Topical Encyclopedia The concept of holiness in the context of the wives of the patriarchs is a significant theme in the biblical narrative, reflecting their roles in God's covenantal plan and their personal devotion to God. The patriarchs—Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob—are central figures in the Genesis narrative, and their wives—Sarah, Rebekah, Leah, and Rachel—play crucial roles in the unfolding of God's promises.Sarah Sarah, originally named Sarai, is the wife of Abraham and the mother of Isaac. Her account is one of faith and divine intervention. Despite her initial barrenness, God promised Abraham that Sarah would be "a mother of nations" (Genesis 17:16). Her holiness is demonstrated through her obedience and faith in God's promises, even when they seemed impossible. Hebrews 11:11 commends her faith: "By faith Sarah herself received power to conceive, even when she was past the age, since she considered Him faithful who had promised." Sarah's life also illustrates the challenges of maintaining holiness amidst human frailty. Her decision to give Hagar to Abraham as a surrogate (Genesis 16) reflects a moment of doubt, yet God's faithfulness prevails, and Sarah ultimately gives birth to Isaac, the child of promise. Rebekah Rebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, is introduced as a woman of kindness and hospitality (Genesis 24:18-20). Her selection as Isaac's wife is marked by divine guidance, as Abraham's servant prays for a sign, and Rebekah fulfills it precisely (Genesis 24:12-14). Rebekah's holiness is evident in her role in the continuation of God's covenant. She receives a direct revelation from God concerning her sons: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated" (Genesis 25:23). Her actions in securing Jacob's blessing, though controversial, align with God's sovereign plan, demonstrating her commitment to the divine promise. Leah and Rachel Leah and Rachel, the wives of Jacob, are central to the narrative of the twelve tribes of Israel. Leah, though less favored by Jacob, is blessed with many children, and her account highlights God's compassion and justice. Genesis 29:31 states, "When the LORD saw that Leah was unloved, He opened her womb, but Rachel was barren." Leah's holiness is seen in her perseverance and her role as the mother of Judah, from whom the line of David and ultimately Jesus Christ descends. Rachel, beloved by Jacob, faces the trial of barrenness, a recurring theme among the matriarchs. Her eventual motherhood of Joseph and Benjamin is a testament to God's faithfulness. Rachel's holiness is reflected in her deep desire for God's blessing, as seen in her plea, "Give me children, or I shall die!" (Genesis 30:1). Her life underscores the tension between human desire and divine timing. Conclusion The wives of the patriarchs, through their lives and actions, embody the pursuit of holiness amidst human imperfection. Their accounts are woven into the fabric of God's redemptive plan, illustrating the interplay of faith, obedience, and divine grace. Through their experiences, they contribute to the unfolding of God's covenant with His people, serving as examples of faithfulness and devotion in the biblical narrative. Torrey's Topical Textbook 1 Peter 3:5For after this manner in the old time the holy women also, who trusted in God, adorned themselves, being in subjection to their own husbands: Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Marriage of Cana The Book of Jubilees Entire Sanctification in Patriarchal Times. The Testament of Levi Concerning the Priesthood and Arrogance. Faustus States his Objections to the Morality of the Law and the ... Doctrinal and Moral Treatises. Index of Subjects. Of Matrimony. Matt. 8:11 Many The God of the Law and the Prophets, and the Father of Our Lord ... Meditations of the Blessed State of the Regenerate Man after Death ... Resources What is the Holiness movement / church? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the highway of holiness (Isaiah 35:8)? | GotQuestions.org What does the Bible say about holiness? What does it mean to be holy? | GotQuestions.org Holiness: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Holiness is the Result of God's Keeping Holiness is the Result of Subjection to God Holiness is the Result of The Manifestation of God's Grace Holiness is the Result of Union With Christ Holiness: Becoming to the Church Holiness: Behaviour of Aged Women should be As Becomes Holiness: Chastisements are Intended to Produce, in Saints Holiness: Christ: An Example of Holiness: Christ: Desires for his People Holiness: Christ: Effects, in his People Holiness: General Scriptures Concerning Holiness: Ministers should Avoid Everything Inconsistent With Holiness: Ministers should be Examples of Holiness: Ministers should Exhort To Holiness: Ministers should Possess Holiness: Motives to The Dissolution of all Things Holiness: Motives to The Glory of God Holiness: Motives to The Love of Christ Holiness: Motives to The Mercies of God Holiness: Necessary to God's Worship Holiness: None Shall See God Without Holiness: Promise to Women Who Continue In Holiness: Promised to the Church Holiness: Saints: Have Their Fruit To Holiness: Saints: New Created In Holiness: Saints: Shall be Presented to God In Holiness: Saints: Shall Continue In, for Ever Holiness: Saints: should Continue In Holiness: Saints: should Follow After Holiness: Saints: should Have Their Conversation In Holiness: Saints: should Present Their Bodies to God In Holiness: Saints: should Seek Perfection In Holiness: Saints: should Serve God In Holiness: Saints: should Yield Their Members As Instruments of Holiness: should Lead to Separation from the Wicked Holiness: The Character of Christ, the Standard of Holiness: The Character of God, the Standard of Holiness: The Church is the Beauty of Holiness: The Gospel the Way of Holiness: The Wicked are Without Holiness: The Word of God the Means of Producing The Holiness of God is Incomparable The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Judgments The Holiness of God is Pledged for the Fulfilment of His Promises The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Character The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Kingdom The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Name The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Words The Holiness of God: Exhibited in His: Works The Holiness of God: Heavenly Hosts Adore The Holiness of God: Requires Holy Service The Holiness of God: Saints are Commanded to Imitate The Holiness of God: Saints should Praise The Holiness of God: should be Magnified The Holiness of God: should Produce Reverential Fear Related Terms Sanctification (13 Occurrences) Notwithstanding (37 Occurrences) |
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