Couples in the Bible: Isaac and Rebekah

Abraham decided his son needed to marry but did not want him to choose among the women where they were living. So he sent a servant back to his {Abraham’s} kindred to find a wife. The servant went to the city of Nahor and prayed the woman who was meant to be would also offer to water the camels. Rebekah came along and did just this and after speaking to Rebekah’s brother, Laban, took her back to marry Isaac.  {Genesis 24}

And she comforted Isaac after his mother’s death.  {Genesis 24:67}

They were married about twenty years before Rebekah became pregnant. She had two sons who warred within her womb. She gave birth to two sons, Esau and Jacob. Esau means hairy and Jacob means supplanter.

Isaac loved Esau and Rebekah loved Jacob. {Genesis 25:28}

 Esau sold his birthright to his brother. {Genesis 25:29-34}

Rebekah never saw her favorite son again

Isaac settled in Gerar and when the men asked about his wife, he told them she was his sister. But the king realized they were married and warned anyone from touching Rebekah. Isaac sowed the land and the Lord blessed him. {Genesis 26}

Esau married daughter of Hittite’s which “made life bitter” for Isaac and Rebekah. {Genesis 26:34-35}

Isaac decided to bless his son and Jacob dressed as his brother, Esau, and received the blessing. Esau hated Jacob and his parents sent him away to Rebekah’s brother, Laban. {Genesis 27}

Rebekah would never see her favorite son again and died before his return. {Genesis 49:31}

Jacob returned home twenty years later to reconcile with his brother and father. Jacob and Esau buried Isaac in the Cave of Machpelah when he died at age 180.  {Genesis 35:28-29}

What we can learn from Isaac and Rebekah:

  1. Be careful who you choose for a mate
  2. We all need comfort at times
  3. Sometimes we have to wait for blessings
  4. It’s not wise to play favorites between children
  5. There are consequences for our actions

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