But the children inside her struggled with each other, and she said, "Why is this happening to me?" So Rebekah went to inquire of the LORD, But the children inside her struggled togetherThe Hebrew word for "struggled" is "רָצַץ" (ratsats), which conveys a sense of crushing or oppressing. This word choice suggests a violent or intense conflict, not merely a gentle jostling. The struggle between Esau and Jacob in Rebekah's womb foreshadows the future conflict between their descendants, the Edomites and Israelites. This prenatal struggle is emblematic of the spiritual and physical battles that often occur in the lives of believers, reminding us that spiritual warfare can begin even before birth. The phrase "inside her" emphasizes the intimate and personal nature of this struggle, highlighting that God's plans and purposes are often at work in the hidden and unseen places of our lives. and she said, 'If it is well, why am I like this?'
Rebekah's question reveals her distress and confusion. The phrase "If it is well" can be understood as questioning the goodness or purpose of her situation. In Hebrew, "טוֹב" (tov) means good, well, or pleasing. Rebekah's turmoil reflects the human condition of grappling with the mysteries of God's will, especially when circumstances seem contrary to His promises. Her question, "why am I like this?" is a profound expression of seeking understanding and purpose in suffering. It encourages believers to bring their doubts and questions to God, trusting that He is sovereign and His plans are ultimately for our good, even when they are beyond our comprehension. So she went to inquire of the LORD
Rebekah's response to her struggle is instructive; she seeks divine guidance. The Hebrew word for "inquire" is "דָּרַשׁ" (darash), meaning to seek, require, or consult. This action demonstrates her faith and dependence on God, setting an example for believers to turn to the Lord in times of confusion and distress. Inquiring of the LORD implies a relationship and communication with God, highlighting the importance of prayer and seeking His wisdom. This phrase underscores the biblical principle that God is approachable and desires to provide guidance and revelation to those who earnestly seek Him. Rebekah's inquiry leads to a prophetic revelation about the future of her sons, reminding us that God is faithful to reveal His purposes to those who seek Him with a sincere heart. Persons / Places / Events 1. RebekahThe wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She is experiencing a difficult pregnancy and seeks God's guidance. 2. Esau and JacobThe twin sons of Isaac and Rebekah, who are struggling within Rebekah's womb, foreshadowing their future conflict. 3. The LORDGod, whom Rebekah seeks for understanding and guidance regarding her tumultuous pregnancy. 4. IsaacRebekah's husband, who prayed to the LORD on behalf of his wife because she was barren ( Genesis 25:21). 5. The StruggleThe internal conflict within Rebekah's womb, symbolizing the future rivalry between Esau and Jacob and their descendants. Teaching Points Seek God in Times of ConfusionRebekah's decision to inquire of the LORD teaches us to turn to God when faced with confusion or distress. We should seek His wisdom and guidance through prayer and scripture. Understanding God's SovereigntyThe struggle within Rebekah's womb is a reminder of God's sovereign plan. Even before birth, God had a purpose for Esau and Jacob. We can trust that God has a plan for our lives, even when circumstances seem chaotic. The Importance of Spiritual InquiryRebekah's action of seeking God emphasizes the importance of spiritual inquiry. We should not hesitate to bring our questions and concerns to God, trusting that He will provide clarity and direction. Family Dynamics and God's PlanThe conflict between Esau and Jacob highlights how family dynamics can play a role in God's overarching plan. We should be mindful of how God can work through our family situations, even those that are challenging. Bible Study Questions 1. What can we learn from Rebekah's response to the struggle within her womb about how to handle life's challenges? 2. How does the struggle between Esau and Jacob in the womb foreshadow their future relationship and the nations they represent? 3. In what ways does Rebekah's inquiry of the LORD demonstrate faith, and how can we apply this in our own lives? 4. How does understanding God's sovereignty in the lives of Esau and Jacob help us trust Him with our own life's circumstances? 5. What other biblical examples can you find where individuals sought God's guidance in times of uncertainty, and what were the outcomes? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 25:23God's response to Rebekah's inquiry, revealing the future of her sons and the nations they will lead. Romans 9:10-12Paul references the struggle between Esau and Jacob to illustrate God's sovereign choice and purpose. Hosea 12:3Reflects on Jacob's life, beginning with his struggle in the womb, highlighting his nature and God's dealings with him. 1 Samuel 1:10-11Hannah's prayer, similar to Rebekah's inquiry, shows the importance of seeking God in times of distress. People Abraham, Abida, Abidah, Adbeel, Aram, Asshurim, Asshurites, Bethuel, Dedan, Dumah, Eldaah, Enoch, Ephah, Epher, Ephron, Esau, Hadad, Hadar, Hagar, Hanoch, Havilah, Heth, Hittites, Isaac, Ishbak, Ishmael, Jacob, Jetur, Jokshan, Kedar, Kedemah, Keturah, Laban, Letushim, Letushites, Leummim, Leummites, Mamre, Massa, Medan, Mibsam, Mishma, Naphish, Nebaioth, Nebajoth, Rebekah, Sarah, Shuah, Tema, Zimran, Zoar, ZoharPlaces Assyria, Beer-lahai-roi, Egypt, Machpelah, Mamre, Paddan-aram, Shur DesertTopics Fighting, Happening, Inquire, Inside, Jostled, Question, Seek, Struggle, Struggled, Thus, Wherefore, WithinDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 25:21-22 8636 asking Genesis 25:21-23 5663 childbirth Genesis 25:21-26 5095 Jacob, life
5652 babies
5739 twins Genesis 25:21-34 7530 foreigners Genesis 25:22-23 8605 prayer, and God's will
8648 enquiring of God Library Pottage Versus Birthright
Esau despised his birthright'--GENESIS xxv. 34. Broad lessons unmistakable, but points strange and difficult to throw oneself back to so different a set of ideas. So I. Deal with the narrative. Not to tell it over again, but bring out the following points:-- (a) Birthright.--What? None of them any notion of sacred, spiritual aspect of it. To all, merely material advantages: headship of the clan. All the loftier aspects gone from Isaac, who thought he could give it for venison, from Esau, and from …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureThe Death of Abraham
'Then Abraham gave up the ghost, and died in a good old age, an old man, and full of years; and was gathered to his people.'--GENESIS xxv. 8. 'Full of years' does not seem to me to be a mere synonym for longevity. That would be an intolerable tautology, for we should then have the same thing said three times over--'an old man,' 'in a good old age,' 'full of years.' There must be some other idea than that in the words. If you notice that the expression is by no means a usual one, that it is only …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture Jacob and Esau
(Second Sunday in Lent.) GENESIS xxv. 29-34. And Jacob sod pottage: and Esau came from the field, and he was faint: And Esau said to Jacob, Feed me, I pray thee, with that same red pottage; for I am faint: therefore was his name called Edom. And Jacob said, Sell me this day thy birthright. And Esau said, Behold, I am at the point to die: and what profit shall this birthright do to me? And Jacob said, Swear to me this day; and he sware unto him: and he sold his birthright unto Jacob. Then …
Charles Kingsley—The Gospel of the Pentateuch Jesus Heals Multitudes Beside the Sea of Galilee.
