rebekahs family asked him to let her stay a few days. But what can we learn about Rebekah, the mother of Esau and Jacob? Now therefore, please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me. The author of Hebrews writes, By faith Isaac blessed both Jacob and Esau concerning things to come. Let me show you know why its better to wait on the Lord. Jacob approached his father, and Isaac requested that Jacob come near so he could be sure that it was Esau. They lived lives of faith, as strangers and pilgrims in the land. Isaac entreated Yahweh for his wife, because she was barren. Her response to the servants request for water ensured him what he needed to know. Even without his birthright, Esau anticipated receiving a bountiful blessing at his fathers passing. This applies to other affiliate links on this website as well. 113:9 states: "He sets the childless woman among her household as a happy mother of children" (Pesikta de-Rav Kahana [ed. We're not told how much time passed . Leah in the Bible, Jacob's First Wife, Second in His Heart He was a 40-year-old groom, and he loved his beautiful wife and was comforted after the death of his mother (verse 67). Rebekah has her eyes closed and Isaac is speaking to her. Because of the centrality of Rebekah, in contrast to Isaac, the ancestral sequence might more accurately be called Abraham, Rebekah, and Jacob. What does Hebrews 11 teach about Isaac and Rebekah and the blessings they gave their sons? And Isaac prayed unto the LORD for his wife because she. Engar, Ann W. Old Testament Women as Tricksters. The Bucknell Review 33 (1990): 143157. Did Isaac and Rebekah have a good marriage? It was not the right thing to doto deceive. May your grace empower me so that in all of my actions today, I can feel the power from you. Genesis 25:23. Sometimes the human mind comes up with a quick plan of human devising to try to achieve our ends. Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children; and the LORD answered him, and his wife Rebekah conceived. Frymer-Kensky, Tikva. 2022-23 Season Wrap. This quality helped her become Isaac 's wife but caused trouble when she pushed one of her sons ahead of the other. When Rebekah failed to become pregnant after 20 years of marriage, Isaac prayed for a child, and God heard his prayer. Genesis 24 tells the story of how Isaac and Rebekah met. Rebekah will never see her beloved son again. Rebekah played a HUGE role in Isaac being mentioned in the Hall of Faith (Hebrews 11)! The Three Wife-Sister Tales of Genesis. In A Prelude to Biblical Folklore: Underdogs and Tricksters, 2369. Indeed, when Rebekahs favored son, Jacob, is sent to Mesopotamia to secure a spouse and escape from Esau, he identifies himself to his future bride (and cousin) Rachel not as the son of Isaac, but rather as Rebekahs son (Gen 29:12); his paternal ancestry is eclipsed by Rebekahs lineage. Rebekahs dynamic presence in that episode may indicate its origin in womens storytelling, as do certain other features. 21 Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife, because she was barren; and the Lord answered him and Rebekah his wife conceived. It is fascinating to see how Rebecca fooled her husband, Isaac. And this is where the controversial story of Rebekah in the Bible begins. That pressure to be understood often causes us to compromise and get out of step with God. Isaac and Rebekah prospered in their lives and were blessed by God. What does the story of Rebekah teach us today? InGenesis, it was noted, the young woman was very attractive in appearance, a maiden whom no man had known.. And the LORD granted his prayer, and Rebekah his wife conceived. And now in Genesis 25 God turns his attention to the wife of Isaac and speaks just to her. And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. Hebrews 11:20. This narrative, similar in many ways to two such accounts about Sarah, at first seems to contribute little to the role or character of Rebekah. When Isaac realized what happened he was grieved. His mother Sarah had just passed away and his marriage to Rebekah became a source of love and comfort (see Genesis 24:67). So she went to ask the LORD about it. His spirituality captured her attention, and before long, it was revealed that he was indeed her husband-to-be! Access 50+ premium resources. Indeed, the account of Rebekah at the well is the premier biblical example of such a scene. Where did I get this idea from? window.fd('form', { Rebecca married Isaac when he was forty. Abraham dispatches a trusted but unnamed servant to Mesopotamia, the land of his birth and where some of his family still resides, to find a wife for his son. Couples need to lift each other up in prayer. