“And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.”
This verse is part of the account of Abraham’s servant’s journey to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son. The servant had been sent to Abraham’s homeland to find a suitable wife among his relatives rather than among the Canaanites.
In this verse, Rebekah’s family blesses her as she prepares to leave and marry Isaac. Let’s break down the verse to understand its significance and the themes it touches upon.
“And they blessed Rebekah”: The word “blessed” here carries the idea of speaking well of someone or pronouncing a positive future for them. Rebekah’s family gives her their blessing as she embarks on this new chapter of her life.
“Thou art our sister”: This phrase signifies the familial relationship between Rebekah and her family. It highlights the importance of family ties and the care they have for her.
“Be thou the mother of thousands of millions”: This part of the blessing expresses a desire for Rebekah to be fruitful and multiply, indicating the hope that she will have many descendants.
“Let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them”: This phrase is significant in its prophetic nature. It speaks of Rebekah’s descendants possessing the gates of those who hate them. In biblical times, the gates of a city were places of strategic importance and power. Possessing the gate implies gaining authority, influence, and control over one’s enemies. This blessing suggests that Rebekah’s offspring would be victorious over their adversaries.
The overall message of this verse is one of blessing, hope, and prophetic declaration. It showcases the importance of family, the desire for Rebekah’s fruitful lineage, and the confidence in her descendants’ triumph over their enemies.
It is worth noting that while this verse carries specific historical and cultural context within the narrative of Rebekah’s marriage, its broader significance lies in the blessings and promises conveyed through the spoken words. Throughout the Bible, blessings and prophecies play a vital role in conveying God’s plans for individuals and the fulfillment of His promises.
