Rebekah

Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel and the granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother (Genesis 22:23). She became the wife of Isaac after a servant of Abraham was sent to find a suitable bride for him (Genesis 24). Rebekah was a beautiful woman and was chosen by God to be Isaac's wife (Genesis 24:15-67). She was barren for many years, but Isaac prayed for her, and she conceived twins (Genesis 25:21). During her pregnancy, the Lord revealed to Rebekah that two nations were in her womb and that the older would serve the younger (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah gave birth to Esau and Israel (or 'Jacob') (Genesis 25:24-26). She favored Jacob over Esau and helped him deceive Isaac into giving him the firstborn's blessing (Genesis 27). This led to a conflict between the brothers, and Jacob had to flee to escape Esau's anger (Genesis 27:41-45). Rebekah's deception had consequences for the family, but God's plan for Jacob prevailed. Rebekah's nurse, Deborah, died and was buried near Bethel (Genesis 35:8). Rebekah died and was buried in the cave of Machpelah, where Abraham and Sarah were also buried (Genesis 49:31). In the New Testament, Paul uses Rebekah's story to illustrate God's sovereignty in election (Romans 9:10-12).