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master (Genesis 24:12-14). Religion Encyclopedias almanacs transcripts and maps Rebekah Rebekah views 1,954,591 updated REBEKAH REBEKAH (Heb. This was a very personal answer from the Lord of the universe to Rebekah. Two millennia of Jewish and Christian biblical interpretation have focused largely on the male ancestorsthe patriarchs Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. formId: '636be7f7cfd22dc2be6a9847', What do you know about her? The Bible doesnt speak much to that either. Rebekah tried to take matters into her own hands, but as we know from Sarah, this never works out as we expect it to. Ordinarily people should not marry someone they have never met, whom they do not know well first.). In Genesis 15:5 God speaks to Abraham and says, Look now toward the heaven, and count the states if you are able to number them so shall your descendants be. Before the servant even finished his prayer, a young woman appeared with a jar on her shoulder and went down to the spring to draw water. The second woman mentioned in the Bible that was barren was Isaac's wife, Rebekah, and she was very distraught over her inability to become pregnant. She saw that mans plan wasnt matching up with Gods plan. And Isaac entreated Jehovah for his wife, because she was barren; and Jehovah was entreated of him, and Rebecca his wife conceived. Rebekah: Bible | Jewish Women's Archive Miraculously, their prayers were answered and Rebecca became pregnant. Another type-scene, that of the barren wife, thus enters the Rebekah story, calling attention to the special role of the children ultimately born to her. Genesis 25:21. But this was a decisive answer in the affirmative. He later "remembers" Rachel and . God knows that His ways are oftentimes beyond our comprehension. Rebekah remained barren for a time, unable to have children. The man in this story is Abrahams servant. June 23, 2021. (the head of Lets Talk Bible Study) unless otherwise stated. Her relationship with her husband is consistently monogamous, unlike the other matriarchs of Genesis: Sarah, who provides her husband with the slave wife Hagar and perhaps has extramarital sex with the pharaoh; and Rachel and Leah, who are co-wives and also provide slave wives to Jacob. Rebekahs act of kindness in drawing water for Abrahams servant was an answer to prayers. The truth is, Rebekah entered Isaacs life during a time of grieving. She had courage and daring and ability. Rebekah was another matriarch of Israel. A Strong Woman Who Can Find? A Study of the Characterization in Genesis 24 with Some Perspectives on the General Presentation of Isaac and Rebekah in the Genesis Narrative. Journal for the Study of the Old Testament 63 (1994): 89104. Based on Scripture we can assume Isaac was eager to give Esau this gift. The children struggled together within her, and she said, If it is thus, why is this happening to me?So she wentto inquire of theLord. Canaanites believed in different gods. When Abraham sought a wife for his son, he had recently been widowed and was a very old man. We know when it comes to the creation of the Earth (or the origins of Earth) it had everything to do with God. Bethuel and Laban both agreed that this was from God. She was a beautiful woman of faith, who was willing to come and live in the Promised Land, and she believed in the promises of God. The servant was loaded with clothing, jewelry, and gifts for the bride and her family. The second (after Sarah) of the matriarchs in the ancestor stories of Genesis. God does answer prayer but doesnt always do it in our expected timeframe. Grand Rapids, MI: Baker Academic, 2008. Not at her own whim, but at the leading of God. After some reluctance, Rebekahs father and brother agreed for her to leave with the servant to marry Isaac. Noted historian Paul Johnson has written, "One of the most remarkable facts about . This also explains why Isaac may have favored Esau. The wives of the patriarchs offer powerful examples of righteous living in difficult times. Therethey buried Isaac and Rebekah his wife, and there I buried Leah. Mothers and Sons in Ancient Israel. In Ihr Vlker alle, klatscht in die Hnde! Festschrift fr Erhard S. Gerstenberger Zum 65. Once she arrives in the promised land, she enters Isaacs home (called his mother Sarahs tent, 24:67). Niditch, Susan. We all experience the loss of people in our lives, but because God said that it is not good for man to be alone, He will often bring new ones into your life to replace what was lost. and comes with authority and responsibility for the family. containerEl: '#fd-form-5e128eefed5f9800263d7fc0' Abraham allayed his worries by telling the servant that he would be free from this oath if the woman was unwilling to return with him. We read it through a lens of what is right in our eyes. Rebekah was the beautiful and intelligent daughter of Bethuel, the great-niece of Abraham, and the sister of Laban. Print subscriptions available in U.S., Canada and Europe, Article URL: https://lifehopeandtruth.com/change/faith/women-of-faith/rebekah/. Jack Zavada Updated on August 02, 2018 Rebekah was assertive in a time when women were expected to be submissive. Roots of Barrenness In agrarian societies during the biblical period (1200-600 BCE), bearing children was highly valued and women's primary role was that of mother. The designation of Jacob as heir to the ancestral lineage, which means he will be progenitor of all Israel, is orchestrated by Rebekah. New York: Basic Books, 1981. Verse (Click for Chapter) English Standard Version And Isaac prayed to the LORD for his wife, because she was barren. Isaac heeded Rebekah and told Jacob to go to Rebekahs family in Padan Aram to take a wife of the daughters of Laban, Jacobs uncle. Rebekah is one the few women in the Bible (that we have record of) who talked to and heard from God. He is destined to become the ancestor of all Israel. Yahweh was entreated by him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. What was abnormal about it? There are many lessons from Rebekah in the Bible