Teens in the Bible - Rebekah

Chapter 3 Rebekah

At about the time that Abraham almost sacrificed Isaac, Rebekah was born. Hence there was about a fourteen year age difference between them. She would one day be Isaac’s wife to fulfill God’s holy plan. 

As the story goes Abraham made the chief servant of his household swear to find a wife for his son Isaac not from among the Canaanites, but rather from his (Abraham’s) own country, from among his own relatives. The servant took ten of Abraham’s camels, some men, and all kinds of good things with him as he set out for Northwest Mesopotamia. When he got to the town of Nahor he made the camels kneel down near the well outside of the town. It was evening, the time of day that the women came to draw water from the well.

This servant, whose name we don’t know, prayed to God for success. He asked the Lord, “May it be that when I say to a girl, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ that she will say, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’.” Before he finished this prayer Rebekah came out with her jar. She was beautiful! And the conversation took place just as he had prayed. This was the virgin for Isaac. (How quickly God answered his prayer.)

Now let’s look a little more closely at Rebekah. She must have been strong to carry the water jug on her shoulder. She was pleasant, a willing worker, friendly, compassionate (towards camels at least), and hospitable. Typical teenage traits, right? Read the conversation she has with the servant, a stranger to her, to see what you think (Genesis 24:17-25).

The servant took out a gold nose ring and two gold bracelets and put them on Rebekah’s nose and arms. That would be the equivalent of offering a girl today an engagement ring and subscription to Today’s Bride. Did Rebekah run away? Actually, yes.  With the ring and the bracelets. She ran home and told everyone. 

The servant followed. Betrothal arrangements were made and plans were set for her to leave the next day.

The family balked a bit and asked that Rebekah remain ten more days, but she was willing to go immediately and so she left. Ah, the impulsiveness of a teen bride.

The last trait we see in Rebekah as a teen is when she saw Isaac from afar. She asked the servant who that man was and upon learning it was her betrothed she took a veil and covered herself. Modesty? Cultural habit? What do you think?

Next Saturday: King David’s teen wife: Michal