Women of the Bible Rebekah Part 1

In this study we will take a look at the women within the Bible. We will look at each one of them and see how their story influences our lives today.

As we continue our study in this fantastic insight of the Women of the Bible, this morning we will take a look at Rebekah.

Rebecca – We can say that she is Ambitious

 Rebecca was the much-loved wife of Isaac. A woman of Godly character, but not without her human weaknesses. She had twin sons Esau and Jacob. Esau, born first, should have inherited the role of leader of the tribe, but Rebecca judged that Jacob would be better than his brother, so she and Jacob tricked the old man into giving the leadership to Jacob.

Names in the Bible often says something about the person:

Rebecca means 'ensnarer’
Isaac means 'laughter', perhaps a reference to his mother Sarah's laughter when she heard she was to become pregnant in her old age
Jacob means 'heel catcher' - either his brother's heel at the moment of birth, or his brother's inheritance later on
Esau was nicknamed Edom, which meant 'red'; he was born with a ruddy complexion then spent most of his time outdoors in the sun, so his face and skin may have been unusually red. 

What her story is about

This story shows the gradual fulfillment of the promise made by Yahweh, that Sarah and Abraham would have many descendents, enough to become a nation.

The story of Rebecca contains three different episodes:
 1 the engagement and marriage of Rebecca(Genesis 24). Rebecca is introduced as a brave and resourceful young woman; she impressed all the people who met her. She was a good match for Isaac.      

2 the birth and youth of Esau and Jacob(Genesis 25:19-34). Rebecca gave birth to two sons with very different temperaments. The conflict between them would be the basis for conflict between later generations and nations.

3 Rebecca and the blessing of Isaac(Genesis 27). Rebecca manipulated the situation so that the tribe would be led by an intelligent man rather than a popular but shallow man, so that decisions for the tribe would be based on wisdom rather than impulse or emotion.

Abraham, Isaac's father, had sent his trusted servant (Eliezer, according to the Targum of Jonathan) back to his country and people to choose a wife for his son. Remember Abraham was now living in the land of Cannan. 

Abraham's servant went back to Abraham's country, sought Yahweh for guidance and immediately came in contact with a very godly young girl (Genesis 24).

He was the faithful steward of Abraham and with an oath of loyalty in his mission, journeyed to the land of Nahor [snorer] to choose a bride for Isaac, worthy of the honor, and educated in the religion of his father.

He made the camels kneel about him, and bowing himself in prayer, he besought Yahweh “to give him speed” (Gen. 24:12) in the matter for Abraham, his servant’s sake. It was no formal prayer he breathed upon the quiet air, which scarcely lifted the hoary locks from his anxious forehead.

And while he was communing with Yahweh, Rebekah the daughter of Bethuel, [destroyed or separated of El] came out bearing her pitcher; and, “the damsel was very fair to look upon.” (Gen. 24:15-16)

Starting as from a dream, he ran forward to meet her, and asked permission to drink of the water. She immediately dropped the pitcher upon her hand and said, “Drink, my lord.” (Gen. 24:18) Just then she observed the panting camels, offered to draw water “for them also, until they had done drinking.” (Gen. 24:19) 

Join me as we go Chapter by Chapter, Verse by Verse, Unraveling the Words of Yahweh!

Have any questions? Feel free to email me; keitner2024@outlook.com