1Y ABRAHAMH85 era viejoH2204, y bien entradoH935 en díasH3117; y JehováH3068 había bendecidoH1288 á AbrahamH85 en todoH3605. 2Y dijoH559 AbrahamH85 á un criadoH5650 suyo, el más viejoH2205 de su casaH1004, que era el que gobernabaH4910 en todoH3605 lo queH834 tenía: PonH7760 ahoraH4994 tu manoH3027 debajoH8478 de mi musloH3409, 3Y te juramentaréH7650 por JehováH3068, DiosH430 de los cielosH8064 y DiosH430 de la tierraH776, queH834 noH3808 has de tomar mujerH802 para mi hijoH1121 de las hijasH1323 de los CananeosH3669, entreH7130 los cualesH834 yoH595 habitoH3427; 4SinoH3588 que irásH3212 á mi tierraH776 y á mi parentelaH4138, y tomarásH3947 mujerH802 para mi hijoH1121 IsaacH3327. 5Y el criadoH5650 leH413 respondióH559: QuizáH194 la mujerH802 noH3808 querráH14 venirH3212 en posH310 de mí á estaH2063 tierraH776: ¿volveréH7725 H7725, pues, tu hijoH1121 á la tierraH776 deH834 dondeH8033 salisteH3318? 6Y AbrahamH85 leH413 dijoH559: GuárdateH8104 queH6435 no vuelvasH7725 á mi hijoH1121 alláH8033. 7JehováH3068, DiosH430 de los cielosH8064, queH834 me tomóH3947 de la casaH1004 de mi padreH1 y de la tierraH776 de mi parentelaH4138, y me hablóH1696 y me juróH7650, diciendoH559: A tu simienteH2233 daréH5414 estaH2063 tierraH776; élH1931 enviaráH7971 suH1931 ángelH4397 delanteH6440 de ti, y tú tomarás de alláH8033 mujerH802 para mi hijoH1121. 8Y siH518 la mujerH802 noH3808 quisiereH14 venirH3212 en posH310 de ti, serás libreH5352 de esteH2063 mi juramentoH7621; solamenteH7535 que noH3808 vuelvasH7725 alláH8033 á mi hijoH1121. 9Entonces el criadoH5650 pusoH7760 su manoH3027 debajoH8478 del musloH3409 de AbrahamH85 su señorH113, y juróleH7650 sobreH5921 esteH2088 negocioH1697. 10Y el criadoH5650 tomóH3947 diezH6235 camellosH1581 de los camellosH1581 de su señorH113, y fuéseH3212, pues tenía á su disposiciónH3027 todosH3605 los bienes de su señorH113: y puesto en caminoH6965, llegóH3212 á MesopotamiaH763, á la ciudadH5892 de NachôrH5152. 11E hizo arrodillarH1288 los camellosH1581 fueraH2351 de la ciudadH5892, junto á un pozoH875 de aguaH4325, á la horaH6256 de la tardeH6153, á la horaH6256 en que salenH3318 las mozas por aguaH7579. 12Y dijoH559: JehováH3068, DiosH430 de mi señorH113 AbrahamH85, dameH6440, te ruegoH4994, el tener hoyH3117 buen encuentroH7136, y hazH6213 misericordiaH2617 conH5973 mi señorH113 AbrahamH85. 13He aquíH2009 yoH595 estoyH5324 juntoH5921 á la fuenteH5869 de agua, y las hijasH1323 de los varonesH582 de esta ciudadH5892 salenH3318 porH7579 aguaH4325: 14SeaH1961, pues, que la mozaH5291 á quienH834 yo dijereH559: BajaH5186 tuH853 cántaroH3537, te ruegoH4994, para que yo bebaH8354; y ella respondiereH559: BebeH8354, y tambiénH1571 daré de beberH8248 á tus camellosH1581: que seaH1961 ésta la que tú has destinadoH3198 para tuH853 siervoH5650 IsaacH3327; y en esto conoceréH3045 queH3588 habrás hechoH6213 misericordiaH2617 conH5973 mi señorH113. 