Rebekah is one of the most significant women in the Bible, known for her faith, kindness, and role in God’s covenant with Abraham’s descendants. She was the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau, playing a key part in the fulfillment of God’s promises to Israel.
This topic explores key Bible verses about Rebekah, explaining her story, faith, and impact on biblical history.
1. Rebekah’s Introduction in the Bible
Rebekah first appears in the Bible as a young woman of great kindness and beauty. Her story is found in the Book of Genesis.
Genesis 24:15-16 – Rebekah’s First Mention
‘Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, son of Milkah, who was the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. The woman was very beautiful, a virgin; no man had ever slept with her. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again.’
This verse introduces Rebekah as a young woman of noble lineage, directly connected to Abraham’s family.
2. Rebekah’s Kindness and Selection as Isaac’s Wife
Rebekah’s kind heart and hospitality were key reasons she was chosen as a wife for Isaac.
Genesis 24:18-19 – Rebekah’s Generosity
”Drink, my lord,’ she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. After she had given him a drink, she said, ‘I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.”
In this passage, Abraham’s servant had prayed for a sign to find the right wife for Isaac. Rebekah’s willingness to serve and help fulfilled the sign, proving that she was God’s chosen one for Isaac.
3. Rebekah’s Family Blesses Her Marriage
Rebekah’s family recognized that her marriage to Isaac was part of God’s divine plan.
Genesis 24:60 – A Blessing for Rebekah
‘And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, ‘Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.”
This blessing foreshadows how Rebekah would become the mother of a great nation, as part of God’s covenant with Abraham.
4. Rebekah Becomes Isaac’s Wife
After traveling to meet Isaac, Rebekah became his wife, bringing comfort to him after the loss of his mother, Sarah.
Genesis 24:67 – Isaac Loves Rebekah
‘Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.’
This verse highlights that their marriage was built on love and divine guidance.
5. Rebekah’s Struggle with Infertility
Like many women in the Bible, Rebekah experienced infertility, but she and Isaac prayed for a child.
Genesis 25:21 – Isaac’s Prayer for Rebekah
‘Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rebekah became pregnant.’
This moment teaches the power of prayer and faith in God’s timing.
6. Rebekah’s Twin Sons – Jacob and Esau
God revealed to Rebekah that her twin sons would be the leaders of two nations, with the younger one chosen for a special purpose.
Genesis 25:23 – God’s Prophecy About Jacob and Esau
‘The Lord said to her, ‘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 set the stage for the rivalry between Jacob and Esau, as well as Jacob’s role in the covenant.
7. Rebekah Helps Jacob Receive the Blessing
Rebekah played a key role in ensuring that Jacob received Isaac’s blessing, fulfilling God’s plan.
Genesis 27:8-10 – Rebekah’s Instructions to Jacob
‘Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies.’
Although controversial, Rebekah’s actions ensured that Jacob, not Esau, would inherit God’s covenant blessing.
8. Rebekah Sends Jacob Away to Protect Him
After Jacob deceived Esau, Rebekah helped him escape to safety.
Genesis 27:43-44 – Rebekah’s Concern for Jacob
‘Now then, my son, do what I say: Flee at once to my brother Laban in Harran. Stay with him for a while until your brother’s fury subsides.’
Rebekah’s actions ensured Jacob’s protection and future, allowing him to become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
9. Rebekah’s Legacy in Biblical History
Although the Bible does not record Rebekah’s death and burial, her impact remains significant. She is remembered as a key matriarch in Israel’s history.
Genesis 49:31 – Rebekah’s Burial Place
‘There Abraham and his wife Sarah were buried, there Isaac and his wife Rebekah were buried, and there I buried Leah.’
This verse confirms that Rebekah was buried in the Cave of Machpelah, alongside other great figures of faith.
Lessons from Rebekah’s Life
Rebekah’s story teaches us valuable lessons about faith, obedience, and God’s plan:
- Faith and Prayer – Rebekah trusted in God’s plan for her life and prayed for children.
- Kindness and Hospitality – Her generosity at the well led to her being chosen as Isaac’s wife.
- God’s Sovereignty – God chose Jacob over Esau, showing that His plans are higher than human traditions.
- Courage and Action – Rebekah played an active role in fulfilling God’s promises.
- Family and Leadership – As the mother of Jacob, she shaped the future of God’s chosen people.
Rebekah remains a powerful figure in biblical history, reminding us to trust God’s plan and act with wisdom and courage.
