Background and Context:
Rebekah, the wife of Isaac and mother of Esau and Jacob, plays a pivotal role in the narrative of Genesis. Her account is primarily found in Genesis 24-27. Rebekah was chosen as Isaac's wife through divine guidance, as Abraham's servant sought a wife for Isaac from his own kin (Genesis 24). She bore Isaac twin sons, Esau and Jacob, who struggled even in the womb, foreshadowing the conflict that would arise between them (Genesis 25:22-23).

The Prophecy:
Before the birth of her sons, Rebekah received a prophecy from the LORD: "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). This prophecy set the stage for the events that would unfold, indicating that Jacob, the younger, was chosen by God to carry forward the Abrahamic covenant.

The Deception:
The account of Rebekah's deception is found in Genesis 27. As Isaac grew old and his eyesight dimmed, he decided to bless Esau, his firstborn, before he died. Rebekah, overhearing Isaac's plan, devised a scheme to ensure that Jacob received the blessing instead. She instructed Jacob to fetch two young goats so she could prepare a meal for Isaac, mimicking Esau's cooking. Rebekah then dressed Jacob in Esau's garments and covered his hands and neck with goat skins to imitate Esau's hairy skin (Genesis 27:5-17).

Jacob's Reluctance and Rebekah's Assurance:
Jacob expressed concern about deceiving his father, fearing a curse rather than a blessing if Isaac discovered the ruse. Rebekah reassured him, saying, "Your curse be on me, my son. Just obey my voice and go get them for me" (Genesis 27:13). Her determination and willingness to bear any potential curse highlight her commitment to securing the blessing for Jacob, in alignment with the divine prophecy.

The Execution of the Plan:
Jacob, following his mother's instructions, approached Isaac with the prepared meal. Despite Isaac's suspicions due to the speed of the hunt and the voice he heard, he was ultimately convinced by the feel of Jacob's hands and the smell of Esau's garments. Isaac blessed Jacob, conferring upon him the promises of prosperity, dominion, and the continuation of the covenantal line (Genesis 27:18-29).

The Aftermath:
Esau's return and discovery of the deception led to a bitter outcry and a plea for a blessing from Isaac. However, the primary blessing had already been given to Jacob, and Isaac could only offer Esau a secondary blessing, which foretold a life of struggle and servitude (Genesis 27:30-40). Esau's anger towards Jacob forced Rebekah to send Jacob away to her brother Laban in Haran, fearing for his life (Genesis 27:41-45).

Theological Implications:
Rebekah's actions, while deceptive, are often viewed within the context of divine sovereignty and the fulfillment of God's purposes. Her role in the narrative underscores the complexity of human agency and divine will. The prophecy given to her before the birth of her sons suggests that her actions, though morally questionable, were instrumental in the unfolding of God's plan for the chosen lineage through Jacob. This account invites reflection on the themes of faith, obedience, and the mysterious workings of God's providence in the lives of His people.