The Age of Rebekah When She Gave Birth to Jacob

Introduction

According to the book of Genesis, Rebekah, the mother of Jacob, was a key figure in the lineage of promise established by Abraham and Sarah. This article explores the timeline and age of Rebekah when she gave birth to Jacob, drawing insights from biblical accounts and relevant historical and cultural contexts.

Background on Abraham and Isaac

Abraham, known as a faithful servant of God, waited 25 years to father a son with Sarah, who was barren. It was a remarkable faith journey, culminating in the birth of Isaac when Abraham was 100 years old and Sarah was 90. Isaac, being a child of promise, was named by God himself before Sarah conceived him

Isaac was not the first child of Abraham; he had a 17-23-year-old son named Ishmael, born to Sarai’s handmaiden, Hagar. However, Ishmael was not included among the descendants promised to Abraham and Sarah. It was Isaac who would carry on the covenant of God

The Background and Birth of Rebekah

Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel and the sister of Laban, was a key player in the saga of Isaac and Jacob. Genesis 22:23-24 sheds light on Bethuel’s family structure, stating, 'Bethuel begat Rebekah: these eight Milcah did bear to Nahor Abraham’s brother'. This verse reveals that Rebekah was born into a large family, likely much older than Isaac, who was born much later in Abraham's life

Despite being younger than Isaac, Rebekah was old enough to care for flocks and draw water. She was a capable young woman who would play a significant role in the life of Isaac and his son, Jacob

Rebekah's Journey to Be Isaac's Wife

Following the death of Sarah, when Isaac was 37 years old, Abraham sought to secure a wife for Isaac from among the close family of Abraham’s brother, Nahor. Noah lived further north and east from Canaan, and only pagan peoples were found in Canaan at that time

Abraham sent his most trusted servant, Eliezer, to Padamaran, the city of Nahor, to seek a suitable wife for Isaac. Eliezer arrived with ten camels as gifts for the family who could possibly grant their daughter to Isaac

Rebekah's Consent and Marriage

Rebekah was chosen by God for this role. When Eliezer presented her to her family, they, along with Rebekah, all agreed—provided Rebekah herself was willing to go to Canaan with this man. Rebekah complied with this request, showing her willingness to leave her home and family for a new life with Isaac

She was likely around 20 years younger than Isaac, who was 40 when she agreed to marry. Rebekah first saw Isaac as he exited his tent. She covered her face with a veil and dismounted when Isaac approached. They met, and Rebekah became Isaac’s wife, with whom he fell in love

The Birth of Jacob and Esau

Rebekah’s pregnancy lasted 20 years, as it would be when Isaac was 60. The birth of Jacob and Esau is a critical event in the biblical narrative. Rebekah felt the twins struggle within her, leading to God's revelation that the elder would serve the younger (Jacob)

Rebekah was an essential figure in ensuring the continuity of the covenant lineage through Jacob, who would eventually become the father of the twelve tribes of Israel

Conclusion

The age of Rebekah when she gave birth to Jacob is a crucial aspect of the biblical narrative, reflecting the intricate web of divine providence, faith, and human choice. Through her consent and willingness to marry Isaac, Rebekah played a pivotal role in shaping the trajectory of the Abrahamic lineage.