An Insignificant Woman!

             In my daily Bible reading last week, I came across a verse that intrigued me.  Genesis 35: 8 mentions the death of Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse.  I find that surprising because the death of Rebekah is never mentioned in Scripture, and her nurse is only mentioned in one other verse, and not by name (Genesis 24: 59).  Why then, did the Holy Spirit instruct Moses, the author of Genesis, to include this brief reference to the death and burial of one who was seemingly so insignificant?

            Many years earlier, when Rebekah agreed to return with Abraham’s servant to marry Abraham’s son, Isaac, the Scripture tells us that her nurse traveled with her.  From there, we can only surmise as to the role of Deborah in the lives of Rebekah and her family.

            When Rebekah gave birth to twins, who were already battling in the womb, perhaps it was her nurse, Deborah, who helped to care for the babies and watched them grow into young men.  When Jacob, with Rebekah’s help, cheated Esau out of their father’s blessing, he was forced to flee for his life.  Isaac instructed him to return to his mother’s family to find a wife, so perhaps, Rebekah saw that as an opportunity to send her nurse back to her family as well. 

            We can only surmise that Deborah had become attached to Jacob and his family.  After all, she was there at his birth and had watched him grow and have a family of his own.  For whatever reason, when Jacob decided to leave his father-in-law and return to his homeland, Deborah went with him. At that time, she had probably been with Jacob and his family for over 60 years.  They had become her family.

            We can only surmise all these details.  However, I believe that the fact that the death and burial of this woman are mentioned, even if it is only one short verse, indicates the love and affection that Jacob had for her.  She was buried under an Oak tree, that Jacob named “Allon Bacuth” which means “oak of weeping”—an indication of Jacob’s sadness at her passing. 

            I think this brief mention of someone that we know almost nothing about also indicates that no one is insignificant in God’s eyes.  She wasn’t a primary character in the story.  She didn’t even have a supporting role.  We would probably refer to her part as a “cameo appearance.”  Yet, God considered her important enough to include her in His story.

            No matter who you are or what position you might hold in society, you are worth more than gold to someone.  It may be a family member.  It may be a friend.  It may be someone whose life you impacted along the way.  There is one thing for certain:  You are worth much more to the Creator of the Universe.  He sent His only Son to die for you! He has counted the very hairs on your head (Matthew 10: 31), and He has written your name on the palm of His hand (Isaiah 49: 16).  To diminish your self-worth is to diminish the love of God and the sacrifice He has made for you.

            We don’t know Deborah’s story, but God does, and He counted her worthy.  I don’t know your story, but God does.  No matter what problems you may have or what you may be facing, John 3: 16 was written for you too.  He knows when a sparrow falls, and you are worth much more than any sparrow!

Genesis 24: 59 & 35: 8

Isaiah 49: 15 - 16

John 3: 16

Matthew 10: 29 - 31