15Y acontecióH1961 que antesH2962 que élH1931 acabaseH3615 de hablarH1696, he aquíH2009 RebecaH7259, queH834 había nacidoH3205 á BethuelH1328, hijoH1121 de MilcaH4435, mujerH802 de NachôrH5152 hermanoH251 de AbrahamH85, la cual salíaH3318 con suH1931 cántaroH3537 sobreH5921 suH1931 hombroH7926. 16Y la mozaH5291 era de muyH3966 hermosoH2896 aspectoH4758, virgenH1330, á la que varónH376 noH3808 había conocidoH3045; la cual descendióH3381 á la fuenteH5869, y llenóH4390 su cántaroH3537, y se volvíaH5927. 17Entonces el criadoH5650 corrióH7323 haciaH7125 ella, y dijoH559: RuégoteH4994 que me des á beberH1572 un pocoH4592 de aguaH4325 de tu cántaroH3537. 18Y ella respondióH559: BebeH8354, señorH113 mío: y dióse prisaH4116 á bajarH3381 su cántaroH3537 sobreH5921 su manoH3027, y le dió á beberH8248. 19Y cuando acabóH3615 de darle á beberH8248, dijoH559: TambiénH1571 para tus camellosH1581 sacaréH7579 agua, hastaH5704 queH518 acabenH3615 de beberH8354. 20Y dióse prisaH4116, y vacióH6168 su cántaroH3537 enH413 la pilaH8268, y corrióH7323 otraH5750 vez alH413 pozoH875 para sacarH7579 agua, y sacóH7579 para todosH3605 sus camellosH1581. 21Y el hombreH376 estaba maravilladoH7583 de ella, callandoH2790, para saberH3045 si JehováH3068 había prosperadoH6743 óH518 noH3808 su viajeH1870. 22Y fué que como los camellosH1581 acabaronH3615 de beberH8354, presentóle el hombreH376 un pendienteH5141 de oroH2091 que pesabaH4948 medio sicloH1235, y dosH8147 brazaletesH6781 que pesabanH4948 diezH6235: 23Y dijoH559: ¿De quiénH4310 eres hijaH1323? RuégoteH4994 me digasH5046, ¿hayH3426 lugarH4725 en casaH1004 de tuH859 padreH1 donde posemosH587? 24Y ella respondióH559: SoyH595 hijaH1323 de BethuelH1328, hijoH1121 de MilcaH4435, el cualH834 parióH3205 ella á NachôrH5152. 25Y añadióH559: TambiénH1571 hay en nuestra casa pajaH8401 y muchoH7227 forrajeH4554, y lugarH4725 para posarH3885. 26El hombreH376 entonces se inclinóH6915, y adoróH7812 á JehováH3068. 27Y dijoH559: BenditoH1288 sea JehováH3068, DiosH430 de mi amoH113 AbrahamH85, queH834 noH3808 apartóH5800 H5973 su misericordiaH2617 y su verdadH571 de mi amoH113, guiándomeH5148 JehováH3068 en el caminoH1870 á casaH1004 de los hermanosH251 de mi amoH113. 28Y la mozaH5291 corrióH7323, é hizo saberH5046 en casaH1004 de su madreH517 estasH428 cosasH1697. 29Y RebecaH7259 tenía un hermanoH251 que se llamabaH8034 LabánH3837, el cual corrióH7323 afueraH2351 al hombreH376, á la fuenteH5869; 30Y fué que como vióH7200 el pendienteH5141 y los brazaletesH6781 enH5921 las manosH3027 de su hermanaH269, que decíaH559, AsíH3541 meH413 hablóH1696 aquel hombreH376; vinoH935 á él: y he aquíH2009 que estabaH5975 juntoH5921 á los camellosH1581 á la fuenteH5869. 31Y díjoleH559: VenH935, benditoH1288 de JehováH3068; ¿por quéH4100 estásH5975 fueraH2351? yo he limpiado la casaH1004, y el lugarH4725 para los camellosH1581. 32Entonces el hombreH376 vinoH935 á casaH1004, y Labán desatóH6605 los camellosH1581; y diólesH5414 pajaH8401 y forrajeH4554, y aguaH4325 para lavarH7364 los piésH7272 de él, y los piésH7272 de los hombresH582 queH834 conH854 él venían. 