Genesis24
New Living Translation
1Abraham was now a very old man, and the Lord had blessed him in every way.
2One day Abraham said to his oldest servant, the man in charge of his household, “Take an oath by putting your hand under my thigh.
3Swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and earth, that you will not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.
4Go instead to my homeland, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son Isaac.”
5The servant asked, “But what if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to travel so far from home? Should I then take Isaac there to live among your relatives in the land you came from?”
6“No!” Abraham responded. “Be careful never to take my son there.
7For the Lord, the God of heaven, who took me from my father’s house and my native land, solemnly promised to give this land to my descendants. He will send his angel ahead of you, and he will see to it that you find a wife there for my son.
8If she is unwilling to come back with you, then you are free from this oath of mine. But under no circumstances are you to take my son there.”
9So the servant took an oath by putting his hand under the thigh of his master, Abraham. He swore to follow Abraham’s instructions.
10Then he loaded ten of Abraham’s camels with all kinds of expensive gifts from his master, and he traveled to distant Aram-naharaim. There he went to the town where Abraham’s brother Nahor had settled.
11He made the camels kneel beside a well just outside the town. It was evening, and the women were coming out to draw water.
12“O Lord, God of my master, Abraham,” he prayed. “Please give me success today, and show unfailing love to my master, Abraham.
13See, I am standing here beside this spring, and the young women of the town are coming out to draw water.
14This is my request. I will ask one of them, ‘Please give me a drink from your jug.’ If she says, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’—let her be the one you have selected as Isaac’s wife. This is how I will know that you have shown unfailing love to my master.”
15Before he had finished praying, he saw a young woman named Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham’s brother Nahor and his wife, Milcah.
16Rebekah was very beautiful and old enough to be married, but she was still a virgin. She went down to the spring, filled her jug, and came up again.
17Running over to her, the servant said, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
18“Yes, my lord,” she answered, “have a drink.” And she quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and gave him a drink.
19When she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels, too, until they have had enough to drink.”
20So she quickly emptied her jug into the watering trough and ran back to the well to draw water for all his camels.
21The servant watched her in silence, wondering whether or not the Lord had given him success in his mission.
22Then at last, when the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring for her nose and two large gold bracelets for her wrists.
23“Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “And please tell me, would your father have any room to put us up for the night?”
24“I am the daughter of Bethuel,” she replied. “My grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.
25Yes, we have plenty of straw and feed for the camels, and we have room for guests.”
26The man bowed low and worshiped the Lord.
27“Praise the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham,” he said. “The Lord has shown unfailing love and faithfulness to my master, for he has led me straight to my master’s relatives.”
28The young woman ran home to tell her family everything that had happened.
29Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, who ran out to meet the man at the spring.
30He had seen the nose-ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man had said. So he rushed out to the spring, where the man was still standing beside his camels.
31Laban said to him, “Come and stay with us, you who are blessed by the Lord! Why are you standing here outside the town when I have a room all ready for you and a place prepared for the camels?”
32So the man went home with Laban, and Laban unloaded the camels, gave him straw for their bedding, fed them, and provided water for the man and the camel drivers to wash their feet.
33Then food was served. But Abraham’s servant said, “I don’t want to eat until I have told you why I have come.” “All right,” Laban said, “tell us.”
34“I am Abraham’s servant,” he explained.
35“And the Lord has greatly blessed my master; he has become a wealthy man. The Lord has given him flocks of sheep and goats, herds of cattle, a fortune in silver and gold, and many male and female servants and camels and donkeys.
36“When Sarah, my master’s wife, was very old, she gave birth to my master’s son, and my master has given him everything he owns.
37And my master made me take an oath. He said, ‘Do not allow my son to marry one of these local Canaanite women.
38Go instead to my father’s house, to my relatives, and find a wife there for my son.’
39“But I said to my master, ‘What if I can’t find a young woman who is willing to go back with me?’
40He responded, ‘The Lord, in whose presence I have lived, will send his angel with you and will make your mission successful. Yes, you must find a wife for my son from among my relatives, from my father’s family.
41Then you will have fulfilled your obligation. But if you go to my relatives and they refuse to let her go with you, you will be free from my oath.’
42“So today when I came to the spring, I prayed this prayer: ‘O Lord, God of my master, Abraham, please give me success on this mission.
43See, I am standing here beside this spring. This is my request. When a young woman comes to draw water, I will say to her, “Please give me a little drink of water from your jug.”
44If she says, “Yes, have a drink, and I will draw water for your camels, too,” let her be the one you have selected to be the wife of my master’s son.’
45“Before I had finished praying in my heart, I saw Rebekah coming out with her water jug on her shoulder. She went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’
46She quickly lowered her jug from her shoulder and said, ‘Yes, have a drink, and I will water your camels, too!’ So I drank, and then she watered the camels.
47“Then I asked, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘I am the daughter of Bethuel, and my grandparents are Nahor and Milcah.’ So I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her wrists.
48“Then I bowed low and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master, Abraham, because he had led me straight to my master’s niece to be his son’s wife.
49So tell me—will you or won’t you show unfailing love and faithfulness to my master? Please tell me yes or no, and then I’ll know what to do next.”
50Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The Lord has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say.
51Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”
52When Abraham’s servant heard their answer, he bowed down to the ground and worshiped the Lord.
53Then he brought out silver and gold jewelry and clothing and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave expensive presents to her brother and mother.
54Then they ate their meal, and the servant and the men with him stayed there overnight. But early the next morning, Abraham’s servant said, “Send me back to my master.”
55“But we want Rebekah to stay with us at least ten days,” her brother and mother said. “Then she can go.”
56But he said, “Don’t delay me. The Lord has made my mission successful; now send me back so I can return to my master.”
57“Well,” they said, “we’ll call Rebekah and ask her what she thinks.”
58So they called Rebekah. “Are you willing to go with this man?” they asked her. And she replied, “Yes, I will go.”
59So they said good-bye to Rebekah and sent her away with Abraham’s servant and his men. The woman who had been Rebekah’s childhood nurse went along with her.
60They gave her this blessing as she parted: “Our sister, may you become the mother of many millions! May your descendants be strong and conquer the cities of their enemies.”
61Then Rebekah and her servant girls mounted the camels and followed the man. So Abraham’s servant took Rebekah and went on his way.
62Meanwhile, Isaac, whose home was in the Negev, had returned from Beer-lahai-roi.
63One evening as he was walking and meditating in the fields, he looked up and saw the camels coming.
64When Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she quickly dismounted from her camel.
65“Who is that man walking through the fields to meet us?” she asked the servant. And he replied, “It is my master.” So Rebekah covered her face with her veil.
66Then the servant told Isaac everything he had done.
67And Isaac brought Rebekah into his mother Sarah’s tent, and she became his wife. He loved her deeply, and she was a special comfort to him after the death of his mother.
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