REBEKAH, The wife of Isaac


Rebekah, a significant matriarchal figure in the Bible, is primarily found in the Book of Genesis. Her story is woven into the narrative of the patriarchal family that forms the foundation of the Israelite people.


Rebekah first appears in GENESIS 24, where she is introduced as the future wife of Isaac, the son of Abraham. 


Rebekah's story continues in GENESIS 25, where she becomes pregnant with twins, Esau and Jacob, after a period of barrenness. Her pregnancy is marked by a divine revelation that the twins are two nations and that the older will serve the younger, setting the stage for the eventual conflict between the siblings.


In GENESIS 27, Rebekah plays a pivotal role in the story of Jacob receiving his father Isaac’s blessing, which was intended for Esau, the elder twin. Aware of the prophecy and favoring Jacob, Rebekah devises a plan to deceive Isaac, who is old and nearly blind, into blessing Jacob instead. 

You see, in a distant land, there was a man named Abraham, who had been blessed by God with a promise—his descendants would become a great nation. Now, Abraham had a son named Isaac, and as Isaac grew, Abraham knew it was time for him to find a wife. But Abraham had a special wish: he wanted Isaac to marry someone from his own family, someone who shared their beliefs and traditions.


So, Abraham called upon his most trusted servant and sent him on a journey back to his homeland to find the perfect bride for Isaac. The servant was a bit nervous, but he had faith that God would help him. He made a heartfelt prayer at a well, asking God for a sign: he would know the right woman when she offered him a drink and also watered his camels.


Just then, along came Rebekah! She was carrying her water jar, and when she saw the servant, she smiled warmly and offered him a drink. The servant couldn’t believe his eyes—she was exactly the sign he had prayed for! But Rebekah didn’t stop there; she also offered to water his camels, showing her generosity and kindness. 


The servant was overjoyed! After she had filled their thirst, he asked her about her family. When he discovered she was the granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother, he knew he had found the right woman. With gifts in hand, he went to meet her family, sharing the incredible story of his journey and how God had led him to Rebekah.


Rebekah’s family welcomed the servant, and after some discussion and prayer, they agreed to let her go with him to marry Isaac. Excited and a bit nervous, Rebekah agreed to leave her home and travel to a new land, embarking on a grand adventure. 


When she arrived in Canaan, Rebekah met Isaac, and it was love at first sight. Isaac was smitten by her beauty and kindness, and they married, beginning their life together as husband and wife. Their marriage was joyful, but soon they faced a challenge—Rebekah struggled with infertility.


After many prayers, God blessed Rebekah with not one, but two precious babies! She was thrilled to learn that she was carrying twins, who would be named Esau and Jacob. While Rebekah loved both her sons, she had a special bond with Jacob, the younger twin.


As the boys grew, a significant moment came when Isaac, now old and blind, wanted to bless Esau, the firstborn. Rebekah remembered a special promise that God had given her—that the older would serve the younger. So, she devised a clever plan to help Jacob receive the blessing instead.


Disguising Jacob in Esau’s clothes and covering his hands with goat skins to mimic Esau’s hairy arms, Rebekah sent him to Isaac. Jacob approached his father, and despite some confusion, Isaac ultimately blessed Jacob, thinking he was Esau.


Rebekah’s quick thinking changed the course of their family’s future, highlighting her love for Jacob and the divine plan at work in their lives. And so, the story of Rebekah, Isaac, and their twins became a significant part of the great narrative of their family, filled with love, challenges, and faith.

DISCUSSION STARTERS


Rebekah acted decisively based on her faith and the prophecy she received. In what ways do modern women navigate faith and decision-making in their own lives? How do personal beliefs influence the choices we make for ourselves and our families?


Rebekah’s favoritism toward Jacob created tension in her family. How can favoritism affect relationships among siblings in modern families? What steps can women take to ensure that all children feel equally valued and loved?


Rebekah’s choices had lasting effects on her sons and their futures. How do the choices women make today shape their own identities and the legacies they leave for future generations? What values do they hope to pass on to their children?

PRAYER


Dear Heavenly Father,


We thank You for the life of Rebekah, whose journey as Isaac's wife and the mother of Esau and Jacob offers us valuable lessons. Grant us the strength and faith she showed in her marriage and family life. Help us to nurture our relationships with love and fairness, avoiding favoritism, and fostering peace among our loved ones. May we seek Your guidance in all our decisions, trusting in Your wisdom to lead our families with grace and compassion.


In Your name we pray,


Amen.