Rebekah, a significant matriarch in the Hebrew Bible, is introduced in Genesis as a key figure in the lineage of the patriarchs. Her account begins in Genesis 24, where she is depicted as a woman of remarkable character and beauty, chosen by God to become the wife of Isaac, the son of Abraham.

Family Background and Early Life

Rebekah is the daughter of Bethuel, who is the son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and Milcah. This makes Rebekah a member of Abraham's extended family, which is significant in the context of God's covenantal promises. Her brother is Laban, who later plays a crucial role in the life of Jacob, Rebekah's son. The family resides in Paddan-aram, in the region of Mesopotamia, which is where Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac.

The Servant's Mission and Rebekah's Selection

Abraham, desiring a suitable wife for Isaac from his own kin, sends his senior servant to his homeland to find a bride. The servant, upon reaching the city of Nahor, prays for divine guidance, asking for a sign to identify the chosen woman. In Genesis 24:14 , he prays, "May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac."

Rebekah's introduction is marked by her immediate and generous response to the servant's request for water. She not only offers him a drink but also draws water for all his camels, demonstrating her kindness and hospitality. This act fulfills the servant's prayer and confirms her as God's chosen bride for Isaac.

Rebekah's Character and Virtues

Rebekah is portrayed as a woman of faith, decisiveness, and strength. Her willingness to leave her family and homeland to marry Isaac, whom she has never met, reflects her trust in God's plan. Genesis 24:58 records her response when asked if she will go with the servant: "I will go," she says, showing her readiness to embrace God's will for her life.

Marriage to Isaac

Rebekah's marriage to Isaac is a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative. Upon her arrival in Canaan, Isaac takes her into his mother Sarah's tent, and she becomes his wife. Genesis 24:67 states, "Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And he loved her; so Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death." This union not only provides comfort to Isaac but also continues the Abrahamic line through which God's promises are fulfilled.

Role in the Covenant

Rebekah's role extends beyond her marriage to Isaac. She becomes the mother of Esau and Jacob, the latter of whom is chosen to carry forward the covenantal promises. Her actions and decisions, particularly in the blessing of Jacob, further shape the narrative of God's chosen people.

Rebekah's introduction in the Bible sets the stage for her significant influence in the unfolding account of the patriarchs, highlighting her as a woman of faith and purpose within God's divine plan.