Topical Encyclopedia Rebecca, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of barrenness and divine intervention. Her account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the fulfillment of His promises, as seen in the patriarchal narratives of Genesis.Rebecca's barrenness is first mentioned in Genesis 25:21 : "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived." This verse highlights the power of intercessory prayer and God's responsiveness to the pleas of His people. Isaac's prayer for Rebecca is a pivotal moment, demonstrating his faith and reliance on God to overcome natural obstacles. The barrenness of Rebecca is not merely a personal struggle but also a significant element in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. The promise given to Abraham, Isaac's father, was that his descendants would be as numerous as the stars (Genesis 15:5). Rebecca's initial inability to conceive posed a challenge to this promise, yet it also set the stage for God's miraculous intervention, underscoring His sovereignty and the divine orchestration of His plans. Rebecca's eventual conception is marked by further divine revelation. During her pregnancy, she experiences a tumultuous struggle within her womb, prompting her to seek the Lord's guidance. In Genesis 25:22-23 , it is recorded: "But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, 'Why is this happening to me?' So she went to inquire of the LORD, and He declared to her: 'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.'" This prophecy not only explains the struggle within her but also foreshadows the future dynamics between her sons, Esau and Jacob, and the nations that would descend from them. Rebecca's account is emblematic of the recurring biblical theme where God opens the wombs of barren women, thereby advancing His redemptive purposes. Her experience parallels those of other matriarchs, such as Sarah and Rachel, whose barrenness was also miraculously removed by divine intervention. These narratives collectively emphasize God's control over life and His ability to bring about His will despite human limitations. In the broader theological context, Rebecca's barrenness and subsequent conception serve as a reminder of God's faithfulness to His promises and His power to bring life where there is none. Her account is a profound illustration of the intersection between human faith and divine action, where prayer and reliance on God lead to the fulfillment of His covenantal promises. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:21And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. Nave's Topical Index Library The City of God. Index of Subjects. Resources Why doesn't God heal everyone? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does the Bible say about pregnancy? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about fertility? | GotQuestions.org Barrenness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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