Definition: And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram, the sister to Laban the Syrian.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this verse from Genesis 25:20. It’s a really important story about family and God’s plan! Here’s what it means in simple terms: Basically, God decided to bring Isaac, his son, into a marriage with Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian. Let's unpack that a little further: Genesis 25: This is a chapter in the Bible about the early days of Abraham and his family. It tells us about some very important events in their lives. 25:20 – This is the exact part we’re focusing on. It says, "And Isaac was forty years old when he took Rebekah to wife…" So, what does that mean? Isaac was nearing the age of 40. He was getting older and needed a partner for life. God wanted him to marry Rebekah. Rebekah: She was the daughter of Bethuel the Syrian, who came from a family in Syria (a very distant land). Bethuel the Syrian of Padanaram: This is a place in Israel – it’s a region near the coast and important for trade. Bethuel was a man who lived there and was known for his wisdom and helpfulness. In short, God chose to bring Isaac into marriage with Rebekah because He wanted a family. Why is this significant? This story shows that God’s plan isn't always about what we want. He sometimes works in mysterious ways. It also highlights the importance of faith and obedience – Isaac’s decision to marry Rebekah, even though he wasn't sure about her, was a big step in his life and a key part of God's story. Do you want me to: Explain why this verse is important in the Bible? Give you some context about the time period?