REBEKAH
WOMEN OF THE BIBLE –
52 WEEK STUDY
Week 5 Focus:
REBEKAH: The woman whose favouritism brought sorrow
Scripture Reference:
1.
Genesis 22:23, 24, 25:19-34, 26:1-35, 27, 28:5,
29:12, 35:8, 49:31
2.
Romans 9:6-18
Her Character:
Hardworking and generous, her faith was so great that she
left her home forever to marry a man she had never seen or met. Yet she played
favorites with her sons and failed to trust God fully for the promise He had
made
Reflection:
In reviewing Rebekah’s life and character what are some of
the warnings to heed? Are we not forcibly reminded that love which seeks
success at the cost of truth and righteousness is of the earth, earthy? The
devil’s maxim is “Nothing succeeds like success” But from God’s standpoint
nothing succeeds which does not follow the way of truth and honesty. Then, while she had physical beauty, her domination
of Jacob and her schemes to deceive her husband revealed the lack of beauty of
a godly character.
Further, Rebekah is a warning to all parents that there
should be no favorites in the family; that all alike should be dear to them. If
there is partiality for any in a family, it should only be for those who are
weak and helpless.
Another warning bell is that when a wife conspires against
her husband, or vice versa, they are guilty of a baseness which language cannot
describe. When one partner finds that he has been betrayed by the other, the
world becomes a blank.
There is one beneficial application we can make of Rebekah’s
prompt decision to follow Eliezer to meet her future bridegroom, Isaac – I will
go! In connection with higher betrothal of the soul to the Heavenly Bridegroom,
He comes to the sinner saying as Eliezer did to Rebekah, “Will you go with Me?
Will you follow Me into that country where saints immortal reign?” When hearts
respond to such an appeal, “Yea, Lord I will go. I will follow Thee,
whithersoever Thou goest!” they are twice blessed. (From “All the Women of the
Bible” By Herbert Lockyer)
Rebekah’s Legacy
In Scripture: (From Women of The Bible: 52 Bible Studies –Jean E. Syswerda)
READ GENESIS 24:12-27
1.
What does the first information about young
Rebekah tell you about her looks and her character?
2.
How are you like Rebekah? How are you different
from her?
READ GENESIS 24:28-58
3.
In these verses Abraham’s servant tells Rebekah’s
family how he met her, emphasizing the Lord’s blessing and involvement
throughout. How does Rebekah’s family respond?
4.
Three simple words (24:58) changed Rebekah’s
life forever. Who was she like in her willingness to go where she had never
been before?
5.
How would you react if God called you away from
home and family? What would have to happen to make you obey?
READ GENESIS 24:67, 25:28
6.
These are some of the sweetest words about
marriage found in the Bible. In your own words, describe what you think Isaac
and Rebekah’s marriage was like in these early days.
7.
Verse 28 expresses one of the saddest thoughts
about parenting found in the Bible. Describe how you think their parents’
favouritism affected Jacob and Esau and their relationship.
8.
Many children grow up thinking their parents
favored one sibling or another. If you have children, how can you avoid such
thinking in them?
READ GENESIS 27:1-28:9
9.
Why do you think Rebekah resorted to trickery to
gain the promise given to her when she was pregnant?
10.
Describe how you think Rebekah might have felt
ten years later. Do you think she regretted her actions?
11.
How are Rebekah’s actions like those of her
mother-in-law, Sarah?
12.
The story of Rebekah is rich and colourful. In
one sentence summarize what you would like to learn from her life.
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