Rebekah

I've been married now for twenty years, but until now I've not been able to bear children. Even so, my husband did not divorce me although in the East this would be grounds for divorce. Furthermore, he has been faithful to me. In my country, polygamy is common; yet he never took another wife. And now God has looked upon me with favor. For so many years I was barren, but now I am with child. I am exceedingly happy and so is my husband. At last he will have the joy of being a father.

He (Isaac) was forty years old when we married. I was chosen for him by his father's servant because I watered his master's thirsty camels. It happened in this way–I came at eventide to the well, along with other women of the community, carrying my water jar on my shoulder. At the time I was unaware of it, but I was being observed by an old man, a stranger from far away, standing with his camels. It was only later that I learned that he had been given the task of choosing a wife for his master's son. He took the matter seriously, and asked God for a sign to help him make the right choice. The sign? – the young maiden who volunteered to give water to his camels after he asked her for a drink for himself would possess those traits of character he was looking for in a wife for his master's son.

Anyhow, he approached me and asked for a drink which I gave him, and then I added, "I will draw water for thy camels, also, until they have done drinking" (Genesis 24:19). I had to make several trips down to the well in order to carry enough water. And when I had finished, the old man rewarded me with a nose-ring and two bracelets, all of heavy gold. Then he inquired about my family, asking whether there might be room in my father's house for him to lodge. Things moved rapidly after that. The old man explained the purpose of his visit, gave lavish gifts to my family, and sought permission for the marriage. We learned that my future husband was my second cousin, and that he was heir to his father's flocks and herds, his silver and gold, his servants, and many asses. My family asked me, "Wilt thou go with this man?"

And I replied without any hesitancy, "I will go." His family had great wealth, and I knew I would be a bride of destiny as the wife of this son of promise. My family asked if I could remain for at least ten days, but the servant was eager to be on his way. And so in much haste I departed, with my nurse and my maids on camels. My people blessed me and sent me away with the words, ". . . Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions..." (Gen. 24.60).

Our caravan made its way across the banks of the Euphrates and into the desert on its way to Damascus, then passed over the Lebanon highlands and into the green hills of Galilee and finally into the fertile plains around Beersheba. In the fields walked a man. Seeing our caravan, he came toward us. I inquired as to who he might be, and I was correct in my assumption that the man was indeed my future husband. I slipped from my camel, and covered myself with my veil. The servant hurried to his master's son to tell him of what had transpired.

And so I became his bride, and we've been happy, except for the sadness of being without children. But now I have conceived, and there will be descendants! Yet, there is a strangeness about this matter. I know now that I am to have twins, and they struggle together within my womb. I said, "If it is to be this way, why do I live?" So I went to inquire of the Lord. And the Lord said to me, "Two nations are in your womb, and two people born of you shall be divided; the one shall be stronger than the other, the elder shall serve the younger." Genesis 25:23. I ponder the meaning of this, and the names which we shall give them. You know, names are important. My name means "fettering by beauty" or "ensnarer." . . . You call me REBEKAH.

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Rebekah

List of Bible References

Gen. 22:23 – Gen. 24 – Gen. 25:20, 21, 28 – Gen. 26 – Gen. 27 –
Gen. 28:5 – Gen. 29:12 – Gen. 35:8 – Gen. 49:31 – Romans 9:10