33Y pusiéronleH7760 H3455 delanteH6440 qué comerH398; mas él dijoH559: NoH3808 comeréH398 hastaH5704 queH518 haya dichoH1697 mi mensajeH1696. Y él le dijoH559: HablaH1696. 34Entonces dijoH559: YoH595 soy criadoH5650 de AbrahamH85; 35Y JehováH3068 ha bendecidoH1288 muchoH3966 á mi amoH113, y él se ha engrandecidoH1431: y le ha dadoH5414 ovejasH6629 y vacasH1241, plataH3701 y oroH2091, siervosH5650 y siervasH8198, camellosH1581 y asnosH2543. 36Y SaraH8283, mujerH802 de mi amoH113, parióH3205 en su vejezH2209 un hijoH1121 á mi señorH113, quien le ha dadoH5414 todoH3605 cuanto tieneH834. 37Y mi amoH113 me hizo jurarH7650, diciendoH559: NoH3808 tomarásH3947 mujerH802 para mi hijoH1121 de las hijasH1323 de los CananeosH3669, en cuya tierraH776 habitoH3427; 38SinoH518 H3808 que irásH3212 á la casaH1004 de mi padreH1, y á mi parentelaH4940, y tomarásH3947 mujerH802 para mi hijoH1121. 39Y yo dijeH559: QuizásH194 la mujerH802 noH3808 querráH3212 seguirmeH310. 40Entonces él meH413 respondióH559: JehováH3068, en cuyaH834 presenciaH6440 he andadoH1980, enviaráH7971 su ángelH4397 contigoH854, y prosperaráH6743 tu caminoH1870; y tomarásH3947 mujerH802 para mi hijoH1121 de mi linaje y de la casaH1004 de mi padreH1: 41EntoncesH227 serás libreH5352 de mi juramentoH423, cuandoH3588 hubieres llegadoH935 á mi linaje; y siH518 noH3808 te la dierenH5414, serásH1961 libreH5355 de mi juramentoH423. 42LleguéH935, pues, hoyH3117 á la fuenteH5869, y dijeH559: JehováH3068, DiosH430 de mi señorH113 AbrahamH85, siH518 túH3426 prosperasH6743 ahoraH4994 mi caminoH1870 porH5921 el cualH834 andoH1980; 43He aquíH2009 yoH595 estoyH5324 juntoH5921 á la fuenteH5869 de agua; seaH1961, pues, que la doncella que saliereH3318 por aguaH7579, á la cual dijereH559: Dame á beberH8248, te ruegoH4994, un pocoH4592 de aguaH4325 de tu cántaroH3537; 44Y ella meH413 respondiereH559, BebeH8354 túH859, y tambiénH1571 para tusH859 camellosH1581 sacaréH7579 agua: éstaH1931 sea la mujerH802 queH834 destinóH3198 JehováH3068 para el hijoH1121 de mi señorH113. 45Y antesH2962 que acabaseH3615 de hablarH1696 enH413 miH589 corazónH3820, he aquíH2009 RebecaH7259, que salíaH3318 con su cántaroH3537 sobreH5921 su hombroH7926; y descendióH3381 á la fuenteH5869, y sacóH7579 agua; y leH413 dijeH559: RuégoteH4994 que meH589 des á beberH8248. 46Y prestamente bajóH3381 su cántaroH3537 de encimaH5921 de sí, y dijoH559: BebeH8354, y tambiénH1571 á tus camellosH1581 daré á beberH8248. Y bebíH8354, y dió tambiénH1571 de beberH8248 á mis camellosH1581. 47Entonces preguntéleH7592, y dijeH559: ¿De quiénH4310 eres hijaH1323? Y ella respondióH559: HijaH1323 de BethuelH1328, hijoH1121 de NachôrH5152, queH834 le parióH3205 MilcaH4435. Entonces púsele un pendienteH5141 sobre su narizH639, y brazaletesH6781 sobre sus manosH3027: 48E inclinémeH6915, y adoréH7812 á JehováH3068, y bendijeH1288 á JehováH3068, DiosH430 de mi señorH113 AbrahamH85, queH834 me había guiadoH5148 por caminoH1870 de verdadH571 para tomarH3947 la hijaH1323 del hermanoH251 de mi señorH113 para su hijoH1121. 