Who is the perfect model for motherhood? While the Bible gives us many examples, Jewish tradition and teaching hold up four women in particular - Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah. In fact, they are called the mothers of Judaism or the four matriarchs.
So, what is it about these women that they are used as a model, or symbol, of motherhood for the whole people? Most moms I know feel deeply inadequate and can tell you in a heartbeat where they fall short. Each one has an idea of what they think they should be. One thing that you can’t but help notice about these four women, apart from their obvious imperfections, is how truly different they are from each other. Which might mean that there really isn’t a “right way,” but rather, maybe just the unique way that God made you and calls you.
Sarah, wife of Abraham and mother of Isaac, was legendary for her beauty, even to the point of nearly toppling kingdoms. But you know what else she was? A doubter. She laughed at God’s promise to her to bring a child and her insecurity led to her cruel behavior toward Hagar.
Rebekah was touted as a hard working and generous servant who watered the camels of Isaac’s messenger. But she was also manipulative and conniving as she taught her son Jacob to trick and deceive to get his way.
Leah typically catches our sympathy. While not completely rejected, her husband has more love for her beautiful sister. But God has blessed Leah by giving her, literally, a tribe of kids. And Jacob, now Israel, grows to appreciate her. She has a satisfaction not shared by her sister, Rachel.
And Rachel, a romantic figure that has captured Jacob’s heart and inspired great acts on his part, could not find happiness for many years because of her infertility. The rivalry and ambition between these two sisters was a source of pain for the whole family.
These four women had the same strengths and struggles that we see in today’s families. And yet, this is the family that God took as His own. They are called Isra’el, struggled with God. And they were given the role of showing the world what God was like.
Each of these women exhibited faith in God by trusting and moving into a new land. They each dealt with some type of issue with barrenness – although they are now called the mothers of Israel. Through faith, they each endured hardship, but also exhibited a strong personality within their family – ultimately influencing the destiny of Israel.
Think your family doesn’t look perfect (whatever that is)? Look at their family – bigamy, incest, attempted murder, doubt, lies, trickery, faithlessness, cruelty, … want me to go on? And yet God used them to bless the whole world throughout history. God can bless your family as well. He can use you, in all your imperfections, to bring His kingdom. Trust Him.
"May God make you like Sarah, Rebekah, Rachel and Leah." Shabbat prayer.
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