A Biblical character who has often received a harsh reputation in Christianity is Rebekah in the Bible. In Sunday School, sermons, and casual conversations, she is frequently portrayed as cunning or deceitful. After all, she instructed and helped Jacob “trick” Isaac and receive the blessing that traditionally belonged to Esau. Questions like “why did Rebekah and Jacob trick Isaac?” or “why did Rebekah deceive Isaac?” are often raised, framing her actions as morally questionable.
But a closer look at the Biblical accounts shows a different perspective: Rebekah was not a deceiver but a prophetess—a woman chosen by God to fulfill His divine plan. She was a vessel who obeyed God’s guidance, even when her actions were misunderstood by others.
We first meet Rebekah in the Bible in Genesis 24. Abraham tasked his servant with finding a wife for Isaac, specifying that the bride should come from his relatives in Haran, not from the surrounding nations. Rebekah’s upbringing, guided by a godly grandmother, prepared her to follow the God of Abraham rather than the local gods worshiped by her family. When Abraham’s servant arrived, Rebekah immediately recognized the calling and destiny that God had set for her. She left behind everything familiar, demonstrating faith and obedience by trusting God’s plan for her life.
Later, in Isaac and Rebekah’s life together, we learn she was initially barren. Isaac prayed on her behalf, and God answered, enabling her to conceive (Gen 25:20-21). But during her pregnancy, Rebekah sensed a struggle within her womb. The Bible recounts that she asked the Lord directly about this (Gen 25:22). Rebekah did not rely on Isaac to interpret her concerns; she went straight to God, receiving a prophetic message: “Two nations are in your womb… the older shall serve the younger.”
This is the spiritual meaning of Rebekah—her life demonstrates obedience to God’s guidance. She understood God’s plan for Jacob and Esau, and when it came time for Isaac to give his blessing, Rebekah acted to fulfill God’s prophecy. It was not about personal gain or deceit; she acted to prevent a mistake and honor God’s instruction.
Some may still ask, “why did Rebekah trick Isaac?” The answer lies in her awareness of both her sons’ characters and the prophetic word she had received. She knew that giving the blessing to Esau, the older son, would contradict God’s plan. Scripture confirms this choice as righteous: Malachi 1:2-3 states, “Yet I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated.” This passage reflects God’s stance toward Esau’s actions and choices rather than hatred for Esau as a person. Esau repeatedly rejected God’s guidance, despised his birthright, and made choices contrary to God’s will (Gen 26:34-35).
Jacob, too, was far from perfect. Yet God looks at the heart, rewarding those who seek Him and follow His guidance, as seen later with King David, described as a “man after God’s own heart” despite his sins. Rebekah’s story reminds us that God values obedience and discernment above outward appearances or human judgment.
In essence, why did Rebekah deceive Isaac? She acted under God’s direction, choosing to align her decisions with His divine plan. The spiritual meaning of Rebekah extends to our own lives: we are called to listen to God, make righteous choices, and act in faith, even when the path seems unconventional.
For modern believers, this also offers a lens for understanding Biblical promises. Just as Rebekah trusted God’s word regarding her sons, we can trust God’s promises today. For example, the Jewish right to the land of Israel is repeatedly affirmed in Scripture as the inheritance of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob’s descendants. As Christians, supporting this truth is not a political stance alone—it is a choice to honor God’s promises.
If you’ve been questioning or influenced by worldly opinions, consider following Rebekah’s example. Seek God’s guidance, open your heart to His plan, and trust in His purposes for His people. Just as Rebekah in the Bible obeyed God’s word, we too can make decisions that reflect His will and bring light to the world.