67 Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
The power of human relationships to heal hurt is amazing. Isaac has been mourning his mother’s death for a long period of time. We don’t know the specifics, but she died prior to the servants journey that took probably a year. Obviously Isaac was very connected to his mother. They had a very strong bond, something we all need to feel safe and secure in life. She was his anchor. He felt safe to move around in this world because of his connection to his mother. We all need a connection to someone in life that allows us a good measure of safety and security. This connection is one of the basic needs of humans. If babies don’t get enough physical connection they die. If spouses don’t get enough connection they fight. Rebekah becomes for Isaac exactly what he needs to venture out in life. He has been struggling with grief, and now his grief resolves. His hurt and emptiness is filled with his relationship with Sarah. Some might see this as a sickness. Why do we need anyone, especially in this age of independence and individualism? Isn’t the need for another person a sign of weakness? Exactly the opposite! Admitting our need for connection, deep connection, to other people is a sign of strength. Often there is difficulty in a marriage when the connection to parents (usually the man toward his mother) is not left. That is one of the important elements of “leave and cleave” from Genesis 2:23-24. It is not enough to leave. We as human beings must be connected to others. If we don’t get connected to others we become the psychopaths of society. We become someone who uses others as objects for their own personal pleasure. So, connect to someone today. Work toward deep connections with someone. It will make this journey of life meaningful.
The Arnold Journey 