Genesis 25:22Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

Would you like us to continue our discussion from yesterday regarding God's love? We were unable to complete the account of Isaac, focusing instead on how Isaac, through his persistent prayers, prompted Rebekah's womb to bear children, thereby addressing the fallen nature. We elaborated on the many years that this righteous man devoted to prayer and supplication to God. Once we discussed the issue of barrenness and the reasons why the wives of those virtuous men faced such challenges, we concluded our thoughts for the day.

However, Israel was liberated and distinct from the new nation, being the firstborn in history. I believe this indicates that even in the womb, the children struggled, symbolizing the future hostility between them.

The children contended within their mother's womb, and Rebekah was informed during this strife, "Two nations are in your womb." Two distinct peoples, one righteous and one wicked, are intertwined in one body, and they engage in conflict. How many unrighteous individuals exist within the Church, all housed in a single womb, until they are ultimately separated (cf. Matt. 25:31-46). The righteous cry out against the wicked, and likewise, the wicked shout back at the righteous, as they wrestle within the same confines.

The Lord spoke to her, revealing that within her were two nations, specifically the descendants of Edom and the Jewish people (Gen. 25:30). We previously mentioned that she sought guidance from Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18), whom she approached for counsel. However, she quickly returned home as the pains of labor began, and Rebekah eventually delivered Esau and Jacob.

The Seventy interpreters chose the term ἐσκίρτων, which means 'played, kicked about,' instead of 'moved.' Aquila rendered it as 'the sons smashed each other in her womb,' while Simmah translated it as διέπλεον, meaning 'carried like a ship on the surface of the water.'

Rebekah became pregnant and, through her steadfastness, overcame the bonds of infertility. Let us reflect on what her prophetic and ministerial spirit brought forth and how it manifested. It is said that she went to seek the Lord’s guidance when the children within her stirred, and she received the revelation, "Two nations are in your womb." She relies not on her own understanding but faithfully seeks the Lord as the ultimate guardian of her intentions. Filled with both serenity and devotion, she, through her faith and in alignment with the divine proclamation, encompasses the two nations as if to embrace them within her womb. It is fitting that she is referred to as sister rather than merely wife (see Gen. 26:7), for her gentle and serene spirit is celebrated more for its universal love than for its focus on personal marriage, believing herself to be indebted to all rather than to just one.

Question 77. Whom did Rebekah consult regarding the children she bore in her womb (Gen. 25:22)? Some suggest she approached Melchisedec, a distinguished priest of the Most High God, celebrated for his deep faith and righteousness. However, considering that it was customary for the Patriarchs to build altars to the Lord in their dwelling places, it is likely that Rebekah visited one of these altars to pray to the Almighty and seek understanding of her circumstances.

Many acknowledge that the blessed Isaac serves as a foreshadowing of our Lord and Savior. In this way, Isaac represents Christ, and the blessed Rebekah symbolizes the Church. Despite her initial barrenness, akin to the Church, she became pregnant through the intercession of blessed Isaac and the grace of the Lord. However, Rebekah felt the turmoil within her, and in her distress, she exclaimed, “If this be so, what is it to me?” The Lord then responded, “Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples shall be separated from your body; one people shall be stronger than the other” (Genesis 25:23). As the apostle notes, these events unfolded as symbolic representations for our edification (1 Cor. 10:11).

As the time for delivery drew near, the unborn children within her stirred restlessly, appearing to struggle against one another as if they were signaling each other on their way out of their mother’s womb. Rebekah, perplexed, wondered to herself, "What could this mean and what lies ahead?" She sought the Lord earnestly in prayer, and God answered her through an angel, declaring, "Two nations are in your womb, and two peoples shall be separated from your body. One people shall be stronger than the other, and the older shall serve the younger" (Genesis 25:23). Rebekah chose not to share this divine revelation with her husband, opting instead to wait for God’s promise to be fulfilled. When the time came for her to give birth, she delivered twins.

She went to seek guidance from the Lord. If we interpret the writings of the authors in light of their context and spirit, to seek God implies looking for a disclosure of His will, either directly from God, as prophets had the privilege to do, or through prophets, who serve as intermediaries between the Divine and humanity. Since Rebekah is not specifically regarded as a prophetess, it seems she was meant to seek God’s guidance through a mediator. This understanding reflects the true meaning of the phrase "to seek God." Consequently, some honor Shem, while others recognize a different patriarch, and still others Melchizedek as the prophet for Rebekah.

Rebekah experiences turmoil within her womb, which is still untouched by the world and yet to receive its first breath (cf. Gen. 2:7). Indeed, the two sons she carries begin to struggle, not yet having become two distinct nations. It may be seen as prophetic that such intensity arises in children who wrestle before their lives have truly begun, and who argue even before taking their first breath, thereby causing distress to their mother with their movements. However, once the womb is opened, and their identities are revealed, the prophecy becomes evident. At that moment, not only is the existence of souls within the children plainly affirmed, but also the seriousness of their rivalry.