Rebekah

Definition

Rebekah is a key figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. She plays a crucial role in the biblical narratives of the patriarchs and matriarchs, especially in relation to the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham's descendants. Rebekah is often highlighted for her strong character, decisive actions, and her involvement in the fulfillment of God's promises.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rebekah's story begins with her selection as Isaac's wife, which emphasizes her importance in continuing the Abrahamic lineage.
2. She demonstrates resourcefulness and decisiveness when she orchestrates Jacob's deception of Isaac to receive the blessing intended for Esau.
3. Rebekah actively participates in the fulfillment of God's plan by ensuring that Jacob inherits the covenantal blessing.
4. Her name means 'to tie' or 'to bind', which can symbolize her role in binding together important familial relationships within the biblical narrative.
5. Rebekah's actions and choices lead to significant consequences for her family dynamics, showcasing themes of favoritism and rivalry.

Review Questions

• How does Rebekah's character influence the narrative surrounding Isaac and their children?
  • Rebekah's character significantly influences the narrative by showcasing her strong will and decisive nature. She takes an active role in securing Jacob's birthright by helping him deceive Isaac, which ultimately fulfills God's promise. This not only affects her immediate family dynamics but also sets the stage for future conflicts between Jacob and Esau, highlighting her pivotal role in shaping their destinies.
• Discuss how Rebekah’s actions reflect themes of family loyalty and conflict within the biblical narratives.
  • Rebekah's actions reflect complex themes of family loyalty and conflict, particularly through her favoritism towards Jacob over Esau. By helping Jacob deceive Isaac for his blessing, she demonstrates her loyalty to God's covenant promise while inadvertently creating rifts within her family. This tension illustrates broader themes of conflict over inheritance and divine purpose that resonate throughout the patriarchal narratives.
• Evaluate Rebekah's legacy in terms of her impact on future generations of Israelites as depicted in biblical texts.
  • Rebekah's legacy is profound as it sets the stage for future generations of Israelites. Her actions directly lead to Jacob becoming Israel, who fathers the twelve tribes. Additionally, her role as a matriarch highlights the importance of women in biblical narratives, showing that their decisions can have lasting implications on God's covenant community. Thus, Rebekah is remembered not just as a wife or mother but as a key figure whose life choices helped shape Israel's identity.

Related terms

Isaac:

Isaac is the son of Abraham and Sarah, known for being a central figure in the biblical narratives and for his role as one of the patriarchs.

Jacob:

Jacob, also known as Israel, is the son of Isaac and Rebekah, significant for his twelve sons who become the ancestors of the twelve tribes of Israel.

Covenant:

A covenant refers to a sacred agreement between God and His people, central to biblical narratives and particularly significant in the stories of the patriarchs.