Then Rebekah said to Isaac, "I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?" Then Rebekah said to IsaacRebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, takes a proactive role in the family dynamics. Her communication with Isaac highlights the patriarchal structure where decisions are often discussed between husband and wife. This moment reflects the importance of marital unity in decision-making, especially concerning their children's futures. I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women
Rebekah's weariness stems from Esau's marriages to Hittite women, which were a source of grief to both Isaac and Rebekah (Genesis 26:34-35). The Hittites were part of the Canaanite tribes, and their practices and beliefs were often at odds with those of Abraham's descendants. This cultural and religious disparity caused tension and distress for Rebekah, who desired to maintain the covenantal purity of her lineage. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them
Rebekah's concern for Jacob's marital choice underscores the importance of marrying within the faith community. This reflects the broader biblical theme of separation from pagan influences, as seen in Abraham's insistence on finding a wife for Isaac from his own kin (Genesis 24). The choice of a spouse was crucial for maintaining the covenant promises and spiritual heritage. what good is my life?
Rebekah's rhetorical question emphasizes the gravity of the situation. Her life, intertwined with the covenant promises given to Abraham, Isaac, and their descendants, would seem futile if Jacob were to marry outside the faith. This reflects the deep-seated belief in the continuation of God's promises through a chosen lineage, which is a recurring theme throughout the Old Testament. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She expresses her distress over the potential influence of local Canaanite women on her son Jacob. 2. IsaacThe patriarch, husband of Rebekah, and father of Esau and Jacob. He is approached by Rebekah with her concerns about Jacob's future marriage. 3. JacobThe younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, whom Rebekah wishes to protect from marrying a Canaanite woman. 4. EsauJacob's older brother, who has already married Canaanite women, causing distress to his parents. 5. Daughters of HethCanaanite women, representing the local pagan culture that Rebekah fears will negatively influence Jacob. Teaching Points The Importance of Godly InfluenceRebekah's concern highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences, especially in marriage. Believers are encouraged to seek partners who share their faith to maintain spiritual integrity. Parental Guidance and WisdomRebekah's plea to Isaac underscores the role of parents in guiding their children towards godly decisions. Parents should actively pray for and counsel their children in matters of faith and life choices. Cultural and Spiritual DistinctionsThe account illustrates the tension between cultural practices and spiritual convictions. Believers are called to discern and uphold their faith amidst cultural pressures. The Consequences of Unequal YokingEsau's marriage to Canaanite women serves as a cautionary tale about the potential spiritual consequences of being unequally yoked with unbelievers. Trusting God's PlanDespite the challenges and concerns, believers are reminded to trust in God's overarching plan and sovereignty in their lives and the lives of their loved ones. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rebekah's concern for Jacob's marriage reflect the broader biblical theme of maintaining covenant faithfulness? 2. In what ways can parents today provide godly guidance to their children in choosing a spouse, and how does this align with biblical teachings? 3. How can believers discern and resist cultural influences that may conflict with their faith, as seen in Rebekah's concern about the daughters of Heth? 4. What lessons can we learn from Esau's marriages about the importance of being equally yoked in faith, and how does this apply to relationships today? 5. How can we trust in God's plan for our lives and the lives of our loved ones, even when faced with challenging circumstances or decisions? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 26:34-35These verses describe Esau's marriage to the Hittite women, which brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah, setting the context for Rebekah's concern in Genesis 27:46. Genesis 28:1-2Isaac instructs Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman, directly following Rebekah's plea, showing the importance of maintaining the covenant lineage. Deuteronomy 7:3-4This passage warns against intermarriage with pagan nations, emphasizing the risk of turning away from God, which aligns with Rebekah's concerns. People Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, RebekahPlaces Beersheba, HaranTopics Daughters, Disgusted, Heth, Hittite, I'm, Isaac, Jacob, Marries, Presence, Rebecca, Rebekah, Takes, Tired, Weariness, Weary, Wife, Women, WorthDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 27:46 5711 marriage, restrictions
9614 hope, results of absence Genesis 27:46-28:2 5681 family, nature of Library There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the …
St. Augustine—On LyingEpistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture …
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus.
Damasus addresses five questions to Jerome with a request for information concerning them. They are: 1. What is the meaning of the words "Whosoever slayeth Cain vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold"? (Gen. iv. 5.) 2. If God has made all things good, how comes it that He gives charge to Noah concerning unclean animals, and says to Peter, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common"? (Acts x. 15.) 3. How is Gen. xv. 16, "in the fourth generation they shall come hither again," to be reconciled …
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may …
St. Augustine—Against Lying Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision C. The Twelve Try to Row Back. Jesus Walks Upon the Water. ^A Matt. XIV. 22-36; ^B Mark VI. 45-56; ^D John VI. 15-21. ^d 15 Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. [Jesus had descended to the plain to feed the multitude, but, perceiving this mistaken desire of the people, he frustrated it by dismissing his disciples and retiring by himself into the mountain.] ^a …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 27:46 NIVGenesis 27:46 NLTGenesis 27:46 ESVGenesis 27:46 NASBGenesis 27:46 KJV
Genesis 27:46 Commentaries
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