Interesting Facts

• Rebecca was ten years old when Eliezer met her at the well.
• She readily offered to draw water for Eliezer’s camels, demonstrating kindness and diligence.
• Rebecca was the niece of Abraham, being the daughter of his brother Nahor’s son, Bethuel.
• Before Jacob’s departure to Haran, Abraham recognized Rebecca’s greater love for Jacob over Esau and entrusted her with Jacob’s well-being.
• Rebecca received a divine message in a dream regarding Esau’s intentions to kill Jacob, prompting her to advise Jacob to flee to Laban.

Genealogy

• Rebecca was the daughter of Bethuel.
• Her grandfather was Nahor, the brother of Abraham, and her grandmother was Milcah.
• Laban was her brother.
• She married Isaac, the son of Abraham. Isaac was forty years old when he married Rebecca.
• She was initially barren.
• The Lord granted Isaac’s prayer, and Rebecca conceived and bore twin sons, Esau and Jacob.
• Deborah, the daughter of Uz, was her nurse.

Historical Context

The narrative of Rebecca unfolds within a patriarchal and family-oriented society where marriage within the extended family was a consideration. The negotiation for a bride involved the family’s consent and the giving of precious gifts. The concern for the lineage and the blessing of offspring were central to their culture. The act of seeking divine guidance through prayer was a common practice in times of need, as seen in Isaac’s prayer for Rebecca to conceive. The societal roles of men and women are evident, with women managing household affairs and men engaged in outdoor activities like tending flocks. The concept of birthright and paternal blessing held significant importance, influencing family dynamics and inheritance. Dreams were considered a means of divine communication, shaping decisions and actions.

Narrative

Rebecca’s story begins with Eliezer, Abraham’s servant, seeking a wife for Isaac from Abraham’s kindred in Haran. At the well, her kindness and willingness to assist Eliezer and his camels identified her as the divinely chosen woman. Upon learning of Eliezer’s mission and the prosperity of Abraham, Rebecca and her family, including her brother Laban and father Bethuel, agreed to the marriage. Rebecca willingly departed with Eliezer to Canaan and married Isaac. After a period of barrenness, the Lord answered Isaac’s prayer, and Rebecca conceived twins, Esau and Jacob, whose struggle within her prompted her to inquire of the Lord. As the boys grew, Rebecca favored Jacob, while Isaac loved Esau. Aware that the Abrahamic covenant was to continue through Jacob, Rebecca played a pivotal role in ensuring Jacob received Isaac’s blessing intended for the firstborn. She orchestrated a plan, instructing Jacob to deceive his blind father, even taking the potential curse upon herself. When Esau’s anger and intent to kill Jacob became known to Rebecca, she advised Jacob to flee to her brother Laban in Haran for safety, until Esau’s fury subsided. She also convinced Isaac to send Jacob to Padanaram to find a wife from their kindred, further legitimizing his departure. Years later, when Jacob returned, Rebecca was overjoyed to see him and his sons. In her old age, sensing her impending death, Rebecca implored Isaac to make Esau swear not to harm Jacob and instructed both sons to love one another and bury her near Sarah. Rebecca died at the age of one hundred and thirty-three (according to Jasher) or one hundred and fifty-five (according to Jubilees) and was buried in the cave of Machpelah near Sarah and Isaac. Her actions, driven by her understanding of God’s plan and her love for Jacob, significantly shaped the lineage of Abraham.