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How can we explain the similarities between the stories about Sarah and the Pharaoh in Genesis 12 14-20 and Abimelech in 20 1-18 and then Rebecca and Abimelech in 26 6-11?
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
To account for these stories, we have to either explain how they fit into a genuine historical narrative, or we identify them as similar legends that entered The Bible from different sources.
In regard to the first of these options, nearly all biblical scholars now believe that Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were not real, historical characters. Wikipedia cites William G. Dever, who has stated that by the beginning of the 21st century, archaeologists had "given up hope of recovering any context that would make Abraham, Isaac or Jacob credible 'historical figures'". Thomas L. Thompson concludes in The Historicity of the Patriarchal Narratives that the patriarchal narratives in Genesis are neither historical nor were they intended to be historical. Lester L. Grabbe says, in Ancient Israel: What Do We Know and How Do We Know It? that the abandonment of the patriarchal period is almost universal among scholars. So we can no longer look for an explanation that fits the three accounts into a genuine historical narrative.
Three different sources are believed to have been the main contributors to the Book of Genesis: an anonymous source now known as the Yahwist, writing in the southern kingdom of Judah; another anonymous source now known as the Elohist, writing in the northern kingdom of Israel; and finally the Priestly Source, writing during or after the Babylonian Exile. Our concern is with the two earliest of these sources, the Yahwist and the Elohist.
The Yahwist is believed to have written nearly all the material from Genesis 12:1 to 13:18, including the story about Sarah and the Pharaoh (Genesis 12:14-20), and the material in Genesis chapter 26, including the story of Rebekah (Genesis 26:6-11)). The Elohist is believed to have written the account we find in Genesis 20:1-18. The two sources did not independently create the stories, but merely recorded the three slightly different legends they found in Judah and Israel respectively. Very possibly, the Elohist gives us the legend in its earliest form, but in Judah the legend had already evolved and split into two different versions by the time they were recorded by the Yahwist.
Wiki User
∙ 7y ago
In both stories, there is deception surrounding the marital status of the women, Sarah and Rebecca, indicating a lack of trust in God's protection of their husbands. The conflicts with Pharaoh and Abimelech highlight moments of testing for Abraham and Isaac's faith, illustrating the importance of relying on God rather than resorting to deception to ensure their safety. These narratives ultimately emphasize the theme of God's faithfulness in protecting his chosen ones despite human failings.
Wiki User
∙ 7y agoThere is no need for explanations. Both Sarah and Rebecca were exceptionally beautiful (Genesis 12:14 and 24:16). Their husbands (Abraham and Isaac) were lone travelers and it was easy for the respective kings to attempt to take advantage of them. Actually, when you examine the narratives more closely, there are plenty of differences in their details.
See also:
Refuting the multiple-authors theory
As to the accuracy of the Genesis narrative, archaeological finds such as the Ugarit documents and those of Nuzu, Mari, Susa, Ebla, and Tel el-Amarna, have repeatedly caused skeptics to retract their claims. The entire social milieu portrayed in the Torah, once criticized as anachronistic, has been shown to be historically accurate, including customs of marriage, adoption, contracts, inheritance, purchases, utensils, modes of travel, people's names and titles, etc. Professor Gleason Archer Ph.D of Harvard University states: "In case after case where historical inaccuracy was alleged as proof of late and spurious authorship of the biblical documents, the Hebrew record has been vindicated by the results of excavations, and the condemnatory judgment of the Documentary theorists have been proved to be without foundation."
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How did god fulfill his promises to Jacob and rebecca?
God fulfilled his promises to Jacob by giving him numerous descendants who became the twelve tribes of Israel, as well as the land of Canaan. He fulfilled his promises to Rebecca by allowing her to bear two sons, Esau and Jacob, who played significant roles in shaping the nation of Israel.
Is Saint Rebecca an Irish saint?
There is no record of a Saint Rebecca in Irish history or in the official list of Irish saints recognized by the Catholic Church. While there may be individuals named Rebecca who are venerated locally, there is no widely recognized Irish saint by that name.
Whose lives are described in genesis 12-50?
Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph.There were three patriarchs: Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. The book of Genesis (from ch.11 onward) centers around them.Abraham (18th century BCE) came from ancestry that had been aware of God a couple of centuries earlier but had afterwards slipped into idolatry (Joshua 24:2). Nimrod, the idolatrous tyrant, had brought Abraham's father (Terah) from the Semitic ancestral seat near the conjunction of the Balikh and the Euphrates, and instated him in a position of power in his army in the royal Babylonian city of Ur, where Abraham was born. Nimrod persecuted any who would question his idolatrous cult.The Kuzari (Rabbi Judah HaLevi, 1075-1141) states that Abraham was gifted with high intelligence; and, as Maimonides (1135-1204) describes, Abraham didn't blindly accept the ubiquitous idolatry. The whole populace had been duped, but the young Abraham contemplated the matter relentlessly, finally arriving at the conclusion that there is One God and that this should be taught to others as well. This is what is meant by his "calling out in the name of the Lord" (Genesis ch.12).While still in Ur, he remonstrated with passersby in public, demonstrating to them the falsehood of their idols; and our tradition tells how he was threatened and endangered by Nimrod.Subsequently, Terah relocated to Harran; and it is here that Abraham began to develop a circle of disciples (Rashi commentary, on Genesis 12:5).Later, God told Abraham in prophecy to move to the Holy Land, which is where Abraham raised his family.He continued his contemplations, eventually arriving at the attitudes and forms of behavior which God later incorporated into the Torah given to Moses.Abraham, with God's help, singlehandedly trounced the supremacy of the evil Nimrod.He received God's promise of inheriting the Holy Land (Genesis 13).He strove to raise a family (Genesis ch.15, 17, and 24) which would serve God (Genesis 18:19); and God eventually blessed his efforts, granting him many children (ibid., ch.16, 21 and 25), as He had promised (Genesis ch.17).Abraham founded the Jewish people and lived to see his work live on in the persons of Isaac and Jacob; and he taught many other disciples as well (Talmud, Yoma 28b).He saved the population of the south of Canaan from invading foreign kings (Genesis 14); and he was feared by neighboring kings (ibid., ch.12 and 20).Abraham gave tithes (Genesis ch.14), entered into a covenant with God (Genesis ch.15 and 17), welcomed guests into his home (Genesis ch.18) unlike the inhospitable Sodomites (Genesis ch.19), prayed for people (Genesis ch.18), rebuked others when necessary (Genesis ch.20), eulogized and buried the deceased (Genesis ch.23), and fulfilled God's will unquestioningly (Genesis ch.22). He became renowned as a prince of God (Genesis 23:6).All of these forms of behavior were based upon the ways of God, which Abraham comprehended through his contemplations. These, and similar personality traits, were the teachings of Abraham and his descendants (unlike idolatry, which had no moral character; with worship of the gods accompanied by things such as human sacrifice, "sacred" prostitution, and animal worship).It is therefore clear why God expresses His love for Abraham (Isaiah 41:8) and calls Himself the God of Abraham (Genesis 26:24), and says that Abraham obeyed Him fully (Genesis 26:5). And this is why Abraham is credited with having begun the religion which became known as Judaism. (However, Abraham and his descendants observed their traditions voluntarily, until the Giving of the Torah to Moses 3325 years ago, when God made it obligatory.) Isaacis the second of the three Forefathers and (like Abraham and Jacob) one of the greatest personages in Judaism.Isaac (Yitzhak) was a son of Abraham (Genesis ch.21); and God said that His covenant with Abraham would continue with Isaac (Genesis 17:18-19). Isaac had facial features that were identical to Abraham (Rashi commentary, Genesis 25:19).God tested Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac as an offering (see Genesis ch.22); and this readiness for self-sacrifice bestowed a special holiness upon Isaac (Talmud, Yevamot 64).Isaac married Rebecca (Genesis ch.24), his second cousin. Rebecca gave birth to two sons, Esau and Jacob (Genesis ch.25).God spoke to Isaac, confirming His covenant with him (Genesis ch.26).Despite harassment from the Philistines, Isaac enjoyed great success (ibid.). He reopened all the wells which his father had dug and the Philistines had stopped up (ibid.). The king of the Philistines, unable to ignore Isaac's phenomenal success, petitioned him to make a mutual treaty of non-aggression (ibid.).In his advanced years, Isaac sought to bless his elder son Esau (Genesis ch.27). Rebecca took pains to thwart this and to ensure that Jacob would receive the blessing, since she had learned through prophecy (Genesis 25:23) that Jacob would be more favored by God.Later it became apparent that Isaac admitted to Rebecca's having done the right thing, since he blessed Jacob again (Genesis 28:1-4) even after he found out what had happened (see Genesis 27:6-16). Isaac sent Jacob to the ancestral family seat in Mesopotamia to choose a wife (Genesis ch.28). Though Jacob didn't return for over twenty years (Genesis 31:38), God granted Isaac extra years, so that he lived on for two decades after Jacob's return.Isaac was buried next to his father Abraham, in Hebron (Genesis 49:31). Jacob, son of Isaac, was the last of the Patriarchs (Talmud, Berakhot 16b). He spent a lot of time in the tents (Genesis 25:27) studying his ancestors' teachings (Rashi commentary, ibid.); and eventually, like Abraham and Isaac before him, attained prophecy, in which God confirmed His covenant and promised His protection (Genesis 28:10-15).When the opportunity presented itself, Jacob asked his elder twin brother Esau to sell him his birthright (Genesis 25:29:34), since he sensed that Esau wasn't pious enough to fully deserve it. Thus began the fulfillment of the prophecy which Rebecca had heard, that Jacob would become the dominant of her two sons (Genesis 25:22-23).Jacob's life was replete with tribulations (Rashi commentary, Genesis 43:14). He managed to come out ahead despite the wiles of the deceitful Laban (Genesis 29:25 and 31:41) and the danger presented by the angry Esau (Genesis 27:41 and 32:12).There were painful events with his daughter Dinah (Genesis 34:1-7) and with his being separated for two decades from his beloved son, Joseph (Genesis ch.37); and his wife Rachel died at a young age in childbirth (Genesis 35:16-19).These troubles were a portent for the tribulations of the Jews in their times of exile. But Jacob received God's affirmation of His covenant and blessing (Genesis 28:13-14; 35:9-12; 46:2-4), signifying that the exile would eventually end. God gave Jacob the honor-title of Israel, indicating his eventual ascendancy (Genesis ch.35). Joseph: 1) It was thanks to him that Jacob and his family survived the famine (Genesis ch.46).2) He was the only person from the time of Jacob until Moses who experienced prophecy in any form.3) Joseph was viceroy in Egypt (Genesis ch.41); and it was thanks to him that the nation of Egypt survived the famine.4) During the long sojourn of the Israelites in Egypt, Joseph took steps to preclude them from assimilating (Genesis 46:31-34).5) Jacob considered Joseph the most worthy of his sons (Genesis 37:3 and 49:26); and he was deemed important enough to comprise two of the twelve Israelite tribes (Genesis 48:3-5).6) He was the ancestor of Joshua (1 Chronicles ch.7).7) Joseph was steadfast in withstanding temptation (Genesis ch.39).
Who was St. Rebecca's father?
If you are referring to the Old Testament Rebecca, she was a matriarch of the Old Testament and the title saint is usually given only to New Testament personages. However, if you refer to St. Rafqa, sometimes known as St. Rebecca, she was the daughter and only child of Mourad Saber Shabaq al-Rayes and Rafqa Gemayel.
Saint Rebecca is the patron-saint of what?
Saint of the Sick and those who have lost parents.
How does Rebecca come from Tanakh?
Rivka (English: Rebecca) is the wife of Yitzchak (Isaac). Genesis ch.24.
Who is the father of Isaac's wife?
Rebecca's father is Bethuel, as mentioned in the Bible in the book of Genesis.
What actors and actresses appeared in Genesis Antipode - 2006?
The cast of Genesis Antipode - 2006 includes: Rodney Bane as Jeffrey Sian Higgins as Rebecca
Who was Rebekah in the Bible?
Rebecca was the sister of Laban (Genesis 24) and was secured as a bride for Isaac. She was the mother of Esau and Jacob (Genesis 25:19-26). She was taken by Abimelech as sister of Isaac; returned (Genesis26:1-11). She encouraged Jacob to trick Isaac out of blessing (Genesis 27:1-17).
Who was shem?
He was the son of Noah (Genesis ch.5,6, and 10). According to tradition, he was also identical with Malkizedek (who appears in Genesis ch.14); and he also was the one who told Rebecca the prophecy in Genesis 25:23).
How will you write rebecca in Hebrew?
With english characters it would be: Rivkathe nick-name of Rivka is Rivkito write Rivka in its Hebrew form it is:רבקה
What did Isacc do in the Hebrew scripture?
Yitzchak (Isaac) participated in the Akeidah (Genesis ch.22). He received God's blessing to become the ancestor of the Israelites (Genesis ch.25-26), and carried on Abraham's traditions when Abraham died (Genesis ch.26). He married Rivka (Rebecca) and was Jacob's father (Genesis ch.24 and ch.25).