^A Matt. XII. 15-21; ^B Mark III. 7-12. ^a 15 And Jesus perceiving it withdrew ^b with his disciples ^a from thence: ^b to the sea [This was the first withdrawal of Jesus for the avowed purpose of self-preservation. After this we find Jesus constantly retiring to avoid the plots of his enemies. The Sea of Galilee, with its boats and its shores touching different jurisdictions, formed a convenient and fairly safe retreat]: ^a and many followed him; ^b and a great multitude from Galilee followed; and …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Every Believer's Birthright.
On every hand a lack of something is being felt and expressed by God's people. Their Christian experience is not what they expected it would be. Instead of expected victory, it is oft-recurring, dreaded defeat; instead of soul satisfaction, it is soul hunger; instead of deep, abiding heart rest, it is disquiet and discontent; instead of advancing, it is losing ground. Is this all Christ meant when He said, "Come unto Me"? Is this life of constant disappointment the normal life of the Bible Christian? …
John MacNeil—The Spirit-Filled Life Second Great Group of Parables.
(Probably in Peræa.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Lost Son. ^C Luke XV. 11-32. ^c 11 And he said, A certain man had two sons [These two sons represent the professedly religious (the elder) and the openly irreligious (the younger). They have special reference to the two parties found in the first two verses of this chapter --the Pharisees, the publicans and sinners]: 12 and the younger of them [the more childish and easily deceived] said to his father, Father, give me the portion of thy substance …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel Conflict.
"Therefore let us also, seeing we are compassed about with so great a cloud of witnesses, lay aside every weight, and the sin which doth so easily beset us, and let us run with patience the race that is set before us, looking unto Jesus the Author and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the Cross, despising shame, and hath sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. For consider Him that hath endured such gainsaying of sinners against themselves, that ye …
Thomas Charles Edwards—The Expositor's Bible: The Epistle to the Hebrews John the Baptist's Person and Preaching.
(in the Wilderness of Judæa, and on the Banks of the Jordan, Occupying Several Months, Probably a.d. 25 or 26.) ^A Matt. III. 1-12; ^B Mark I. 1-8; ^C Luke III. 1-18. ^b 1 The beginning of the gospel [John begins his Gospel from eternity, where the Word is found coexistent with God. Matthew begins with Jesus, the humanly generated son of Abraham and David, born in the days of Herod the king. Luke begins with the birth of John the Baptist, the Messiah's herald; and Mark begins with the ministry …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel But if Moreover any not Having Charity, which Pertaineth to the Unity of Spirit...
23. But if moreover any not having charity, which pertaineth to the unity of spirit and the bond of peace whereby the Catholic Church is gathered and knit together, being involved in any schism, doth, that he may not deny Christ, suffer tribulations, straits, hunger, nakedness, persecution, perils, prisons, bonds, torments, swords, or flames, or wild beasts, or the very cross, through fear of hell and everlasting fire; in nowise is all this to be blamed, nay rather this also is a patience meet to …
St. Augustine—On Patience Of the Effects of those Prerogatives.
From these prerogatives there will arise to the elect in heaven, five notable effects:-- 1. They shall know God with a perfect knowledge (1 Cor. i. 10), so far as creatures can possibly comprehend the Creator. For there we shall see the Word, the Creator; and in the Word, all creatures that by the Word were created; so that we shall not need to learn (of the things which were made) the knowledge of him by whom all things were made. The most excellent creatures in this life, are but as a dark veil …
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety Travelling in Palestine --Roads, Inns, Hospitality, Custom-House Officers, Taxation, Publicans
It was the very busiest road in Palestine, on which the publican Levi Matthew sat at the receipt of "custom," when our Lord called him to the fellowship of the Gospel, and he then made that great feast to which he invited his fellow-publicans, that they also might see and hear Him in Whom he had found life and peace (Luke 5:29). For, it was the only truly international road of all those which passed through Palestine; indeed, it formed one of the great highways of the world's commerce. At the time …
Alfred Edersheim—Sketches of Jewish Social Life Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 25:22 NIVGenesis 25:22 NLTGenesis 25:22 ESVGenesis 25:22 NASBGenesis 25:22 KJV
Genesis 25:22 Commentaries
Bible Hub |
