The Foreshadowing of the Virgin Birth – God and Man - Matthew 01:19

In the foreshadowing of the virgin birth, Mary is foreshadowed by Rebekah. In today’s study, we will explore the meaning of the name “Rebekah” and how it applies to Mary. The Hebrew name Rebekah means “binder.” In Mary’s womb, the “binding” of God and man took place. The word “bind” also appears in the Hebrew text of Matthew 1:19, “Then Joseph her husband, being a just man, and not wanting to disgrace {“Bind” (לאוסרה)} her, was resolved to divorce her quietly.” “Disgrace” included possibly “binding” Mary for a life and death trial. The meaning of the name Rebekah, “binder,” in the foreshadowing of the virgin birth seems extremely appropriate given that Mary would possibly face being “bound” for trial for participating in the “binding” of God and man. The word Rebekah, “binder,” symbolizes Mary’s role in the birth of Jesus Christ and also her courage in facing a possible death sentence. Many Christians have shown great faith after Jesus was born – Mary showed great faith before Jesus was conceived.

J. Clontz – Editor of the Comprehensive New Testament

Previously:

The accounts of Mary and Rebekah both start with an angel sent by God – Luke 1:26/Genesis 24:7,40

Mary and Rebekah were virgins who were betrothed to a man – Luke 1:27/Genesis 24:16,51

Mary and Rebekah were selected by God - Luke 1:30/Genesis 24:14,44

Mary and Rebekah consented to being selected by God - Luke 1:38/Genesis 24:57-58

Mary and Rebekah went with haste and told their relatives what had happened - Luke 1:36,39/Genesis 24:28

Mary and Rebekah were blessed by their relatives - Luke 1:42/Genesis 24:60

God provided information about the future of Mary and Rebekah’s unborn children and the nature of their pregnancies - Matthew 1:20/Genesis 25:23

Mary and Rebekah’s lives were potentially threatened by their pregnancies – Matthew 1:18-19/Genesis 25:22

Mary and Rebekah stayed in a shelter where animals also stayed – Luke 02:07/Genesis 24:25

Mary and Rebekah were visited by “wise” men bringing gifts who had travelled through Mesopotamia – Matthew 02:01,11/Genesis 24:10

Mary and Rebekah were visited by men who worshipped the Lord at the house where they were staying - Matthew 02:11/Genesis 24:26

Mary and Rebekah were visited by men who were bearing gifts including gold - Matthew 02:11/Genesis 24:10,53

Mary and Rebekah were visited by men who were led by something from heaven – Matthew 02:09, Luke 02:09/Genesis 24:07

Mary and Rebekah’s genealogies are listed in the Bible - Luke 03:23-38/Genesis 24:15

Herod the Great and Jesus Christ are descended from Rebekah’s sons, Esau and Jacob - Matthew 02:16/Genesis 25:26-27