Topical Encyclopedia Rebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, is a significant figure in the biblical narrative, particularly in the context of miraculous conception. Her account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where her journey from barrenness to motherhood is depicted as an act of divine intervention.Background and Marriage to Isaac Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel, the Aramean from Paddan-aram, and the sister of Laban. She became Isaac's wife through a divinely orchestrated series of events. Abraham, Isaac's father, sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own relatives. The servant prayed for guidance, and Rebekah's appearance at the well, her willingness to draw water for him and his camels, was seen as a sign from God (Genesis 24:12-21). Barrenness and Divine Intervention After Rebekah's marriage to Isaac, the couple faced the challenge of childlessness. Genesis 25:21 states, "Isaac prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife, because she was barren. The LORD heard his prayer, and his wife Rebekah conceived." This verse highlights the miraculous nature of Rebekah's conception, emphasizing the power of prayer and God's direct involvement in overcoming her barrenness. The Birth of Esau and Jacob Rebekah's pregnancy was not without its own challenges. She experienced a tumultuous pregnancy, with the children struggling within her womb. In her distress, she sought the LORD, who revealed to her the future of her sons and the nations they would father. Genesis 25:23 records God's response: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger." This prophecy not only foretold the future of Esau and Jacob but also underscored the divine purpose and plan that accompanied Rebekah's miraculous conception. The birth of her twins, Esau and Jacob, marked the continuation of God's covenantal promise to Abraham, through Isaac, and ultimately through Jacob, who would later be named Israel. Significance in the Biblical Narrative Rebekah's account is a testament to God's sovereignty and faithfulness in fulfilling His promises. Her miraculous conception serves as a reminder of God's ability to bring life and purpose out of barrenness and to work through the prayers and faith of His people. Rebekah's role as the mother of Jacob, the father of the twelve tribes of Israel, places her at a pivotal point in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan for humanity. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 25:21And Isaac entreated the LORD for his wife, because she was barren: and the LORD was entreated of him, and Rebekah his wife conceived. Nave's Topical Index Library The Marvels of Holy Scripture, --Moral and Physical. --Jael's Deed ... Of Faith. The Definition of It. Its Peculiar Properties. Resources What is traducianism? | GotQuestions.orgWhen does a life in the womb become a human being? | GotQuestions.org What is Mariology? | GotQuestions.org Conception: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus |
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