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The portrayal of the patriarch Isaac in the pentateuchal narratives is, both quantitatively and qualitatively, meagre. Even when solutions are brought forward as to the quanti tative aspect, the weak picture of Isaac remains problematic. A narrative analysis, focused on characterization in Gen. 24, shows that Rebekah, however, is presented as a strong woman. In the paper the suggestion is offered that the contrasting presenta tion of the two characters fits their particular task in the Isaac-Rebekah narratives: Isaac is the passive bearer of the blessing, while Rebekah is the active, divinely-led helper, that assists him in keeping and passing the blessing on to the right sucessor.

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