Bible Figure
Rebecca
Biblical character
Rebekah was the wife of Isaac, mother of Esau and Jacob, and a major matriarch in the continuation of God's covenant promises to Abraham.
Biography
Abraham's servant traveled to Mesopotamia seeking a wife for Isaac and prayed for providential guidance. Rebekah appeared at the well and generously watered the servant's camels, fulfilling the requested sign. She willingly left her family and married Isaac. After years of barrenness, Isaac prayed and Rebekah conceived twins. God told her that two nations were in her womb and that the older would serve the younger. Later Rebekah favored Jacob and devised the plan by which he received Isaac's blessing intended for Esau. She then arranged Jacob's departure when Esau planned revenge.
Biblical Significance
Rebekah is one of Genesis' principal matriarchs. Her story displays providential guidance, faith, family conflict, and the unexpected divine choice through which the covenant line continued through Jacob.