Was Rebecca who married Isaac a Canaanite or Israelite woman?
Rebecca and Isaac were second cousins. She was brought from a great distance, by Abraham's servant Eliezer, for the express purpose of avoiding the possibility of Isaac's marriage to a Canaanite. See Genesis ch.24.
Was rebecca in genesis the first recorded female born in the bible?
That is correct. Reference: Genesis 22:23 (And Bethuel begot Rebekah. These eight Milcah bore to Nahor, Abraham's brother).However, mention of females being born is found in the 5th chapter of Genesis. Genesis 5:4 After he begot Seth, the days of Adam were eight hundred years; and he had sons and daughters.
What facts about Isaac are in the Bible?
Isaac (Yitzhak) was a son of Abraham (Genesis ch.21); and God said that His covenant with Abraham would continue with Isaac (Genesis 17:18-19). Isaac had facial features that were identical to Abraham (Rashi commentary, Genesis 25:19). God tested Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac as an offering (Genesis ch.22); and this readiness for self-sacrifice bestowed a special holiness upon Isaac (Talmud, Yevamot 64). Isaac married Rebecca (Genesis ch.24), his second cousin. Rebecca gave birth to two sons, Esau and Jacob (Genesis ch.25). God spoke to Isaac, confirming His covenant with him (Genesis ch.26). Despite harassment from the Philistines, Isaac enjoyed great success (ibid.). He reopened all the wells which his father had dug and the Philistines had stopped up (ibid.). The king of the Philistines, unable to ignore Isaac's phenomenal success, petitioned him to make a mutual treaty of non-aggression (ibid.). In his advanced years, Isaac sought to bless his elder son Esau (Genesis ch.27). Rebecca took pains to thwart this and to ensure that Jacob would receive the blessing, since she had learned through prophecy (Genesis 25:23) that Jacob would be more favored by God. Later it became apparent that Isaac admitted Rebecca's having done the right thing, since he blessed Jacob again (Genesis 28:1-4) even after he found out what had happened (see Genesis 27:6-16). Isaac sent Jacob to the ancestral family seat in Mesopotamia to choose a wife (Genesis ch.28). Though Jacob didn't return for over twenty years (Genesis 31:38), God granted Isaac extra years, so that he was still alive when Jacob returned (Genesis 35:27). Isaac was buried next to his father Abraham (Genesis 49:31).
What religion was Isaac?
What we now call Jewish. Isaac (Yitzhak) was a son of Abraham (Genesis ch.21); and God said that His covenant with Abraham would continue with Isaac (Genesis 17:18-19). Isaac had facial features that were identical to Abraham (Rashi commentary, Genesis 25:19).God tested Abraham by asking him to offer Isaac as an offering (see Genesis ch.22); and this readiness for self-sacrifice bestowed a special holiness upon Isaac (Talmud, Yevamot 64).Isaac married Rebecca (Genesis ch.24), his second cousin. Rebecca gave birth to two sons, Esau and Jacob (Genesis ch.25).God spoke to Isaac, confirming His covenant with him (Genesis ch.26).Despite harassment from the Philistines, Isaac enjoyed great success (ibid.). He reopened all the wells which his father had dug and the Philistines had stopped up (ibid.). The king of the Philistines, unable to ignore Isaac's phenomenal success, petitioned him to make a mutual treaty of non-aggression (ibid.).In his advanced years, Isaac sought to bless his elder son Esau (Genesis ch.27). Rebecca took pains to thwart this and to ensure that Jacob would receive the blessing, since she had learned through prophecy (Genesis 25:23) that Jacob would be more favored by God. (See: Isaac's blessing)Later it became apparent that Isaac admitted to Rebecca's having done the right thing, since he blessed Jacob again (Genesis 28:1-4) even after he found out what had happened (see Genesis 27:6-16).Isaac sent Jacob to the ancestral family seat in Mesopotamia to choose a wife (Genesis ch.28). Though Jacob didn't return for over twenty years (Genesis 31:38), God granted Isaac extra years, so that he lived on for two decades after Jacob's return.Isaac was buried next to his father Abraham, in Hebron (Genesis 49:31).
Who is an original Jew?
The names of the first Jews are recorded in the book of Genesis. These are Abraham, (his son) Isaac, (his son) Jacob; and their wives, Sarah, Rebecca, Rachel and Leah. The Jewish people are their descendants.
