Rebekah's mother is a somewhat enigmatic figure in the biblical narrative, as she is not named in the Scriptures. Her presence, however, is acknowledged in the context of the account of Rebekah, who becomes the wife of Isaac and the mother of Esau and Jacob. The account of Rebekah's family is primarily found in Genesis 24, where Abraham's servant is sent to find a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's relatives.

Family Background

Rebekah's mother is part of the family of Bethuel, who is identified as the son of Nahor, Abraham's brother, and Milcah. This makes Rebekah's mother a member of the extended family of Abraham, which is significant in the context of the covenantal promises given to Abraham and his descendants. The family resided in Paddan-aram, in the region of Mesopotamia, which is where Abraham's servant travels to find a suitable wife for Isaac.

Role in Rebekah's Betrothal

In Genesis 24, when Abraham's servant arrives at the city of Nahor, he encounters Rebekah at the well and is impressed by her kindness and hospitality. After confirming her lineage, he is invited to her family's home. It is here that Rebekah's mother is mentioned, albeit briefly. The servant recounts his mission to Rebekah's family, and they recognize the hand of the LORD in the matter.

Genesis 24:53 states, "Then the servant brought out gold and silver jewelry and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother." This verse highlights the cultural practice of giving gifts to the bride's family, indicating the mother's involvement in the marriage arrangements. Her acceptance of the gifts signifies her consent to the marriage proposal, which was an important aspect of the betrothal process.

Cultural and Religious Context

The brief mention of Rebekah's mother in the narrative reflects the patriarchal structure of ancient Near Eastern society, where male figures often held primary roles in family and societal decisions. However, the acknowledgment of Rebekah's mother in the gifting process suggests her role in the domestic sphere and her influence within the family unit.

From a religious perspective, the marriage of Isaac and Rebekah is seen as a continuation of God's covenantal promises to Abraham. The involvement of Rebekah's family, including her mother, in the marriage arrangements underscores the importance of maintaining the covenant lineage through carefully chosen unions.

Legacy

While Rebekah's mother is not a prominent figure in the biblical text, her role in the account of Rebekah's marriage to Isaac contributes to the unfolding of God's plan for the patriarchs and their descendants. Her participation in the betrothal process, though subtle, is a testament to the familial and cultural dynamics of the time, as well as the providential guidance of God in the lives of His chosen people.