49AhoraH6258 pues, siH518 vosotrosH3426 hacéisH6213 misericordiaH2617 y verdadH571 conH854 mi señorH113, declarádmeloH5046; y siH518 noH3808, declarádmeloH5046; y echaréH6437 á la diestraH3225 óH176 á la siniestraH8040. 50Entonces LabánH3837 y BethuelH1328 respondieronH6030 y dijeronH559: De JehováH3068 ha salidoH3318 estoH1697; noH3808 podemosH3201 hablarteH1696 maloH7451 niH176 buenoH2896. 51He ahíH2009 RebecaH7259 delanteH6440 de ti; tómalaH3947 y veteH3212, y sea mujerH802 del hijoH1121 de tu señorH113, comoH834 lo ha dichoH1696 JehováH3068. 52Y fué, que como el criadoH5650 de AbrahamH85 oyóH8085 sus palabrasH1697, inclinóseH7812 á tierraH776 á JehováH3068. 53Y sacóH3318 el criadoH5650 vasosH3627 de plataH3701, y vasos de oroH2091 y vestidosH899, y dióH5414 á RebecaH7259: también dióH5414 cosas preciosasH4030 á su hermanoH251 y á su madreH517. 54Y comieronH398 y bebieronH8354 élH1931 y los varonesH582 queH834 venían conH5973 élH1931, y durmieronH3885; y levantándoseH6965 de mañanaH1242, dijoH559: EnviadmeH7971 á mi señorH113. 55Entonces respondió su hermanoH251 y su madreH517: EspereH3427 la mozaH5291 conH854 nosotrosH587 á lo menosH176 diez díasH3117, y despuésH310 iráH3212. 56Y él lesH413 dijoH559: NoH408 me detengáisH309, pues que JehováH3068 ha prosperadoH6743 mi caminoH1870; despachadmeH7971 para que me vayaH3212 á mi señorH113. 57Ellos respondieronH559 entonces: LlamemosH7121 la mozaH5291 y preguntémosleH7592 H6310. 58Y llamaronH7121 á RebecaH7259, y dijéronleH559: ¿IrásH3212 tú conH5973 esteH2088 varónH376? Y ella respondióH559: Sí , iréH3212. 59Entonces dejaron irH7971 á RebecaH7259 su hermanaH269, y á su nodrizaH3243, y al criadoH5650 de AbrahamH85 y á sus hombresH582. 60Y bendijeronH1288 á RebecaH7259, y dijéronleH559: NuestraH587 hermanaH269 eres; seas en millaresH505 de millaresH7233, y tu generaciónH2233 poseaH3423 la puertaH8179 de sus enemigosH8130. 61LevantóseH6965 entonces RebecaH7259 y sus mozasH5291, y subieronH7392 sobre los camellosH1581, y siguieronH3212 al hombreH376; y el criadoH5650 tomóH3947 á RebecaH7259, y fuéseH3212. 62Y veníaH935 IsaacH3327 del pozo del Viviente que me veH883; porque élH1931 habitabaH3427 en la tierra del MediodíaH5045; 63Y había salidoH3318 IsaacH3327 á orar al campoH7704, á la horaH6437 de la tardeH6153; y alzandoH5375 sus ojosH5869 miróH7200, y he aquíH2009 los camellosH1581 que veníanH935. 64RebecaH7259 también alzóH5375 sus ojosH5869, y vióH7200 á IsaacH3327, y descendióH5307 delH5921 camelloH1581; 65Porque había preguntadoH559 alH413 criadoH5650: ¿QuiénH4310 es este varónH376 que vieneH1980 por el campoH7704 haciaH7125 nosotros? Y el siervo había respondidoH559: EsteH1931 es mi señorH113. Ella entonces tomóH3947 el veloH6809, y cubrióseH3680. 66Entonces el criadoH5650 contóH5608 á IsaacH3327 todoH3605 H1697 lo queH834 había hechoH6213. 67E introdújolaH935 IsaacH3327 á la tiendaH168 de su madreH517 SaraH8283, y tomóH3947 á RebecaH7259 por mujerH802; y amólaH157: y consolóseH5162 IsaacH3327 despuésH310 de la muerte de su madreH517.