that we should hold onto. But the children struggled together within her; and she said . When Abrahams servant asked her for a drink, she gave the requested response: Drink, my lord. Then she said, I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking (verses 18-19). Rebekah: Wife of Isaac and Mother of Esau and Jacob - Learn Religions Also noteworthy is that the language used in reference to Rebekahs journey from Mesopotamia to Canaan, and in anticipation of her role as progenitor of countless offspring, echoes that found in the Abraham narratives (compare Gen 24:4, 38, 60 with Gen 12:1 and 22:17). Learn more about growing in faith in the other articles in this section on Faith.. Helping Women Gain Confidence In Bible Study. Let your curse be on me, my son; only obey my voice and go, get them for me. 6 Jun Rebekah in the Bible is one of the Bible's most outstanding characters. The brothers would become ancestors of Israel and Edom. Psalm 50:15 And call upon me in the day of trouble: I will deliver thee, and thou shalt glorify me. This is especially true for Rebekah, whose position in the second generation of ancestors is actually more prominent than that of her spouse. Genesis 24:17-20. It ostensibly draws attention to Isaac, but, in his absence, reveals the beauty and especially the virtues of his wife-to-be. When she delivered twins, Rebekah favored Jacob, the younger, over Esau, the first-born.. So Isaac prayed to the Lord for her. Rebekah - Bible Study - BibleWise In addition, I believe Rebekah walked with God. Mnster, Germany: Lit Verlag, 1997. Marriage is more than just romantic affection. [3] This must have been a surprise and a trial to Rebekah, for she had been told that she would be the mother of thousands of ten thousands. At one point, she was. Barren Women in the Bible | Jewish Women's Archive Rebekahs behavior in securing the birthright for her favored son Jacob and protecting him from Esaus wrath by having him sent away has been seen as problematic. The Hand That Rocks the Cradle: The Rivka Stories. In Reading the Women of the Bible: A New Interpretation of Their Stories, 523. Please give me eyes to see things the way you do and allow me to be a vessel for you to work through. Well look at them together after we review the timeline of the 7 days of creation in the Bible. The Bible does tell us that Isaac was 40 years old when He took Rebekah to be his wife (see Genesis 25:20). So Isaac wascomforted after his mothersdeath. }); There are two understanding of the name and meaning of Rebekah in Hebrew. When Rebekah reached Abrahams home, she saw him praying in the afternoon. Thanks so much for sticking with us through this story of Rebekah in the Bible summary! Throughout their lives, there was always a consistent demonstration of how much Isaac and Rebekah in the Bible people trusted in Him; This should be an example to us! He then asked God for a sign to know which woman God had chosen for his masters wife. New Living Translation Isaac pleaded with the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was unable to have children. Meyers, Carol. Rebekahs faithfulness to God allowed Isaac to give the right words, at the right time, to the right persons. Rebekah - Women of the Bible. We see in the Book of James that favoritism is a sin! Used by permission. As an Amazon Associate, I earn on qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you. It was so far away that she would never see her family again. Her pregnancy was far from normal. So, in concern for Rebekah, the family said: We will call the young woman and ask her personally (verse 57). For He says to Moses, I will have mercy on whomever I will have mercy, and I will have compassion on whomever I will have compassion. So then it is not of him who wills, nor of him who runs, but of God who shows mercy.. Thismeant that Rebekah was not exactly young either. Through an elaborate trick, Rebekah helped influence the dying Isaac into giving his blessing to Jacob instead of Esau. Let's get into it. Genesis 27:11-12. Shalvi/Hyman Encyclopedia of Jewish Women. Read More How to Wait For God to Answer Your PrayersContinue, This content may contain affiliate links. The gospels are some of the most significant books in, Read More How to Start Reading the GospelsContinue. So Isaac prayed to the. Rebekah loved Jacob. And Isaac prayed to theLordfor his wife, because she was barren. The series of events caused Esau to hate his brother and threaten to kill him. It appears, however, that the prayer was not immediately answered, as we see a few verses later. If you really fulfill the royal law according to the Scripture,You shall love your neighbor as yourself, you are doing well. Can you guess what. What gifts did Abrahams servant give to Rebekah after they met at the well? Genesis 15:2,3 And Abram said, Lord GOD, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? It provided the needed sign to Bethuel, Rebekahs father, and Laban, Rebekahs brother, that the proposed marriage of Rebekah and Isaac was of Gods doing. The young womanwas very attractive, a maiden whom no man had known. During the journey, he prayed to God to make him successful and show kindness to his master. Isaac and Rebekah in the Bible were not perfect, yet they still played an essential role in Gods plan for the future nation of Israel and how he would use them as examples throughout history.