Genesis 24:58
Who Was Rebekah?
Rebekah was the wife of Isaac and mother of twins Esau and Jacob. Chosen through divine guidance as a bride for Isaac, she demonstrated hospitality and decisiveness. Her later favoritism toward Jacob led her to orchestrate a deception that fractured her family, illustrating the consequences of trying to fulfill God's promises through human scheming.
Key Events
Meeting Abraham's Servant
Rebekah showed extraordinary hospitality by drawing water for Abraham's servant and his camels at the well, fulfilling the servant's prayer for a sign from God (Genesis 24:10-27).
Agreeing to Marry Isaac
When asked if she would go to marry Isaac, a man she had never met, Rebekah decisively answered "I will go" (Genesis 24:57-58).
Barrenness and Prayer
Rebekah was barren for twenty years. Isaac prayed to the Lord on her behalf, and God granted her conception of twins (Genesis 25:20-21).
Birth of Esau and Jacob
God told Rebekah that two nations were in her womb and the elder would serve the younger. She gave birth to Esau and then Jacob (Genesis 25:22-26).
The Stolen Blessing
Rebekah devised a plan for Jacob to deceive his aging father Isaac and receive the blessing intended for Esau (Genesis 27:1-29).
Key Scriptures
Genesis 24:58
Genesis 24:60
Genesis 25:22-23
Genesis 27:13
Romans 9:10-12
Lessons from Rebekah
- Hospitality and kindness can open doors to God's purposes.
- God's plans will be accomplished, but our methods matter.
- Favoritism within a family causes deep and lasting damage.
- Faith requires trusting God's timing rather than engineering outcomes.
Family Discussion & Activity
Discussion Questions
- ? Rebekah showed great hospitality to a stranger. How can our family practice hospitality and generosity to others?
- ? Rebekah tried to help God's plan along through deception. Why is it important to trust God's timing instead of taking shortcuts?
- ? Favoritism caused division in Rebekah's family. How can parents treat each child with equal love and attention?
Family Activity
Read about Rebekah in the Bible this week. Have each family member draw or write about what they admire most about Rebekah and share with the family.
Frequently Asked Questions
How was Rebekah chosen as Isaac's wife?
Abraham sent his servant to find a wife for Isaac from his kinsmen. The servant prayed for a sign: the woman who offered water to him and his camels would be God's chosen bride. Rebekah fulfilled this sign perfectly (Genesis 24:12-27), confirming God's guidance in the match.
Why did Rebekah help Jacob deceive Isaac?
God had told Rebekah that the older twin would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). Rather than trusting God to bring this about in His own way, Rebekah took matters into her own hands by helping Jacob steal Esau's blessing through deception (Genesis 27). The consequences included Jacob fleeing for his life and Rebekah never seeing him again.
What happened to Rebekah after the deception?
After Jacob fled to Haran to escape Esau's anger, Rebekah is not mentioned again in Genesis until her burial is noted in Genesis 49:31. She was buried in the cave of Machpelah alongside Abraham, Sarah, and Isaac.
Daily Family Devotional
Start each morning with scripture, reflection, and family discussion questions delivered to your inbox.
Free, delivered daily. Unsubscribe anytime.