### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew word **Ribqâh**, represented by `{{H7259}}`, is the name of **Rebekah**, the wife of Isaac. Its base definition suggests the idea of "fettering (by beauty)." It appears **30 times** across **29 unique verses**, primarily in the book of Genesis, establishing her as a central matriarch in the patriarchal narratives.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
Rebekah's story begins as she is identified as the daughter of **Bethuel** `{{H1328}}` and the sister of **Laban** `{{H3837}}` [[Genesis 25:20]]. She is chosen as a **wife** `{{H802}}` for Isaac `{{H3327}}`, who **loved** `{{H157}}` her and was **comforted** `{{H5162}}` by her after his mother's death [[Genesis 24:67]]. Initially **barren** `{{H6135}}`, Rebekah **conceived** `{{H2029}}` Jacob and Esau after Isaac **intreated** `{{H6279}}` the Lord for her [[Genesis 25:21]]. The narrative highlights her favoritism, as she **loved** `{{H157}}` **Jacob** `{{H3290}}` while Isaac loved **Esau** `{{H6215}}` [[Genesis 25:28]]. This preference leads her to orchestrate Jacob's receiving of the blessing by overhearing Isaac's intentions and instructing Jacob on how to deceive him ([[Genesis 27:5-6]], [[Genesis 27:15]]). She is ultimately **buried** `{{H6912}}` with Isaac [[Genesis 49:31]].
### Related Words & Concepts
Several individuals are central to understanding Rebekah's life and role in the biblical narrative:
* `{{H3327}}` **Yitschâq** (Isaac): As her husband, his life is intertwined with hers. He **intreated** `{{H6279}}` God on her behalf when she was barren [[Genesis 25:21]] and was the one she convinced to bless Jacob.
* `{{H3290}}` **Yaʻăqôb** (Jacob): Her younger and favored son. Rebekah's decisive actions, born out of her **love** `{{H157}}` for him, ensured he received the patriarchal blessing [[Genesis 27:42]]. She is identified as his **mother** `{{H517}}` [[Genesis 28:5]].
* `{{H6215}}` **ʻÊsâv** (Esau): Her elder son. Rebekah's plan for Jacob to receive the blessing came at Esau's expense, leading to his desire to **kill** `{{H2026}}` his brother [[Genesis 27:42]].
* `{{H3837}}` **Lâbân** (Laban): Rebekah's **brother** `{{H251}}`, whose presence establishes her lineage and who later plays a significant role in her son Jacob's life [[Genesis 24:29]].
### Theological Significance
Rebekah's narrative significance is demonstrated through her key roles in the patriarchal line.
* **Continuation of the Covenant Line:** Her marriage to Isaac and the eventual birth of her sons are crucial for the continuation of the line promised to **Abraham** `{{H85}}`. Her family blesses her, saying she would be the mother of **thousands** `{{H505}}` of **millions** `{{H7233}}` whose **seed** `{{H2233}}` would **possess** `{{H3423}}` the **gate** `{{H8179}}` of their enemies [[Genesis 24:60]].
* **An Instrument of Divine Will:** While Isaac was intent on blessing Esau, Rebekah **heard** `{{H8085}}` his words and acted to redirect the blessing to Jacob [[Genesis 27:5]]. Her intervention, though based on deception, aligns with the unfolding of the covenant through Jacob.
* **Decisive and Active Figure:** Unlike a passive character, Rebekah is assertive. She agrees to **go** `{{H3212}}` with Abraham's servant [[Genesis 24:58]], expresses her **grief** `{{H4786}}` and weariness over Esau's wives ([[Genesis 26:35]], [[Genesis 27:46]]), and takes charge to protect Jacob from Esau's wrath [[Genesis 27:42]].
### Summary
In summary, `{{H7259}}` **Ribqâh** is more than just a name; it represents a pivotal figure in redemptive history. As the wife of Isaac and the mother of Jacob, her actions were instrumental in shaping the future of the nation of Israel. Though her methods were complex and involved deception, her story is presented as a crucial part of the divine plan, showcasing a matriarch who was determined, resourceful, and central to the fulfillment of God's covenant promises.
TRV