Matthew Henry - Complete Commentary 1 Three things we may observe here concerning Abraham: -
I. The care he took of a good son, to get him married, well married. It was high time to think of it now, for Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner,
Gen 11:14,
Gen 11:18,
Gen 11:22,
Gen 11:24. Abraham believed the promise of the building up of his family, and therefore did not make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two considerations moved him to think of it now (
Gen 24:1): - 1. That he himself was likely to leave the world quickly, for he was
old, and well-stricken in age, and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son settled before he died; and, 2. That he had a good estate to leave behind him, for
the Lord had blessed him in all things; and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how much religion and piety befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham's pious care concerning his son was, (1.) That he should not marry a daughter of Canaan, but one of his kindred. He saw that the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew by revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to his name. (2.) That yet he should not leave the land of Canaan, to go himself among his kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle there. This caution is given
Gen 24:6, and repeated,
Gen 24:8.
Bring not my son thither again, whatever comes of it. Let him rather want a wife than expose himself to that temptation. Note, Parents in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Those who through grace have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly, should take heed of doing any thing by which they may be again entangled therein and overcome,
2Pet 2:20. Beware that you bring them not thither again,
Hebre 11:15.
II. The charge he gave to a good servant, probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and his family, he had had long experience. He trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this
steward of his house. This matter is settled between the master and the servant with a great deal of care and solemnity. 1. The servant must be bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among his relations,
Gen 24:2-
Gen 24:4. Abraham swears him to it, both for his own satisfaction and for the engagement of his servant to all possible care and diligence in this matter. Thus God swears his servants to their work, that, having sworn, they may perform it. Honour is here done to the eternal God; for he it is that is sworn by, to whom alone these appeals ought to be made. And some think honour is done to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of
putting his hand under his thigh. Note, Swearing being an ordinance not peculiar to the church, but common to mankind, is to be performed by such signs as are the appointments and common usages of our country, for binding the person sworn. 2. He must be clear of this oath if, when he had done his utmost, he could not prevail. This proviso the servant prudently inserted (
Gen 24:5), putting the case that the woman would not follow him; and Abraham allowed the exception,
Gen 24:8. Note, Oaths are to be taken with great caution, and the matter sworn to should be rightly understood and limited, because it is a
snare to devour that which is holy, and, after vows, to make the enquiry which should have been made before.
III. The confidence he put in a good God, who, he doubts not, will give his servant success in this undertaking,
Gen 24:7. He remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his nativity, by the effectual call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but he will succeed him in his care not to bring his son thither again. He remembers also the promise God had made and confirmed to him that he would give Canaan to his seed, and thence infers that God would own him in his endeavours to match his son, not among those devoted nations, but to one that was fit to be the mother of such a seed. Fear not therefore; he shall send his angel before thee to make thy way prosperous. Note, 1. Those that carefully keep in the way of duty, and govern themselves by the principles of their religion in their designs and undertakings, have good reason to expect prosperity and success in them. God will cause that to issue in our comfort in which we sincerely aim at his glory. 2. God's promises, and our own experiences, are sufficient to encourage our dependence upon God, and our expectations from him, in all the affairs of this life. 3. God's angels are ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but for the guidance, of the heirs of promise,
Hebre 1:14.
He shall send his angel before thee, and then thou wilt speed well.
10 Abraham's servant now begins to make a figure in this story; and, though he is not named, yet much is here recorded to his honour, and for an example to all servants, who shall be honoured if, by faithfully serving God and their masters, they adorn the doctrine of Christ (compare
Prov 27:18 with
Titus 2:10); for there is no respect of persons with God,
Colos 3:24,
Colos 3:25. A good servant that makes conscience of the duty of his place, and does it in the fear of God, though he make not a figure in the world nor have praise of men, yet shall be owned and accepted of God and have praise of him. Observe here,
I. How faithful Abraham's servant approved himself to his master. Having received his charge, he with all expedition set out on his journey, with an equipage suitable to the object of his negotiation (
Gen 24:10),
and he had all the goods of his master, that is, a schedule or particular account of them,
in his hand, to show to those with whom he was to treat; for, from first to last, he consulted his master's honour. Isaac being a type of Christ, some make this fetching of a wife for him to signify the espousing of the church by the agency of his servants the ministers. The church is the bride, the Lamb's wife,
Revel 21:9. Christ is the bridegroom, and ministers are the friends of the bridegroom (
John 3:29), whose work it is to persuade souls to consent to him,
2Cor 11:2. The spouse of Christ must not be of the Canaanites, but of his own kindred, born again from above. Ministers, like Abraham's servant, must lay out themselves with the utmost wisdom and care to serve their master's interest herein.
