We often focus on the heroes and villains, the miracles and the wars. But what about the everyday lives of these people, the grief and the small joys that shaped them?
Let's turn our attention to a lesser-known episode following the death of Deborah, Rebekah's nurse. It wasn’t long after that Rebekah herself passed away. But unlike Deborah, her death wasn't marked by public mourning. Why?
Well, picture the scene. Abraham is gone. Isaac is blind. Jacob is away from home. That leaves Esau, that… character, as the only one to publicly represent the family. And, according to the legends, the fear was that the sight of Esau might provoke someone in the crowd to cry out, "Accursed be the breasts that gave thee suck!" Ginzberg, in Legends of the Jews, paints a vivid picture of the family’s concern. To avoid this potential public outburst, Rebekah's burial took place quietly, under the cover of night. It’s a poignant reminder that even in biblical times, families worried about public perception and protecting their legacy.
But the story doesn't end there.
Imagine Jacob, grieving, far from home. Then, God appears to him, bringing comfort. And not just God, but the entire heavenly family! Midrash Rabbah sees this as a huge sign of grace. You see, apparently Jacob’s sons had been carrying idols with them, and as long as that was happening, God wouldn’t reveal Himself to Jacob. This appearance signals a renewed closeness, a restored connection.
And what does God reveal? He announces the imminent birth of Benjamin, and then foretells the births of Manasseh and Ephraim, who, like Benjamin, will become founders of tribes. And even more, God tells Jacob that these three will have kings among their descendants: Saul and Ish-bosheth from Benjamin, Jeroboam the Ephraimite, and Jehu from the tribe of Manasseh. It's a powerful affirmation of the future, a promise of leadership and legacy.
In this vision, God also confirms the change of Jacob’s name to Israel – a name that had been promised by the angel he wrestled with upon entering the Holy Land. Remember that dramatic encounter? It all comes full circle here.
Finally, God reveals something deeply profound: Jacob will be the last of the three patriarchs whose name will be forever linked with the Divine Name. God is called the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob. But never the God of anyone else. (This, by the way, is also noted in Legends of the Jews.) It's a beautiful and fitting end to the lineage, a testament to the unique relationship God had with these three men.
So, what can we take away from this small glimpse into the lives of Rebekah and Jacob? Perhaps it's a reminder that even in the grand narratives of the Bible, there are quiet moments of grief, familial concern, and divine comfort. And that even the most flawed families can be part of something extraordinary.