Topical Encyclopedia Introduction: Rebecca, also spelled Rebekah, is a prominent figure in the Hebrew Bible, known for her role as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where she is depicted as a woman of beauty, faith, and decisive action. Rebecca's life and actions have significant theological and historical implications within the biblical narrative. Family Background: Rebecca was the daughter of Bethuel, an Aramean from Paddan-aram, and the sister of Laban. Her family lineage is significant as it connects her to the broader narrative of the patriarchs. She is a relative of Abraham, Isaac's father, which underscores the importance of maintaining the covenantal line within the family. Marriage to Isaac: Rebecca's marriage to Isaac is a pivotal event in the Genesis narrative. Abraham, seeking a suitable wife for his son Isaac, sends his servant to his homeland to find a wife from his own kin. The servant's journey and encounter with Rebecca at the well is a testament to divine providence. Genesis 24:15-16 describes the moment: "Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again." Rebecca's willingness to leave her family and travel to a foreign land to marry Isaac demonstrates her faith and obedience. Her marriage to Isaac is marked by love and mutual respect, as seen in Genesis 24:67 : "And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death." Motherhood and the Birth of Esau and Jacob: Rebecca's role as a mother is central to the unfolding of God's covenantal promises. After a period of barrenness, she conceives twins, Esau and Jacob, following Isaac's prayer to the Lord. During her pregnancy, Rebecca experiences a struggle within her womb and seeks the Lord's guidance. Genesis 25:23 records God's response: "The LORD said 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 sets the stage for the future dynamics between Esau and Jacob, and Rebecca plays a crucial role in its fulfillment. Her favoritism towards Jacob and her involvement in securing Isaac's blessing for him, as described in Genesis 27, highlight her active participation in God's plan, albeit through deceptive means. Rebecca's Legacy: Rebecca's life is marked by her faith, courage, and the pivotal role she plays in the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant. Her actions, particularly in securing the blessing for Jacob, have far-reaching implications for the history of Israel. Despite the complexities of her character and the moral ambiguities in her account, Rebecca is remembered as a matriarch who contributed significantly to the unfolding of God's redemptive plan. References in the New Testament: Rebecca is mentioned in the New Testament in Romans 9:10-12 , where the Apostle Paul refers to her as part of his argument about God's sovereign choice: "Not only that, but Rebecca’s children were conceived by one man, our father Isaac. Yet before the twins were born or had done anything good or bad, in order that God’s plan of election might stand, not by works but by Him who calls, she was told, 'The older will serve the younger.'" Conclusion: Rebecca's account is a testament to the complexities of human relationships and divine sovereignty. Her life and actions continue to be studied and reflected upon for their theological and moral lessons within the Judeo-Christian tradition. Smith's Bible Dictionary Rebecca(Romans 9:10) only. [REBEKAH] Greek 4479. Rhebekka -- Rebecca, the wife of Isaac ... Rebecca, the wife of Isaac. Part of Speech: Noun, Feminine Transliteration: Rhebekka Phonetic Spelling: (hreb-bek'-kah) Short Definition: Rebecca Definition ... //strongsnumbers.com/greek2/4479.htm - 6k Library Of Rebecca, the Grand-Daughter of Nahor, whom Isaac Took to Wife. Now, Rebecca, Having Long Been Barren, at Length, through the ... Life and Conduct of the Holy Women, Xanthippe, Polyxena, and ... What was Indicated by the Divine Answer About the Twins Still Shut ... How Divine Love Makes Use of all the Passions and Affections of ... Quoted in Jerome, Epist. 36, Ad Damasum, Num. xviii. (From Galland ... Christians, and not Jews, the Heirs of the Covenant. Introductory Remarks. 1 the Term Hermeneutics (Greek... Christian Ballads. Occasion of Writing. Relative Position of Jews and Gentiles ... Thesaurus Rebecca (28 Occurrences)... Multi-Version Concordance Rebecca (28 Occurrences). Romans 9:10 Not only so, but Rebecca also conceived by one, by our father Isaac. ... /r/rebecca.htm - 14k Rebecca's (2 Occurrences) Machpelah (6 Occurrences) Rebekah (31 Occurrences) Maids (28 Occurrences) Padan-aram (10 Occurrences) Forefather (33 Occurrences) Tens (17 Occurrences) Twins (9 Occurrences) Resources Who was Rebekah in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgWho was Jacob in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Who was Esau in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Concordance Rebecca (28 Occurrences)Romans 9:10 Genesis 22:23 Genesis 24:15 Genesis 24:29 Genesis 24:30 Genesis 24:45 Genesis 24:51 Genesis 24:53 Genesis 24:58 Genesis 24:59 Genesis 24:60 Genesis 24:61 Genesis 24:64 Genesis 24:67 Genesis 25:20 Genesis 25:21 Genesis 25:28 Genesis 26:7 Genesis 26:8 Genesis 26:35 Genesis 27:5 Genesis 27:6 Genesis 27:11 Genesis 27:15 Genesis 27:42 Genesis 27:46 Genesis 28:5 Genesis 49:31 Subtopics Related Terms |