Genesis24
New King James Version
1Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age; and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things.
2So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh,
3and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell;
4but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
5And the servant said to him, “Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?”
6But Abraham said to him, “Beware that you do not take my son back there.
7The Lord God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and from the land of my family, and who spoke to me and swore to me, saying, ‘To your descendants I give this land,’ He will send His angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
8And if the woman is not willing to follow you, then you will be released from this oath; only do not take my son back there.”
9So the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
10Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.
11And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.
12Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
13Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
14Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.”
15And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder.
16Now the young woman was very beautiful to behold, a virgin; no man had known her. And she went down to the well, filled her pitcher, and came up.
17And the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher.”
18So she said, “Drink, my lord.” Then she quickly let her pitcher down to her hand, and gave him a drink.
19And when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw water for your camels also, until they have finished drinking.”
20Then she quickly emptied her pitcher into the trough, ran back to the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
21And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.
22So it was, when the camels had finished drinking, that the man took a golden nose ring weighing half a shekel, and two bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels of gold,
23and said, “Whose daughter are you? Tell me, please, is there room in your father’s house for us to lodge?”
24So she said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, Milcah’s son, whom she bore to Nahor.”
25Moreover she said to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge.”
26Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the Lord.
27And he said, “Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the Lord led me to the house of my master’s brethren.”
28So the young woman ran and told her mother’s household these things.
29Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban, and Laban ran out to the man by the well.
30So it came to pass, when he saw the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying, “Thus the man spoke to me,” that he went to the man. And there he stood by the camels at the well.
31And he said, “Come in, O blessed of the Lord! Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels.”
32Then the man came to the house. And he unloaded the camels, and provided straw and feed for the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him.
33Food was set before him to eat, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told about my errand.” And he said, “Speak on.”
34So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant.
35The Lord has blessed my master greatly, and he has become great; and He has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys.
36And Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master when she was old; and to him he has given all that he has.
37Now my master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell;
38but you shall go to my father’s house and to my family, and take a wife for my son.’
39And I said to my master, ‘Perhaps the woman will not follow me.’
40But he said to me, ‘The Lord, before whom I walk, will send His angel with you and prosper your way; and you shall take a wife for my son from my family and from my father’s house.
41You will be clear from this oath when you arrive among my family; for if they will not give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’
42“And this day I came to the well and said, ‘O Lord God of my master Abraham, if You will now prosper the way in which I go,
43behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass that when the virgin comes out to draw water, and I say to her, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,”
44and she says to me, “Drink, and I will draw for your camels also,”—let her be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master’s son.’
45“But before I had finished speaking in my heart, there was Rebekah, coming out with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down to the well and drew water. And I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’
46And she made haste and let her pitcher down from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will give your camels a drink also.’ So I drank, and she gave the camels a drink also.
47Then I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ And she said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the nose ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists.
48And I bowed my head and worshiped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the way of truth to take the daughter of my master’s brother for his son.
49Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. And if not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand or to the left.”
50Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing comes from the Lord; we cannot speak to you either bad or good.
51Here is Rebekah before you; take her and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as the Lord has spoken.”
52And it came to pass, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, that he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth.
53Then the servant brought out jewelry of silver, jewelry of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother.
54And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.”
55But her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.”
56And he said to them, “Do not hinder me, since the Lord has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master.”
57So they said, “We will call the young woman and ask her personally.”
58Then they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.”
59So they sent away Rebekah their sister and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant and his men.
60And they blessed Rebekah and said to her: “Our sister, may you become The mother of thousands of ten thousands; And may your descendants possess The gates of those who hate them.”
61Then Rebekah and her maids arose, and they rode on the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and departed.
62Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South.
63And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there, the camels were coming.
64Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from her camel;
65for she had said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself.
66And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.
67Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.
Study Guide
Public-domain commentary and original-language notes for Genesis 24.
