When we look at the lives of the Patriarchs, we idealize many things. Of course, each of them was a Hero of Faith, a Man of God. But they were also ordinary people with their own quirks. Today's analysis is dedicated to Chapter 25 of the Book of Genesis, particularly to our foremother Rivka (Rebekah). The purpose is to draw from her faith, avoid mistakes, and trust in the Lord in our own way, as revealed to us.
Genesis 25:19-21 says, "This is the account of the family line of Abraham’s son Isaac. Abraham became the father of Isaac, and Isaac was forty years old when he married Rivka, the daughter of Bethuel the Aramean from Paddan Aram and the sister of Laban the Aramean. Isaac prayed to the Lord on behalf of his wife because she was childless. The Lord answered his prayer, and his wife Rivka became pregnant."
Barrenness is a heavy burden even now. In those times, it was practically a defeat with no hope for the future. It is not easy to understand how old Rivka was when she was married off to the forty-year-old Isaac, perhaps 13 or 15. Isaac prayed for his wife, and the Lord answered. However, her pregnancy was not simple. It was challenging to bear the twins who began their battle in her womb. Rivka sought the Lord's guidance, and she lived with the answer, waiting for its fulfillment for a long time.
In Genesis 25:22-23, it is stated, "... So she went to inquire of the Lord. The Lord said to her, 'Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples from within you will be separated; one people will be stronger than the other, and the older will serve the younger.'"
In the Bible, stories where the younger one appeared more devoted were not rare. Just as in the stories of Abel and Cain, and Ephraim and Menashe, here too, the youngest, Jacob, was destined to be in the driver's seat.
Therefore, when Rivka heard about the birthright selling, her heart rejoiced. However, when she discovered that Isaac intended to bless Esau after a dinner made of game, Rivka became upset and took God’s will into her own hands.
In Israel and Jewish communities around the world, such actions are referred to as the "Polish mom syndrome." The term "Polish" is used because it is characteristic of Jewish mothers from Poland (and the former Soviet Union) to be highly involved in their sons' lives, nudging them in the right direction, often towards professions like being a doctor or lawyer. This trait has its origins in Rivka's time.
In Genesis Chapter 27:8-10, 15-16, it is mentioned, "Now, my son, listen carefully and do what I tell you: Go out to the flock and bring me two choice young goats, so I can prepare some tasty food for your father, just the way he likes it. Then take it to your father to eat, so that he may give you his blessing before he dies."
Rivka then took the best clothes of Esau, her older son, and put them on her younger son Jacob, covering his hands and neck with goatskins. This plan, though dramatic, was successful. Jacob had to flee as a consequence, never seeing his mother alive, and his mother never seeing her beloved son and grandchildren as desired.
The main message of this story is that God's ways are inscrutable. He can use human actions, or bypass them, but His will prevails. Jacob became the man who upheld the spiritual lineage, anointing, and calling of Abraham and Isaac. Due to his past experiences, Jacob was able to dedicate all his sons to the Lord, ensuring that the Nation of Israel thrives today.
This historical narrative serves as a tribute to our mothers, whom we may not have adequately honored for their love and sacrifices. It extends gratitude to our wives, mothers of our children, like Rivka, who selflessly care for their children, pray for them, seek guidance from God, and faithfully follow His word. They may achieve success or make mistakes, thereby shaping the lineage of God's chosen people. Tamar, Ruth, Bathsheba, and countless other believing mothers have played similar roles after Rivka, ensuring that their children remain steadfast in faith.
In Matthew 20:20, the mother of Zebedee's sons approached Jesus seeking favor for her sons to sit at His side in the kingdom. This gesture reflects the enduring influence of motherhood in advocating for their children.
May the Lord bless our mothers, wives, daughters, and all generations to stand firm in faith and inherit the calling of their forefathers through the labor of their mothers. As Paul stated in 2 Timothy 1:4-6, let us recognize and uphold the sincere faith passed down through generations, nurturing it to flourish and guide the path for future generations.
Sincerely, Leon Mazin