II. How devoutly he acknowledged God in this affair, like one of that happy household which Abraham had
commanded to keep the way of the Lord, etc.,
Gen 18:19. He arrived early in the evening (after many days' journeying) at the place of his destination, and reposed himself by a well of water, to consider how he might manage his business for the best. And,
1. He acknowledges God by a particular prayer (
Gen 24:12-
Gen 24:14), wherein, (1.) He petitions for prosperity and good success in this affair:
Send me good speed, this day. Note, We have leave to be particular in recommending our affairs to the conduct and care of the divine Providence. Those that would have good speed must pray for it.
This day, in this affair; thus we must, in all our ways, acknowledge God,
Prov 3:6. And, if we thus look up to God in every undertaking which we are in care about, we shall have the comfort of having done our duty, whatever the issue be. (2.) He pleads God's covenant with his master Abraham:
O God of my master Abraham, show kindness to him. Note, As the children of good parents, so the servants of good masters, have peculiar encouragement in the prayers they offer to God for prosperity and success. (3.) He proposes a sign (
Gen 24:14), not by it to limit God, nor with a design to proceed no further if he were not gratified in it; but it is a prayer, [1.] That God would provide a good wife for his young master, and this was a good prayer. He knew that
a prudent wife is from the Lord (
Prov 19:14), and therefore that for this he will be enquired of. He desires that his master's wife might be humble and industrious woman, bred up to care and labour, and willing to put her hand to any work that was to be done; and that she might be of a courteous disposition, and charitable to strangers. When he came to seek a wife for his master, he did not go to the playhouse or the park, and pray that he might meet one there, but to
the well of water, expecting to find one there well employed. [2.] That he would please to make his way, in this matter, plain and clear before him, by the concurrence of minute circumstances in his favour. Note,
First, It is the comfort, as well as the belief, of a good man, that God's providence extends itself to the smallest occurrences and admirably serves its own purposes by them. Our times are in God's hand; not only events themselves, but the times of them.
Secondly, It is our wisdom, in all our affairs, to follow Providence, and folly to force it.
Thirdly, It is very desirable, and that which we may lawfully pray for, while in the general we set God's will before us as our rule, that he will, by hints of providence, direct us in the way of our duty, and give us indications what his mind it. Thus he guides his people with his eye (
Pss 32:8), and leads them in a plain path,
Pss 27:11.
2. God owns him by a particular providence. He decreed the thing, and it was established to him,
Job 22:28. According to his faith, so was it unto him. The answer to this prayer was, (1.) Speedy -
before he had made an end of speaking (
Gen 24:15), as it is written (
Isa 65:24),
While they are yet speaking, I will hear. Though we are backward to pray, God is forward to hear prayer. (2.) Satisfactory: the first that came to draw water was, and did, in every thing, according to his own heart. [1.] She was so well qualified that in all respects she answered the characters he wished for in the woman that was to be his master's wife, handsome and healthful, humble and industrious, very courteous and obliging to a stranger, and having all the marks of a good disposition. When she came to the well (
Gen 24:16), 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 and 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 nor confidently enter into discourse with him, but modestly answered him, with all the decorum that became her sex. What a degenerate age do we live in, in which appear all the instances of pride, luxury, and laziness, the reverse of Rebekah's character, whose daughters few are! Those instances of goodness which were then in honour are now in contempt. [2.] Providence so ordered it that she did that which exactly answered to his sign, and was wonderfully the counterpart of his proposal: she not only gave him drink, but, which was more than could have been expected, she offered her services to give his camels drink, which was the very sign he proposed. Note,
First, God, in his providence, does sometimes wonderfully own the prayer of faith, and gratify the innocent desires of his praying people, even in little things, that he may show the extent of his care, and may encourage them at all times to seek to him and trust in him; yet we must take heed of being over-bold in prescribing to God, lest the event should weaken our faith rather than strengthen it.
Secondly, It is good to take all opportunities of showing a humble, courteous, charitable, disposition, because, some time or other, it may turn more to our honour and benefit than we think of; some hereby have entertained angels, and Rebekah hereby, quite beyond her expectation at this time, was brought into the line of Christ and the covenant.
