Genesis Series: chapter 23-25

EXPLORING GENESIS’

CHAPTER 23-25

In Chapter 23, Abraham is quite old by now and starts to prepare for his death according to the rituals of the time.  One might be tempted to this is a origin of pre-paid funerals!  However, in chapter 24 before his death Abraham sends his servant to the country where his kinsfolk dwell in order to find a wife for his son Isaac. It was the beautiful Rebekah, granddaughter of Abraham’s brother, who provided the servant with a drink on his arrival; the servant recognised in his a sign from heaven: this young woman was the one destined for his master.  The servant is introduced to Rebekah’s family and asks her in marriage for his master. 

The Hebrew tribes see Rebekah as a model wife, as was Sarah, Abraham’s wife and as will be Rachel, the beloved wife of Jacob.  The liturgy of the Nuptial Mass presented them as examples for the new bride ‘May she be as loving to her husband as was Rachel, as wise as was Rebekah, as faithful throughout life as was Sarah.

We are also told of the death of the patriarch in only a few verses. He was buried beside his wife in the case of Makpela, the ground that he brought in Canaan, showing that already at the time of the death of Abraham the promise of the land is beginning to be realised. Rebekah gave birth to twins Esau and Jacob.  Without any merit on his part, Jacob will be preferred to his eldest brother Esau who becomes the ancestor of the Edomites.

We see the life cycle occurring- birth and death. Have you ever noted in families how there always seems to be a birth or an imminent one at a time of death?  It seems to be God’s way not only to provide the next generation but as it is so aptly stated in Chapter 24:67 ‘Then Isaac took her into his tent.  He married Rebekah and made her his wife.  And in his love for her, Isaac was consoled for the loss of his mother.’