Today, let's listen in on a tender moment from the Book of Jubilees, a text considered scripture by some, and a fascinating piece of Jewish history by all. We're focusing on chapter 35, where Rebekah, nearing the end of her life, speaks to her son, Jacob.
Her request is simple, yet profound. "I ask you," she says, "that the day I die, thou wilt take me in and bury me near Sarah, thy father's mother." She desires to be laid to rest alongside her mother-in-law, Sarah. It speaks volumes about the respect, the love, and the connection she felt to Sarah – a desire to be near her even in death. This isn't just about geography; it's about legacy.
But she doesn't stop there. Her heart is also filled with concern for her sons, Jacob and Esau. We know their story. The sibling rivalry, the trickery, the stolen blessing. Rebekah pleads with Jacob: "…that thou and Jacob will love each other, and that neither will desire evil against the other, but mutual love only."
She understands the potential for conflict, the deep-seated wounds that could fester between them. Her dying wish isn't for riches or power, but for peace. For shalom bayit, peace in the home. It’s a universal longing, isn’t it?
And then, the beautiful promise: "…and (so) ye will prosper, my sons, and be honoured in the midst of the land, and no enemy will rejoice over you, and ye will be a blessing and a mercy in the eyes of all those that love you." She believes that their unity, their love for each other, is the key to their success and their ability to be a blessing to others. It's a powerful connection between inner harmony and outward impact.
Jacob's response is simple and direct. "I will do all that thou hast told me, and I shall bury thee on the day thou diest near Sarah, my father's mother, as thou hast desired that her bones may be near thy bones." A son's promise to his mother. A commitment to honor her wishes, both in burial and in striving for peace with his brother.
What does this brief passage from the Book of Jubilees tell us? It reminds us of the enduring power of a mother's love, the importance of family harmony, and the significance of honoring our ancestors. Rebekah's final words are a testament to the values that have sustained the Jewish people for generations: respect, love, and the pursuit of peace.
And perhaps, a gentle nudge to consider our own legacies. What will our last words be? What hopes will we leave for those who come after us?