Thirdly, There may be a great deal of obliging kindness in that which costs but little: our Saviour has promised a reward for a cup of cold water,
Matt 10:42.
Fourthly, The concurrence of providences and their minute circumstances, for the furtherance of our success in any business, ought to be particularly observed, with wonder and thankfulness, to the glory of God:
The man wondered, Gen 24:21. We have been wanting to ourselves, both in duty and in comfort, by neglecting to observe Providence. [3.] Upon enquiry he found, to his great satisfaction, that she was a near relation to his master, and that the family she was of was considerable, and able to give him entertainment,
Gen 24:23-
Gen 24:25. Note, Providence sometimes wonderfully directs those that by faith and prayer seek direction from heaven in the choice of suitable yoke-fellows: happy marriages those are likely to be that are made in the fear of God; and these, we are sure, are made in heaven.
3. He acknowledges God in a particular thanksgiving. He first paid his respects to Rebekah, in gratitude for her civility (
Gen 24:22), obliging her with such ornaments and attire as a maid, especially a bride, cannot forget (
Jer 2:32), which yet, we should think, ill suited the
pitcher of water; but the ear-rings and bracelets she sometimes wore did not make her think herself above the labours of a virtuous woman (
Prov 31:13), who
works willingly with her hands; nor the services of a child, who, while
under age, differs nothing from a servant, Galat 4:1. Having done this, he turns his wonder (
Gen 24:21) into worshipping:
Blessed be the Lord God of my master Abraham, Gen 24:26,
Gen 24:27. Observe here, (1.) He had prayed for good speed (
Gen 24:12), and now that he had sped well he gives thanks. Note, What we win by prayer we must wear with praise; for mercies in answer to prayer lay us under particular obligations. (2.) He had as yet but a comfortable prospect of mercy, and was not certain what the issue might prove; yet he gives thanks. Note, When God's favours are coming towards us we must meet them with our praises. (3.) He blesses God for success when he was negotiating for his master. Note, We should be thankful for our friend's mercies as for our own. (4.) He gives thanks that, being in the way, at a loss what course to steer, the Lord had led him. Note, In doubtful cases, it is very comfortable to see God leading us, as he led Israel in the wilderness by the pillar of cloud and fire. (5.) He thinks himself very happy, and owns God in it, that he was led to the
house of his master's brethren, those of them that had come out of Ur of the Chaldees, though they had not come to Canaan, but remained in Haran. They were not idolaters, but worshippers of the true God, and inclinable to the religion of Abraham's family. Note, God is to be acknowledged in providing suitable yoke-fellows, especially such as are agreeable in religion. (6.) He acknowledges that God, herein, had not left his master
destitute of his mercy and truth. God had promised to build up Abraham's family, yet it seemed destitute of the benefit of that promise; but now Providence is working towards the accomplishing of it. Note, [1.] God's faithful ones, how destitute soever they may be of worldly comforts, shall never be left destitute of God's mercy and truth; for God's mercy is an inexhaustible fountain, and his truth an inviolable foundation. [2.] It adds much to the comfort of any blessing to see in it the continuance of God's mercy and truth.
29 We have here the making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah. It is related very largely and particularly, even to the minute circumstances, which, we should think, might have been spared, while other things of great moment and mystery (as the story of Melchizedek) are related in few words. Thus God conceals that which is curious from the wise and prudent, reveals to babes that which is common and level to their capacity (
Matt 11:25), and rules and
saves the world by the foolishness of preaching, 1Cor 1:21. Thus also we are directed to take notice of God's providence in the little common occurrences of human life, and in them also to exercise our own prudence and other graces; for the scripture was not intended for the use of philosophers and statesmen only, but to make us all wise and virtuous in the conduct of ourselves and families. Here is,
I. The very kind reception given to Abraham's servant by Rebekah's relations. Her brother Laban went to invite and conduct him in, but not till he saw the
ear-rings and the bracelets upon his sister's hands, Gen 24:30. O, thinks Laban, here is a man that there is something to be got by, a man that is rich and generous; we will be sure to bid him welcome! We know so much of Laban's character, by the following story, as to think that he would not have been so free of his entertainment if he had not hoped to be well paid for it, as he was,
Gen 24:53. Note,
A man's gift maketh room for him (
Prov 18:16),
which way soever it turneth, it prospereth, Prov 17:8. 1. The invitation was kind:
Come in, thou blessed of the Lord, Gen 24:31. They saw he was rich, and therefore pronounced him
blessed of the Lord; or, perhaps, because they heard from Rebekah (
Gen 24:28) or the gracious words which proceeded out of his mouth, they concluded him a good man, and therefore
blessed of the Lord. Note, Those that are blessed of God should be welcome to us. It is good owning those whom God owns. 2. The entertainment was kind,
Gen 24:32,
Gen 24:33. Both the house and stable were well furnished, and Abraham's servant was invited to the free use of both. Particular care was taken of the camels; for a
good man regardeth the life of his beast, Prov 12:10. If the ox knows his owner to serve him, the owner should know his ox to provide for him that which is fitting for him.
