One of the reasons why feminists don’t like the Bible is the early practices and traditions of the Old Testament. Men were the ruler of each home and many females born are glossed over unless Moses points out a specific accomplishment or error in judgement. However, when it comes to Rebekah, her family lets her decide when she wants to leave home. Essentially, Rebekah is asked, “what do you want to do?”
Then they ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed there all night. And in the morning they arose, and he said. Send me away to my master. 55 But [Rebekah’s] brother and mother said, Let the girl stay with us a few days—at least ten; then she may go. 56 But [the servant] said to them, Do not hinder and delay me, seeing that the Lord has caused me to go prosperously on my way. Send me away, that I may go to my master, Genesis 24:54-56.
One author of the Bible uses an analogy to address this topic in Revelation 3:20. Freewill is compared to a unique door by one of Jesus’ former disciples. God doesn’t have a doorknob on his side. Subsequently, God may try to get your attention in life, but only you can let Him in. If you treat faith like a feeling, there will be days when you want to invite God into what you’re doing. Yet, there will be plenty when you simply want to be left alone.
And they said, We will call the girl and ask her [what is] her desire. 58 So they called Rebekah and said to her, Will you go with this man? And she said, I will go. 59 So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse [Deborah] and Abraham’s servant and his men, Genesis 24:57-59.
In the case of Rebekah, her mother and uncle wanted to spend a few days with her before beginning a new life with Isaac. Rebekah’s mom suggests spending time with her girlfriends as well before leaving with Eliezer. While this sounds like a reasonable request, Rebekah’s parents leave the final decision up to her. If you read Romans 12:1-2 and Proverbs 3:5-6, hopefully what you want to do coincides with God’s will for your life. May your wants coincide with God’s plan for your life.
by Jay Mankus
ExpressYourself4Him 