Genesis 27:46
Then Rebekah said to Isaac, "I am weary of my life because of these Hittite women. If Jacob takes a Hittite wife from among them, what good is my life?"
Then Rebekah said to Isaac
This phrase introduces a pivotal moment in the narrative, highlighting Rebekah's role as a matriarch deeply concerned about her family's future. The Hebrew root for "said" (אָמַר, 'amar) often conveys not just speech but a declaration of intent or emotion. Rebekah's communication with Isaac underscores her influence and the weight of her concerns. Historically, the patriarchal family structure allowed women like Rebekah to wield significant influence, especially in matters of marriage and family continuity.

I am weary of my life
The expression of weariness here is profound, indicating a deep emotional and spiritual burden. The Hebrew word for "weary" (קָצַת, qatsat) can imply a sense of loathing or disgust. Rebekah's weariness is not just personal but reflects a broader concern for the spiritual and cultural integrity of her family. In a conservative Christian perspective, this weariness can be seen as a righteous indignation against the potential dilution of faith and values.

because of these Hittite women
The Hittites were one of the Canaanite tribes, and their presence in the narrative represents a cultural and religious threat to the Abrahamic covenant. The Hebrew term for "Hittite" (חִתִּי, Chitti) is often associated with the broader Canaanite culture, which was seen as idolatrous and morally corrupt. Rebekah's concern reflects a desire to preserve the covenantal purity and distinctiveness of her family line, a theme that resonates throughout the Old Testament.

If Jacob takes a wife from among the women of this land
This phrase underscores the importance of marriage within the covenant community. The Hebrew concept of marriage was not just a personal union but a communal and covenantal act. Rebekah's fear is that Jacob, the chosen heir of the promise, might be led astray by marrying outside the covenant community. This reflects a broader biblical theme of separation from worldly influences to maintain spiritual purity.

from Hittite women like these
Rebekah's specific mention of "Hittite women" reiterates her concern about the cultural and religious influences that could lead Jacob away from his covenantal responsibilities. The repetition emphasizes the gravity of the situation and the potential consequences of intermarriage with those who do not share the same faith and values.

what good is my life?
This rhetorical question highlights the depth of Rebekah's despair. The Hebrew word for "good" (טוֹב, tov) often denotes not just goodness but purpose and fulfillment. Rebekah's lament suggests that her life's purpose is intrinsically tied to the spiritual and covenantal success of her family. In a conservative Christian view, this reflects the belief that true fulfillment is found in faithfulness to God's promises and purposes.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Rebekah
The wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob. She expresses her distress over the potential influence of local Canaanite women on her son Jacob.

2. Isaac
The patriarch, husband of Rebekah, and father of Esau and Jacob. He is approached by Rebekah with her concerns about Jacob's future marriage.

3. Jacob
The younger son of Isaac and Rebekah, whom Rebekah wishes to protect from marrying a Canaanite woman.

4. Esau
Jacob's older brother, who has already married Canaanite women, causing distress to his parents.

5. Daughters of Heth
Canaanite women, representing the local pagan culture that Rebekah fears will negatively influence Jacob.
Teaching Points
The Importance of Godly Influence
Rebekah's concern highlights the importance of surrounding oneself with godly influences, especially in marriage. Believers are encouraged to seek partners who share their faith to maintain spiritual integrity.

Parental Guidance and Wisdom
Rebekah's plea to Isaac underscores the role of parents in guiding their children towards godly decisions. Parents should actively pray for and counsel their children in matters of faith and life choices.

Cultural and Spiritual Distinctions
The account illustrates the tension between cultural practices and spiritual convictions. Believers are called to discern and uphold their faith amidst cultural pressures.

The Consequences of Unequal Yoking
Esau's marriage to Canaanite women serves as a cautionary tale about the potential spiritual consequences of being unequally yoked with unbelievers.

Trusting God's Plan
Despite the challenges and concerns, believers are reminded to trust in God's overarching plan and sovereignty in their lives and the lives of their loved ones.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does Rebekah's concern for Jacob's marriage reflect the broader biblical theme of maintaining covenant faithfulness?

2. In what ways can parents today provide godly guidance to their children in choosing a spouse, and how does this align with biblical teachings?

