Sermon Central
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Character Study Of Rebekah Series
Contributed by Rev. Samuel Arimoro on Mar 21, 2025 (message contributor)
Summary: Rebekah was a woman of faith, courage, and action. She played a key role in God’s plan for Israel. However, her mistakes in favouritism and deception remind us to trust God’s timing and to act in righteousness.
CHARACTER STUDY OF REBEKAH – WIFE OF ISAAC, MOTHER OF JACOB AND ESAU
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Genesis 24:58-60
"Then they called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ And she said, ‘I will go.’ So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men. And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: ‘Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands; and may your descendants possess the gates of those who hate them.’”
Supporting Texts: Genesis 24:1-67, Genesis 25:21-28, Genesis 26:7-8, Genesis 27:1-46
INTRODUCTION:
Rebekah was a woman of destiny, chosen by God to be the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob and Esau. Her story reveals faith, hospitality, courage, but also the dangers of partiality and deception. Her character study teaches us about divine guidance in marriage, the power of prayer, and the consequences of favouritism in a family.
1. REBEKAH’S DIVINE SELECTION AS ISAAC’S WIFE
Rebekah was chosen by God to be Isaac’s wife through a miraculous sign.
a) A Divine Search – Abraham’s servant prayed for a specific sign to find Isaac’s wife (Genesis 24:12-14).
b) Rebekah’s Quick Response – She immediately offered water to the servant and his camels (Genesis 24:18-20).
c) Confirmed by Her Family – Her family recognised God’s hand in the choice (Genesis 24:50-51).
d) Willing to Follow God’s Plan – She left her family immediately in faith (Genesis 24:58-61).
e) Biblical Example: Ruth also left her homeland to follow God’s plan (Ruth 1:16).
2. REBEKAH’S FAITH AND PRAYER LIFE
Rebekah sought God in times of difficulty, showing her dependence on Him.
a) Faced Barrenness – Like Sarah before her, Rebekah was barren for years (Genesis 25:21).
b) Intercession by Isaac – Isaac prayed, and God opened her womb (Genesis 25:21).
c) Inquired of the Lord – She sought God when her pregnancy became difficult (Genesis 25:22-23).
d) Received Divine Revelation – God revealed that two nations were in her womb (Genesis 25:23).
e) Biblical Example: Hannah also sought God in prayer for a child (1 Samuel 1:10-11).
3. REBEKAH’S MATERNAL LOVE AND FAVOURITISM
Rebekah’s love for Jacob led to deception and division in her family.
a) Favoured Jacob Over Esau – She preferred Jacob because of God’s prophecy (Genesis 25:28).
b) Devised a Deception Plan – She convinced Jacob to deceive Isaac (Genesis 27:6-10).
c) Prepared the Meal for Deception – She actively participated in the trickery (Genesis 27:14-17).
d) Caused Family Division – Her actions led to Esau’s anger and Jacob’s exile (Genesis 27:41-45).
e) Biblical Example: Joseph’s brothers also suffered due to parental favouritism (Genesis 37:3-4).
4. REBEKAH’S ROLE IN JACOB’S DESTINY
Despite her mistakes, God used Rebekah to ensure Jacob fulfilled his divine calling.
a) Helped Jacob Secure the Blessing – She ensured the prophecy about Jacob was fulfilled (Genesis 27:13).
b) Encouraged Jacob to Obey God’s Plan – She sent Jacob to Laban for safety and marriage (Genesis 27:43-46).
c) Suffered Separation from Jacob – Her actions led to her never seeing Jacob again (Genesis 27:45).
d) God’s Sovereign Will Prevailed – Despite human deception, God’s plan was fulfilled (Genesis 28:13-15).
e) Biblical Example: Tamar also played a role in ensuring Judah’s lineage continued (Genesis 38:26).
5. REBEKAH’S LEGACY AND LESSONS FROM HER LIFE
Rebekah left behind a strong legacy, but her mistakes serve as warnings.
a) A Model of Faith – She trusted God and followed His plan (Genesis 24:58).
b) A Woman of Prayer – She sought God in times of trouble (Genesis 25:22).
c) A Loving Mother – She cared deeply for Jacob but was unwise in her approach (Genesis 27:13).
d) A Lesson in the Dangers of Deception – Her actions led to pain and division (Genesis 27:46).
e) Biblical Example: King David’s household also suffered due to parental mistakes (2 Samuel 13:21-28).
6. STRENGTHS OF REBEKAH
Rebekah demonstrated many admirable qualities.
a) Generous and Hardworking – She showed great hospitality to Abraham’s servant (Genesis 24:18-20).
b) Decisive and Courageous – She immediately agreed to leave her family (Genesis 24:58).
c) Spiritually Perceptive – She sought God and received divine revelation (Genesis 25:22-23).
d) Loving and Protective Mother – She desired the best for Jacob (Genesis 27:6-10).
e) Biblical Example: Deborah also showed courage and wisdom (Judges 4:8-9).
7. WEAKNESSES OF REBEKAH
Despite her strengths, Rebekah made serious mistakes.
a) Showed Favouritism – This led to family conflict (Genesis 25:28).
b) Resorted to Deception – She encouraged Jacob to lie (Genesis 27:6-17).
c) Manipulated Events – Instead of trusting God, she took matters into her own hands (Genesis 27:13).
d) Caused Pain in Her Family – Her actions resulted in Jacob’s exile and Esau’s bitterness (Genesis 27:41-45).
e) Biblical Example: King Saul also relied on his own wisdom instead of obeying God (1 Samuel 15:22-23).
