The Bible is a timeless source of wisdom, offering valuable lessons for various aspects of life. When it comes to the topic of wifehood, we can find inspiration and guidance from the lives of biblical women. One such remarkable woman is Rebekah. Her story, found in the book of Genesis, provides us with valuable insights into what it means to be a godly wife. One of the remarkable things about Rebekah is that she is the mother of Israel. Did you catch that? YAH, the God of Israel, chose Rebekah to be the woman through which his chosen people would be born. Of course, Leah and Rachel birthed the tribes are are also matriarchs. However, Rebekah was hand-picked to birth the nation’s namesake. Let’s explore some key lessons on biblical wifehood from Rebekah.
Lessons on Biblical Wifehood from Rebekah
1. Faithfulness to God (YAH)
Rebekah’s faithfulness to God is evident throughout her story. When approached by Abraham’s servant seeking a wife for Isaac (Genesis 24), she demonstrated faith by agreeing to leave her family and homeland to marry a man she had never met. In fact, Rebekah’s family wanted her to abide with them for another 10 days. When the choice to stay or go was presented to Rebekah, she chose to go immediately.
Her lack of hesitation and unwavering trust in God’s plan serves as a powerful example for wives today. In our own lives, we can cultivate faithfulness to God by seeking His guidance and following His principles in our marriages. Like Rebekah, we should never hesitate to obey God. We should never hesitate to follow our husband who is being led by the Most High. This is especially true when others try to insert their opinions, no matter how well-intentioned those opinions may be. You have to know what God is telling you to do and do it!
2. Respect and Submission
Rebekah showed respect and submission to her husband, Isaac. When she first saw him, she veiled herself out of respect for her husband (Genesis 24:65). We know that this was done specifically for her husband because she only covered herself after confirming who he was. Rebekah honored him as the spiritual leader of their family, supporting him in his decisions and trusting in his judgment. As wives, we can learn from Rebekah’s example by cultivating an attitude of respect towards our husbands. Submission does not mean blind obedience but rather a willingness to work together, recognizing and appreciating our husband’s leadership role in the marriage.
Another important thing to note about being a respectful and submissive wife, is in what Rebekah did before she even met Isaac. When Rebekah was approached by Abraham’s servant at the well, the servant asked her to give him water (Genesis 24:45-46). Not only did Rebekah give the man water, she also watered all of his camels! Rebekah showed that she was both respectful and kind. Here is one of the lessons on biblical wifehood from Rebekah. Respect and submission is learned and practiced before marriage begins!
3. Prayer and Seeking God’s Will
Rebekah’s reliance on prayer and seeking God’s will is evident in her life. When faced with difficulties during her pregnancy, she sought the Lord’s counsel (Genesis 25:22). She inquired of God about the struggles she experienced within her womb, and YAH provided her with understanding. This teaches us the importance of seeking God’s wisdom and guidance in our own marriages. By committing our relationships to prayer and seeking His will, we can find strength, clarity, and direction. You can learn more about how to have an effective prayer life in this previous post.
4. Nurturing and Raising Children
If you are a wife who has been blessed with children, there is no doubt it’s a tough job. Rebekah is portrayed as a caring mother who played an instrumental role in shaping the lives of her twin sons, Esau and Jacob. She recognized their unique qualities and potential. As wives and mothers, we can learn from Rebekah’s example by nurturing our children, guiding them with love and wisdom, and instilling in them a deep reverence for God.
In guiding her children, Rebekah ensured that Jacob received what was rightfully his. The Bible tells us that Rebekah was very fond of Jacob. In their closeness, I would venture to say that Jacob likely shared with his mother how Esau gave up his birthright. Additionally, the Most High told Rebekah that the older brother would serve the younger brother (Genesis 25:23). Most-likely, Isaac did not know Esau sold his birthright to Jacob, so he would have bestowed the blessing upon the wrong son. Instead of intervening directly with her husband, YAH provided an opportunity for Rebekah to overhear a conversation between Esau and his father Isaac. I believe Rebekah intervened on behalf of Jacob, not because he was her favorite, but so that the will of the Father would be done.
5. Trusting in God’s Promises
Rebekah trusted in God’s promises, even when circumstances seemed uncertain. She knew that through her descendants, the covenant blessings of Abraham would be fulfilled. This unwavering trust in God’s faithfulness inspires us to hold fast to His promises in our own marriages. During challenging times, we can rely on God’s faithfulness, knowing that He is working all things together for our good. Don’t forget that sis!
Conclusions on Lessons on Biblical Wifehood from Rebekah
This story in Genesis 24 and 25 offers us valuable lessons on biblical wifehood from Rebekah. Her faithfulness, respect, submission, prayerfulness, nurturing, and trust in God’s promises serve as guiding principles for wives today. By applying these lessons to our own lives and marriages, we can cultivate strong, godly relationships that honor God and bring fulfillment to both spouses. May we strive to follow in the footsteps of Rebekah and other biblical women as we seek to live out God’s design for marriage. HalleluYAH!
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Peace and blessings my sister.
