Rebekah
She said "I will go" to a stranger’s land, and later steered her family’s blessing.
Old Testament · Patriarchal era · Genesis, Romans · Also known as Rebecca, Wife of Isaac
About Rebekah
Rebekah was the woman Abraham’s servant found at a well in Mesopotamia. She gave water to him and all his camels, and when asked if she would leave home to marry Isaac, she said, "I will go." She could not have children until Isaac prayed for her. Carrying twins, she asked God why they struggled, and was told the elder would serve the younger. She loved Jacob, and planned the deception that won him Isaac’s blessing, then sent him away to save his life.
Camels can drink a great deal after a long journey, so watering ten of them meant many trips to the well: a sign of real generosity. The servant had prayed for exactly that sign. Rebekah’s brother Laban later becomes Jacob’s father-in-law.
The story
A prayer at the well
Abraham’s servant prayed that the right woman would offer water to him and his camels too. Before he had finished speaking, Rebekah came out with her pitcher. "Drink, my lord," she said, and then, "I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking."
Genesis 24:10-20
I will go
Her family wanted her to stay ten days more. "We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth." They asked her, "Wilt thou go with this man?" And she said, "I will go."
Genesis 24:54-61
Two nations in the womb
After Isaac prayed, Rebekah conceived twins, and they struggled within her. She went to enquire of the LORD, who said, "Two nations are in thy womb… and the elder shall serve the younger." Esau was born first, then Jacob.
Genesis 25:21-26
Upon me be thy curse
When Isaac planned to bless Esau, Rebekah told Jacob to bring two young goats so she could cook them. When he feared being caught, she said, "Upon me be thy curse, my son: only obey my voice." She dressed him in Esau’s clothes.
Genesis 27:5-17
Sending Jacob away
When Rebekah heard that Esau planned to kill Jacob, she told him to flee to her brother Laban "until thy brother’s fury turn away." Scripture never records that she saw Jacob again. She was buried in the family tomb with Isaac.
Genesis 27:41-46; 49:31
Key moments
- Waters the camels: The answer to a servant’s prayer. (Genesis 24:19)
- "I will go": Leaves home to marry Isaac. (Genesis 24:58)
- Isaac loves her: Comfort after Sarah’s death. (Genesis 24:67)
- God speaks about her twins: "The elder shall serve the younger." (Genesis 25:23)
- Plans Jacob’s blessing: "Only obey my voice." (Genesis 27:13)
Questions about Rebekah
In meetBible these answers are given in Rebekah’s voice. They are written by hand and checked against Scripture.
Why did you say yes to marrying a stranger?
Scripture records the question and my answer, not my reasons. My family asked, "Wilt thou go with this man?" and I said, "I will go." The servant had told them how God answered his prayer at the well, and my brother and father said, "The thing proceedeth from the LORD." My own thoughts are not written down.
Why did you favour Jacob?
Genesis states it plainly: "Isaac loved Esau, because he did eat of his venison: but Rebekah loved Jacob." It gives Isaac’s reason but not mine. Before the boys were born, God had told me the elder would serve the younger. Some readers think that shaped how I acted; the text doesn’t say.
Connected people
Read it yourself
Start with Genesis 24; 27.