Chapter Summary
In this chapter: Abraham's care for Isaac's marriage. (1–9). The journey of Abraham's servant to Mesopotamia, His meeting with Rebekah. (10–28). Rebekah and her relatives consent to her marriage. (29–53). The happy meeting and marriage of Isaac and rebekah. (54–67).
vv1-9
The effect of good example, good teaching, and the worship of God in a family, will generally appear in the piety, faithfulness, prudence, and affection of the servants. To live in such families, or to have such servants, both are blessings from God which should be highly valued, and thankfully acknowledged. But no concern in life is of greater importance to ourselves, to others, or to the church of God, than marriage. It therefore ought always to be undertaken with much care and prudence, especially with reference to the will of God, and with prayer for his direction and blessing. Where good parents are not consulted and regarded, the blessing of God cannot be expected. Parents, in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Observe the charge Abraham gave to a good servant, one whose conduct, faithfulness, and affection, to him and his family, he had long known. Observe also, that Abraham remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his birth, by the call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but He will prosper his care, not to bring his son thither again. God will cause that to end in our comfort, in which we sincerely aim at his glory.
vv10-28
Abraham's servant devoutly acknowledged God. We have leave to be particular in recommending our affairs to the care of Divine providence. He proposes a sign, not that he intended to proceed no further, if not gratified in it; but it is a prayer that God would provide a good wife for his young master; and that was a good prayer. She should be simple, industrious, humble, cheerful, serviceable, and hospitable. Whatever may be the fashion, common sense, as well as piety, tells us, these are the proper qualifications for a wife and mother; for one who is to be a companion to her husband, the manager of domestic concerns, and trusted to form the minds of children. When the steward came to seek a wife for his master, he did not go to places of amusement and sinful pleasure, and pray that he might meet one there, but to the well of water, expecting to find one there employed aright. He prayed that God would please to make his way in this matter plain and clear before him. Our times are in God's hand; not only events themselves, but the times of them. We must take heed of being over-bold in urging what God should do, lest the event should weaken our faith, rather than strengthen it. But God owned him by making his way clear. Rebekah, in all respects, answered the characters he sought for in the woman that was to be his master's wife. When she came to the well, she went down and filled her pitcher, and came up to go home with it. She did not stand to gaze upon the strange man his camels, but minded her business, and would not have been diverted from it but by an opportunity of doing good. She did not curiously or confidently enter into discourse with him, but answered him modestly. Being satisfied that the Lord had heard his prayer, he gave the damsel some ornaments worn in eastern countries; asking at the same time respecting her kindred. On learning that she was of his master's relations, he bowed down his head and worshipped, blessing God. His words were addressed to the Lord, but being spoken in the hearing of Rebekah, she could perceive who he was, and whence he came.
vv29-53
The making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah is told very particularly. We are to notice God's providence in the common events of human life, and in them to exercise prudence and other graces. Laban went to ask Abraham's servant in, but not till he saw the ear-ring, and bracelet upon his sister's hands. We know Laban's character, by his conduct afterwards, and may think that he would not have been so free to entertain him, if he had not hoped to be well rewarded for it. The servant was intent upon his business. Though he was come off a journey, and come to a good house, he would not eat till he had told his errand. The doing our work, and the fulfilling our trusts, either for God or man, should be preferred by us before our food: it was our Saviour's meat and drink, Joh 4:34. He tells them the charge his master had given him, with the reason of it. He relates what had happened at the well, to further the proposal, plainly showing the finger of God in it. Those events which to us seem the effect of choice, contrivance, or chance, are “appointed out” of God. This hinders not, but rather encourages the use of all proper means. They freely and cheerfully close with the proposal; and any matter is likely to be comfortable, when it proceeds from the Lord. Abraham's servant thankfully acknowledges the good success he had met with. He was a humble man, and humble men are not ashamed to own their situation in life, whatever it may be. All our temporal concerns are sweet if intermixed with godliness.
