Genesis 24:60

And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou [art] our sister, be thou [the mother] of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

And they blessed {H1288} Rebekah {H7259}, and said {H559} unto her, Thou {H859} art our sister {H269}, be thou {H1961} the mother of thousands {H505} of millions {H7233}, and let thy seed {H2233} possess {H3423} the gate {H8179} of those which hate {H8130} them.

They blessed Rivkah with these words: "Our sister, may you be the mother of millions, and may your descendants possess the cities of those who hate them."

And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies.”

And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let thy seed possess the gate of those that hate them.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 24 describes Abraham's diligent effort to secure a wife for his son Isaac, ensuring she would be from his own kindred and not from the Canaanites. His trusted servant is sent to Mesopotamia, where he providentially meets Rebekah at the well. After confirming her identity and God's leading, the servant returns to her family to seek permission for Rebekah to become Isaac's wife. Verse 60 marks the moment her family, specifically her mother and brother Laban, gives their blessing and farewell as she prepares to leave with the servant to meet Isaac, as seen in Genesis 24:59. This blessing is not merely a polite send-off; it is a significant pronouncement over Rebekah’s future, echoing the covenant promises made to Abraham.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence: The entire chapter highlights God's hand in orchestrating the meeting and union of Isaac and Rebekah, ensuring the continuation of the covenant line. This blessing further underscores the divine intent for their union and the continuation of the patriarchal lineage.
  • Covenant Promises: The blessing "be thou the mother of thousands of millions" directly reflects the promises God made to Abraham regarding numerous descendants ("I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which is upon the sea shore"). Rebekah is now integrated into this lineage, destined to play a crucial role in the fulfillment of God's plan for a great nation.
  • Victory and Dominion: The phrase "let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them" is a powerful declaration of triumph and strategic control. In ancient times, the "gate" was the seat of power, justice, and defense in a city. To possess the gate of one's enemies meant to conquer them, control their access, and exert dominance. This anticipates the future victories of Israel over its adversaries, ultimately culminating in the spiritual dominion of the Messiah, the ultimate "seed" of Abraham and Rebekah.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "seed" (zera') can refer to singular offspring or collective descendants. In this context, it clearly refers to a multitude, reinforcing the idea of a vast progeny. The concept of "possessing the gate" (Hebrew: yerash sha'ar) carries significant weight. Yerash means to inherit, possess, or dispossess, implying taking control. Sha'ar refers to the city gate, which was the most vital and vulnerable point of a city, where business was conducted, justice was administered, and defense was mounted. Thus, "possessing the gate" signifies complete victory and strategic control over an enemy, implying not just physical conquest but also legal and administrative authority.

Practical Application

This verse offers several insights for believers today:

  • The Power of Blessing: Just as Rebekah's family spoke a profound blessing over her life, we too can speak words of encouragement, hope, and faith over others. Such blessings, when aligned with God's will, can be powerful declarations of divine favor and future potential.
  • God's Faithfulness to His Promises: The fulfillment of the promise to Abraham through Rebekah's lineage demonstrates God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people. This provides assurance that God remains faithful to His promises to us, even across generations and through seemingly unlikely circumstances.
  • Spiritual Victory: The concept of "possessing the gate" has profound spiritual implications for believers today. Through Christ, believers are given authority to overcome spiritual adversaries and stand firm against the schemes of the enemy, as highlighted in passages like Ephesians 6:11 concerning putting on the full armor of God. Our ultimate "seed," Jesus Christ, has already conquered sin and death, providing us with ultimate victory and dominion over the spiritual forces that oppose us.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 22:17 (16 votes)

    That in blessing I will bless thee, and in multiplying I will multiply thy seed as the stars of the heaven, and as the sand which [is] upon the sea shore; and thy seed shall possess the gate of his enemies;

  • Genesis 17:16 (7 votes)

    And I will bless her, and give thee a son also of her: yea, I will bless her, and she shall be [a mother] of nations; kings of people shall be of her.

  • Ruth 4:11 (6 votes)

    And all the people that [were] in the gate, and the elders, said, [We are] witnesses. The LORD make the woman that is come into thine house like Rachel and like Leah, which two did build the house of Israel: and do thou worthily in Ephratah, and be famous in Bethlehem:

  • Ruth 4:12 (6 votes)

    And let thy house be like the house of Pharez, whom Tamar bare unto Judah, of the seed which the LORD shall give thee of this young woman.

  • Genesis 28:3 (5 votes)

    And God Almighty bless thee, and make thee fruitful, and multiply thee, that thou mayest be a multitude of people;

  • Genesis 48:15 (4 votes)

    And he blessed Joseph, and said, God, before whom my fathers Abraham and Isaac did walk, the God which fed me all my life long unto this day,

  • Genesis 48:16 (4 votes)

    The Angel which redeemed me from all evil, bless the lads; and let my name be named on them, and the name of my fathers Abraham and Isaac; and let them grow into a multitude in the midst of the earth.