Rebekah Series

The final scene in which Rebekah appears is another well-known biblical episode: Isaac blesses Jacob rather than Esau, the first to emerge from the womb and thus the expected recipient of the paternal blessing. This designation of Jacob as heir to the ancestral lineage, which will mean his becoming progenitor of all Israel, is orchestrated by Rebekah. Through clever manipulation, whereby Isaac is deceived, she achieves her purpose and controls the family destiny."

"For one thing, Rebekah is far more dynamic and proactive than Isaac, for whom no independent episode is reported. The very fact that the verb to go is used by Rebekah seven times (a number used in the Bible for emphasis) in the courtship narrative of chap. 24 highlights her dynamic character. In addition, Rebekah's behavior in Genesis 24 is depicted by a series of action verbs-she runs, draws water, fills jars, and rides a camel-that contribute to a sense of her individuality and vitality, in contrast to Isaac's passivity. Also noteworthy is the language used about Rebekah's journey from Mesopotamia to Canaan, and in anticipation of her role as progenitor (ancestor) of countless offspring, echoes found in the Abraham narratives (compare Gen 24:4, 38, 60 with Gen 12:1 and 22:17). Furthermore, Rebekah is said to have had a nurse (Gen 35:8), a highly unusual circumstance in the Hebrew Bible and one that thus signifies her unusual stature.

Finally, the long courtship account of Genesis 24, which is considered by many to be a self-contained novella, can perhaps be called a woman's story. Rebekah's dynamic presence in that episode may indicate its origin in women's storytelling, as do certain other features. The term "mother's household," for example, appears in 24:28. That phrase is found only four times in the Hebrew Bible, all in texts that reveal women's lives and activities. It signifies the vital role of the senior woman in a family household, at least when considered from a female perspective, as does the use of the phrase "his mother Sarah's tent" for Isaac's home.

Quick Facts

• Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac.

• "Put your hand under my thigh" (Gen 24:2,9) was significant because it sealed the oath. The servant is swearing an oath by "placing his hand under the genitals, a vehicle of life." [makes you grateful for a handshake today!] The pledge was solemn, for it carried with it a curse or ban if not followed. "Since sons are said to issue from their father's thigh, an oath that involved touching this vital part might entail the threat of sterility for the offender or the extinction of his offspring." This is Abraham's last request. Some scholars say he died before the servant returned with Rebekah.

• The servant prayed for a sign to distinguish the bride for Isaac. (Gen 24:12-14) What a good example Abraham had set for his family and servants: we pray to solve problems!