Rebekah

Definition

Rebekah is a significant figure in the Hebrew Bible, known as the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. She is portrayed as a key matriarch in the biblical narrative, playing a vital role in the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant through her children, influencing the lineage of the Israelites and contributing to the foundational stories of Judaism.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Rebekah was chosen to be Isaac's wife after a servant prayed for guidance, demonstrating her importance in fulfilling God's plan for Abraham's lineage.
2. She was known for her strong character and decisive actions, including her role in securing Jacob's blessing over Esau’s.
3. Rebekah's family background includes being the daughter of Bethuel and a relative of Abraham, establishing her connection to the patriarchal line.
4. Her story includes themes of favoritism and deception, as she favored Jacob and orchestrated a plan for him to receive Isaac's blessing.
5. Rebekah symbolizes the qualities of faith and resourcefulness, making her a vital matriarch in the lineage of Israel.

Review Questions

• How does Rebekah's role as a matriarch influence the biblical narrative surrounding Isaac and their children?
  • Rebekah's role significantly shapes the biblical narrative, as she not only becomes Isaac's wife but also actively participates in God's plan through her children, Jacob and Esau. Her decision to favor Jacob led to pivotal events that altered the course of their family lineage. By ensuring that Jacob received Isaac's blessing, she facilitated the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant, making her an essential figure in the story of Israel.
• Discuss the implications of Rebekah's actions in relation to themes of favoritism and deception within her family dynamics.
  • Rebekah's favoritism towards Jacob over Esau introduces complex themes of familial rivalry and deception within her family dynamics. Her decision to deceive Isaac into blessing Jacob instead of Esau highlights how personal ambitions can impact family relationships. This action not only fulfilled God's prophetic word but also set the stage for future conflicts between Jacob and Esau, reflecting deeper issues within familial loyalty and moral choices.
• Evaluate how Rebekah's story contributes to our understanding of matriarchal influence in biblical narratives and its impact on Jewish identity.
  • Rebekah's story exemplifies the critical role that matriarchs play in shaping biblical narratives and their lasting impact on Jewish identity. By actively participating in God's covenant through her choices and actions, she reinforces the importance of women in biblical history. Her legacy continues through her descendants, highlighting how matriarchal influence can shape cultural and religious identities within communities, establishing Rebekah as an enduring symbol of faith and strength within Judaism.

Related terms

Isaac: Isaac is one of the patriarchs of Israel, son of Abraham and Sarah, and husband of Rebekah. He is known for his quiet nature and for being a pivotal figure in the transmission of God's promises.

Jacob: Jacob, also known as Israel, is the son of Isaac and Rebekah. He is a key patriarch who becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, central to Jewish identity and history.

Covenant: A covenant is a solemn agreement between God and His people, marked by promises and obligations. The Abrahamic covenant, which Rebekah helps fulfill through her children, is foundational to the relationship between God and the Israelites.