Key Words
אַבְרָהָם: Abraham, the later name of Abram
זָקֵן: to be old
בּוֹא: to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)
יוֹם: a day (as the warm hours), whether literal (from sunrise to sunset, or from one sunset to the next), or figurative (a space of time defined by an associated term), (often used adverb)
בָרַךְ: to kneel; by implication to bless God (as an act of adoration), and (vice-versa) man (as a benefit); also (by euphemism) to curse (God or the king, as treason)
אָמַר: to say (used with great latitude)
עֶבֶד: a servant
זָקֵן: old
בַּיִת: a house (in the greatest variation of applications, especially family, etc.)
מָשַׁל: to rule
Cross References
Genesis 24Explicit parallel of the rare solemn oath-taking ceremony of putting a hand under the thigh.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Both servants prioritize their spiritual mission and duty over physical nourishment.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Direct verbal parallel: 'let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them' matches God's promise.
Provides the lineage of Nahor's family, verifying Rebekah's relation to Abraham's house.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The servant watches intently to see if God answered his specific prayer for guidance.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
Explicit fulfillment of Abraham transferring all his inheritance to Isaac, his sole covenant heir.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Poole, Calvin
The servant repeats Abraham's reassuring promise that God would send His angel before him.
Supported by Poole, Calvin
The servant repeats his initial prayer at the well, recounting the specific test of hospitality he proposed.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
Illustrates 'before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came,' showing answered prayer.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin
Identifies the origin of the well Beer-lahai-roi from Hagar's encounter with the Lord.
Shows Isaac continued to live near the well Lahai-roi after Abraham's death.
Mosaic prohibition confirming Abraham's principle against marrying children to pagan Canaanites.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Torah law forbidding marriages with Canaanites to prevent spiritual apostasy.
Supported by Matthew Poole
The original call out of Chaldaea, framing why Isaac must not go back there.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
New Testament commentary on patriarchs refusing to return to the country they had left.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Rebekah's lineage precisely identifies her as Bethuel's daughter, verifying the family news in chapter 22.
Supported by Poole
Laban's characteristic eager run to meet guests is repeated when he meets Jacob.
Supported by Matthew Henry, JFB
The servant confirms the initial statement of the chapter that God had blessed Abraham abundantly.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Poole, Calvin
The servant recounts his initial cautious question to Abraham about the woman refusing.
Supported by Poole, Calvin
Matches the truth that 'a prudent wife is from the Lord,' who appointed Rebekah.
Supported by Matthew Henry, Matthew Poole, JFB
The servant repeats his worshipful response upon first realizing Rebekah was of his master's kindred.
Supported by Matthew Henry, John Calvin, JFB
The Hebrew idiom 'deal kindly and truly' is used here and later by Jacob to Joseph.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Laban's confession 'we cannot speak bad or good' matches God's warning to him in Genesis 31:24.
Supported by Matthew Poole
Parallel account of a bride-to-be immediately journeying with her damsels to meet her husband.
Parallels the custom of alighting from a riding beast to show respect to a superior.
Supported by JFB
Establishes the divine pattern of marriage that Isaac fulfills by taking Rebekah as his wife.
Identifies the 'eldest servant' of Abraham's house as likely Eliezer of Damascus.
Supported by Matthew Poole, JFB
Resolves the servant's doubt when Rebekah explicitly agrees to follow him to Canaan.
Supported by Matthew Henry
The servant's own recapitulation of Abraham's promise regarding the angel sent before him.
Supported by John Calvin
The servant's desire not to be hindered, recognizing God has indeed prospered his way.
Supported by Matthew Henry
An act of bowing and worshipping in prompt gratitude for God's revealed mercy.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Illustrates the ancient custom of washing a guest's feet, fulfilled perfectly in Christ's humility.
Supported by Matthew Henry
Refers to Sarah bearing Isaac in her old age according to God's miraculous promise.
Supported by Poole, Calvin
Isaac continues the family prohibition against marrying Canaanite women for his son Jacob.
Supported by Poole
Repeats the terms of the oath Abraham laid out regarding the woman's potential refusal to follow.
Supported by Matthew Poole, John Calvin
Verbal link in giving 'jewels of silver, and jewels of gold' during a departure.
Supported by Matthew Henry