Character Selection
Rebecca (Rivkah), one of the matriarchs of the Jewish people, is a central figure in the Tanach, particularly in the Book of Genesis (Bereishit). Her story is rich with psychological, theological, and philosophical dimensions, making her an ideal subject for psychoanalytic analysis.
Biography
Rebecca, the wife of Isaac (Yitzchak) and mother of Jacob (Yaakov) and Esau (Esav), is introduced in Genesis 24. She is chosen as Isaac’s wife through divine providence, as Abraham’s servant Eliezer prays for a sign to identify the right woman. Rebecca’s kindness and hospitality are immediately evident when she offers water to Eliezer and his camels.
Rebecca later plays a pivotal role in ensuring that Jacob, rather than Esau, receives Isaac’s blessing, fulfilling the prophecy she received during her pregnancy that “the elder shall serve the younger” (Genesis 25:23). Her life is marked by her deep faith, decisive actions, and commitment to the covenantal destiny of her family.
Character Traits
Rabbinic commentary highlights Rebecca’s traits of kindness (chesed), decisiveness, and spiritual insight. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) praises her for her quick and generous response to Eliezer’s request for water, seeing it as a reflection of her innate righteousness. The sages also emphasize her prophetic understanding of the divine plan, which guided her actions in ensuring Jacob received the blessing.
Psychoanalytic Analysis
Freudian Perspective
From a Freudian lens, Rebecca’s actions can be understood through the dynamics of desire and the unconscious. Freud’s theory of the Oedipus complex might interpret Rebecca’s favoritism toward Jacob as a subconscious projection of her own desires and ambitions. Her manipulation of Isaac to bless Jacob could be seen as an expression of her unconscious drive to assert control over the family narrative, ensuring the fulfillment of the divine prophecy.
Rebecca’s relationship with her sons also reflects Freud’s concept of the “family romance.” Her preference for Jacob over Esau may stem from her identification with Jacob’s spiritual qualities, which align with her own values, while Esau’s impulsive and materialistic nature represents a rejection of her ideals.
Jungian Perspective
In Jungian terms, Rebecca embodies the archetype of the “Great Mother” and the “Wise Woman.” As the matriarch, she nurtures and guides her family, but her wisdom and insight also place her in the role of a spiritual guide. Her actions in securing the blessing for Jacob align with the Jungian concept of individuation, as she helps Jacob realize his destiny and fulfill his potential.
Rebecca’s inner conflict between her love for both sons and her commitment to the divine prophecy reflects the Jungian tension between the conscious and unconscious mind. Her decision to favor Jacob can be seen as an integration of her unconscious knowledge of the divine plan with her conscious actions.
Lacanian Perspective
From a Lacanian perspective, Rebecca’s story revolves around the symbolic order and the “Name-of-the-Father.” Her manipulation of Isaac to bless Jacob can be interpreted as an attempt to reshape the symbolic structure of the family, ensuring that Jacob inherits the covenantal promise.
Rebecca’s role in the narrative also highlights Lacan’s concept of desire as mediated by the “Other.” Her actions are driven by her understanding of God’s will, which functions as the ultimate “Other” in her life. Her alignment with the divine plan reflects her desire to transcend the limitations of the material world and align herself with the symbolic order of the covenant.
Historical and Theological Relevance
Rebecca’s story has profound historical and theological significance. As one of the matriarchs, she plays a crucial role in shaping the destiny of the Jewish people. Her actions ensure that the covenantal promise given to Abraham is passed down to Jacob, who becomes the father of the twelve tribes of Israel.
Theologically, Rebecca represents the ideal of faith and trust in God. Her willingness to leave her family and homeland to marry Isaac reflects her commitment to the divine plan. Her decisive actions in securing the blessing for Jacob demonstrate her understanding of the covenant’s importance and her willingness to take risks to fulfill it.
Linguistic Notes
The name Rebecca (רִבְקָה) is derived from the Hebrew root ר-ב-ק, which can mean “to tie” or “to bind.” This etymology reflects her role in binding together the covenantal destiny of her family. The gematria (numerical value) of her name is 307, which has been interpreted in mystical traditions as symbolizing completeness and connection.
Philosophical Notes
Rebecca’s story can be analyzed through various philosophical lenses:
- Plato: Rebecca’s actions reflect the Platonic ideal of aligning oneself with the higher good. Her commitment to the divine plan represents the pursuit of truth and justice, even at the expense of personal relationships.
- Nietzsche: From a Nietzschean perspective, Rebecca’s decisive actions can be seen as an expression of the “will to power.” Her manipulation of Isaac and Esau demonstrates her ability to assert her will and shape the course of history.
- Wittgenstein: Rebecca’s story highlights the importance of language and communication. Her use of deception to secure the blessing for Jacob raises questions about the nature of truth and the role of language in shaping reality.
- Heidegger: Rebecca’s actions can be understood as an example of “authentic being.” Her commitment to the divine plan reflects her alignment with her true purpose and her willingness to take decisive action in the face of uncertainty.
- Zizek: Zizek might interpret Rebecca’s story as a critique of ideology. Her manipulation of Isaac and Esau exposes the underlying power dynamics and contradictions within the family structure.
- Neoplatonism: Rebecca’s role in the narrative reflects the Neoplatonic idea of the soul’s ascent to the divine. Her actions are guided by her alignment with the higher reality of the covenant, which transcends the material world.
Comparison: Esau (Opposite Character)
Esau (עֵשָׂו), Rebecca’s elder son, serves as a foil to her character. While Rebecca is guided by spiritual insight and decisiveness, Esau is characterized by impulsiveness and a focus on material pursuits.
- Freudian Analysis: Esau’s impulsive nature reflects the dominance of the id, driven by immediate gratification. His decision to sell his birthright for a bowl of lentils demonstrates his inability to delay gratification and prioritize long-term goals.
- Jungian Analysis: Esau embodies the archetype of the “Wild Man,” representing untamed instincts and a connection to the physical world. His conflict with Jacob reflects the tension between the spiritual and material aspects of human nature.
- Lacanian Analysis: Esau’s rejection of the birthright can be seen as a failure to align with the symbolic order. His focus on the material world prevents him from fully participating in the covenantal promise.
Bibliography
- Bereishit Rabbah, Midrash on Genesis.
- Freud, Sigmund. The Interpretation of Dreams. 1900.
- Jung, Carl. The Archetypes and the Collective Unconscious. 1959.
- Lacan, Jacques. Écrits: A Selection. 1966.
- Plato. The Republic. Translated by Benjamin Jowett.
- Nietzsche, Friedrich. Thus Spoke Zarathustra. 1883.
- Wittgenstein, Ludwig. Philosophical Investigations. 1953.
- Heidegger, Martin. Being and Time. 1927.
- Zizek, Slavoj. The Sublime Object of Ideology. 1989.
- Plotinus. The Enneads. Translated by Stephen MacKenna.
Character Impact Note
Rebecca’s significance extends beyond her immediate family. Her actions shape the destiny of the Jewish people, ensuring the continuation of the covenantal promise. Her impact on Jacob and Esau highlights the complex dynamics of family relationships and the tension between spiritual and material values.
Rebecca’s story continues to inspire discussions about faith, morality, and the role of women in shaping history. Her legacy as a matriarch and a model of faith and decisiveness remains central to Jewish thought and tradition.
