Genesis24
World English Bible · Public Domain
1Abraham was old, and well advanced in age. Yahweh had blessed Abraham in all things.
2Abraham said to his servant, the elder of his house, who ruled over all that he had, “Please put your hand under my thigh.
3I will make you swear by Yahweh, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live.
4But you shall go to my country, and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.”
5The servant said to him, “What if the woman isn’t willing to follow me to this land? Must I bring your son again to the land you came from?”
6Abraham said to him, “Beware that you don’t bring my son there again.
7Yahweh, the God of heaven—who took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my birth, who spoke to me, and who swore to me, saying, ‘I will give this land to your offspring—he will send his angel before you, and you shall take a wife for my son from there.
8If the woman isn’t willing to follow you, then you shall be clear from this oath to me. Only you shall not bring my son there again.”
9The servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and swore to him concerning this matter.
10The servant took ten of his master’s camels, and departed, having a variety of good things of his master’s with him. He arose, and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor.
11He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water.
12He said, “Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, please give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
13Behold, I am standing by the spring of water. The daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water.
14Let it happen, that the young lady to whom I will say, ‘Please let down your pitcher, that I may drink,’ then she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink,’—let her be the one you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”
15Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher on her shoulder.
16The young lady was very beautiful to look at, a virgin. No man had known her. She went down to the spring, filled her pitcher, and came up.
17The servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please give me a drink, a little water from your pitcher.”
18She said, “Drink, my lord.” She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand, and gave him a drink.
19When she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will also draw for your camels, until they have finished drinking.”
20She hurried, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again to the well to draw, and drew for all his camels.
21The man looked steadfastly at her, remaining silent, to know whether Yahweh had made his journey prosperous or not.
22As the camels had done drinking, the man took a golden ring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold,
23and said, “Whose daughter are you? Please tell me. Is there room in your father’s house for us to stay?”
24She said to him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor.”
25She said moreover to him, “We have both straw and feed enough, and room to lodge in.”
26The man bowed his head, and worshiped Yahweh.
27He said, “Blessed be Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken his loving kindness and his truth toward my master. As for me, Yahweh has led me on the way to the house of my master’s relatives.”
28The young lady ran, and told her mother’s house about these words.
29Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban. Laban ran out to the man, to the spring.
30When he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he came to the man. Behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring.
31He said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”
32The man came into the house, and he unloaded the camels. He gave 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 my message.” Laban said, “Speak on.”
34He said, “I am Abraham’s servant.
35Yahweh has blessed my master greatly. He has become great. Yahweh has given him flocks and herds, silver and gold, male servants and female servants, and camels and donkeys.
36Sarah, my master’s wife, bore a son to my master when she was old. He has given all that he has to him.
37My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live,
38but you shall go to my father’s house, and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son.’
39I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not follow me?’
40He said to me, ‘Yahweh, before whom I walk, will send his angel with you, and prosper your way. You shall take a wife for my son from my relatives, and of my father’s house.
41Then you will be clear from my oath, when you come to my relatives. If they don’t give her to you, you shall be clear from my oath.’
42I came today to the spring, and said, ‘Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, if now you do prosper my way which I go—
43behold, I am standing by this spring of water. Let it happen, that the maiden who comes out to draw, to whom I will say, “Please give me a little water from your pitcher to drink,”
44then she tells me, “Drink, and I will also draw for your camels,”—let her be the woman whom Yahweh has appointed for my master’s son.’
45Before I had finished speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. She went down to the spring, and drew. I said to her, ‘Please let me drink.’
46She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.’ So I drank, and she also gave the camels a drink.
47I asked her, and said, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bore to him.’ I put the ring on her nose, and the bracelets on her hands.
48I bowed my head, and worshiped Yahweh, and blessed Yahweh, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter for his son.
49Now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me. If not, tell me, that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.”
50Then Laban and Bethuel answered, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We can’t speak to you bad or good.
51Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take her, and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as Yahweh has spoken.”
52When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed himself down to the earth to Yahweh.
53The servant brought out jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and clothing, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and her mother.
54They ate and drank, he and the men who were with him, and stayed all night. They rose up in the morning, and he said, “Send me away to my master.”
55Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young lady stay with us a few days, at least ten. After that she will go.”
56He said to them, “Don’t hinder me, since Yahweh has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.”
57They said, “We will call the young lady, and ask her.”
58They called Rebekah, and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will go.”
59They sent away Rebekah, their sister, with her nurse, Abraham’s servant, and his men.
60They blessed Rebekah, and said to her, “Our sister, may you be the mother of thousands of ten thousands, and let your offspring possess the gate of those who hate them.”
61Rebekah arose with her ladies. They rode on the camels, and followed the man. The servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
62Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he lived in the land of the South.
63Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the evening. He lifted up his eyes and looked. Behold, there were camels coming.
64Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she got off the camel.
65She said to the servant, “Who is the man who is walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” She took her veil, and covered herself.
66The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.
67Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife. 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