Rebekah
Overview
- Testament: Old
- Role: Wife of Isaac, mother of Jacob and Esau, matriarch
- Family: Daughter of Bethuel, granddaughter of Nahor (Abraham’s brother), wife of Isaac
- Key Books: Genesis
Biography
Rebekah was chosen as Isaac’s wife through divine providence. Abraham’s servant prayed at a well, and Rebekah was the first girl to offer water both to the servant and his camels — a sign that God had answered the prayer. She agreed to leave her family immediately, asking only “how long shall I tarry with you?”
When pregnant with twins, God revealed that two nations were in her womb. The twins struggled in her belly — Esau (red, hairy) born first, then Jacob grasping his heel. Rebekah received a prophecy that the older would serve the younger.
When Isaac, old and blind, planned to bless Esau, Rebekah helped Jacob deceive his father, taking Esau’s blessing. This caused a family rift — Isaac sent Jacob away to find a wife, and Jacob fled from Esau’s wrath.
Key Events
- Chosen at the well — divine selection for Isaac
- Twin pregnancy — prophecy of two nations
- Jacob’s deception — helped Jacob receive Esau’s blessing
- Sent Jacob to Laban — arranged marriage with her brother’s sons
Relationships
Important Verses
- “And the maid ran, and told the people of her mother’s house these things.” — Genesis 24:28
- “And the children being born out, the first came out red, all the body like a hairy garment: and his name was called Esau. And after that came his brother out, and his hand took hold on Esau’s heel: and his name was called Jacob.” — Genesis 25:25-26
Cross-References
- Romans 9:10-11 — Rebekah’s twins as example of God’s sovereign election
- Hebrews 11:11 — “Through faith also Rebekah received strength to be a parent of nations”