3. How can believers discern and resist cultural influences that may conflict with their faith, as seen in Rebekah's concern about the daughters of Heth?

4. What lessons can we learn from Esau's marriages about the importance of being equally yoked in faith, and how does this apply to relationships today?

5. How can we trust in God's plan for our lives and the lives of our loved ones, even when faced with challenging circumstances or decisions?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 26:34-35
These verses describe Esau's marriage to the Hittite women, which brought grief to Isaac and Rebekah, setting the context for Rebekah's concern in Genesis 27:46.

Genesis 28:1-2
Isaac instructs Jacob not to marry a Canaanite woman, directly following Rebekah's plea, showing the importance of maintaining the covenant lineage.

Deuteronomy 7:3-4
This passage warns against intermarriage with pagan nations, emphasizing the risk of turning away from God, which aligns with Rebekah's concerns.
LessonsG. Hughes, B. D.Genesis 27:46
Rebekah, the DisappointedF. Hastings Genesis 27:46
People
Esau, Haran, Heth, Isaac, Jacob, Laban, Rebekah
Places
Beersheba, Haran
Topics
Daughters, Disgusted, Heth, Hittite, I'm, Isaac, Jacob, Marries, Presence, Rebecca, Rebekah, Takes, Tired, Weariness, Weary, Wife, Women, Worth
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Genesis 27:46

     5711   marriage, restrictions
     9614   hope, results of absence

Genesis 27:46-28:2

     5681   family, nature of

Library
There is a Great Question About Lying, which Often Arises in the Midst Of...
1. There is a great question about Lying, which often arises in the midst of our every day business, and gives us much trouble, that we may not either rashly call that a lie which is not such, or decide that it is sometimes right to tell a lie, that is, a kind of honest, well-meant, charitable lie. This question we will painfully discuss by seeking with them that seek: whether to any good purpose, we need not take upon ourselves to affirm, for the attentive reader will sufficiently gather from the
St. Augustine—On Lying

Epistle Lii. To Natalis, Bishop .
To Natalis, Bishop [1463] . Gregory to Natalis, Bishop of Salona. As though forgetting the tenour of former letters, I had determined to say nothing to your Blessedness but what should savour of sweetness: but, now that in your epistle you have recurred in the way of argumentation to preceding letters, I am once more compelled to say perhaps some things that I had rather not have said. For in defence of feasts your Fraternity mentions the feast of Abraham, in which by the testimony of Holy Scripture
Saint Gregory the Great—the Epistles of Saint Gregory the Great

The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Letter xxxv. From Pope Damasus.
Damasus addresses five questions to Jerome with a request for information concerning them. They are: 1. What is the meaning of the words "Whosoever slayeth Cain vengeance shall be taken on him sevenfold"? (Gen. iv. 5.) 2. If God has made all things good, how comes it that He gives charge to Noah concerning unclean animals, and says to Peter, "What God hath cleansed that call not thou common"? (Acts x. 15.) 3. How is Gen. xv. 16, "in the fourth generation they shall come hither again," to be reconciled
St. Jerome—The Principal Works of St. Jerome

Touching Jacob, However, that which He did at his Mother's Bidding...
24. Touching Jacob, however, that which he did at his mother's bidding, so as to seem to deceive his father, if with diligence and in faith it be attended to, is no lie, but a mystery. The which if we shall call lies, all parables also, and figures designed for the signifying of any things soever, which are not to be taken according to their proper meaning, but in them is one thing to be understood from another, shall be said to be lies: which be far from us altogether. For he who thinks this, may
St. Augustine—Against Lying

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

First Withdrawal from Herod's Territory and Return.
(Spring, a.d. 29.) Subdivision C. The Twelve Try to Row Back. Jesus Walks Upon the Water. ^A Matt. XIV. 22-36; ^B Mark VI. 45-56; ^D John VI. 15-21. ^d 15 Jesus therefore perceiving that they were about to come and take him by force, to make him king, withdrew again into the mountain himself alone. [Jesus had descended to the plain to feed the multitude, but, perceiving this mistaken desire of the people, he frustrated it by dismissing his disciples and retiring by himself into the mountain.] ^a
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

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

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