II. The full account which he gave them of his errand, and the court he made to them for their consent respecting Rebekah. Observe,
1. How intent he was upon his business; though he had come off a journey, and come to a good house, he would
not eat, till he had told his errand, Gen 24:33. Note, The doing of our work, and the fulfilling of our trusts, either for God or man, should be preferred by us before our necessary food: it was our Saviour's meat and drink,
John 4:34.
2. How ingenious he was in the management of it; he approved himself, in this matter, both a prudent man and a man of integrity, faithful to his master by whom he was trusted, and just to those with whom he now treated.
(1.) He gives a short account of the state of his master's family,
John 4:34-
John 4:36. He was welcome before, but we may suppose him doubly welcome when he said,
I am Abraham's servant. Abraham's name, no doubt, was well known among them and respected, and we might suppose them not altogether ignorant of his state, for Abraham knew theirs,
Gen 22:20-
Gen 22:24. Two things he suggests, to recommend his proposal: - [1.] That his master Abraham, through the blessing of God, had a very good estate; and, [2.] That he had settled it all upon Isaac, for whom he was now a suitor.
(2.) He tells them the charge his master had given him, to fetch a wife for his son from among his kindred, with the reason of it,
Gen 24:37,
Gen 24:38. Thus he insinuates a pleasing hint, that, though Abraham had removed to a country at so great a distance, yet he still retained the remembrance of his relations that he had left behind, and a respect for them. The highest degrees of divine affection must not divest us of natural affection. He likewise obviates an objection, That, if Isaac were deserving, he needed not send so far off for a wife: why did he not marry nearer home? For a good reason, says he; my master's son must not match with a Canaanite. He further recommends his proposal, [1.] From the faith his master had that it would succeed,
Gen 24:40. Abraham took encouragement from the testimony of his conscience that he
walked before God in a regular course of holy living, and thence inferred that God would prosper him; probably he refers to that covenant which God had made with him (
Gen 17:1),
I am God, all-sufficient, walk before me. Therefore, says he
the God before whom I walk will send his angel. Note, While we make conscience of our part of the covenant, we may take the comfort of God's part of it; and we should learn to apply general promises of particular cases, as there is occasion. [2.] From the care he himself had taken to preserve their liberty of giving or refusing their consent, as they should see cause, without incurring the guilt of perjury (
Gen 24:39-
Gen 24:41), which showed him, in general, to be a cautious man, and particularly careful that their consent might not be forced, but be either free or not at all.
(3.) He relates to them the wonderful concurrence of providences, to countenance and further the proposal, plainly showing the finger of God in it. [1.] He tells them how he had prayed for direction by a sign,
Gen 24:42-
Gen 24:44. Note, It is good dealing with those who be prayer take God along with them in their dealings. [2.] How God had answered his prayer in the very letter of it. Though he did but
speak in his heart (
Gen 24:45), which perhaps he mentions, lest it should be suspected that Rebekah had overheard his prayer and designedly humoured it. No, says he, I spoke
it in my heart, so that none heard it but God, to whom thought are word, and from him the answer came,
Gen 24:46,
Gen 24:47. [3.] How he had immediately acknowledged God's goodness to him therein,
leading him, as he here expresses it,
in the right way. Note, God's way is always the
right way (
Pss 107:7), and those are well led whom he leads.
(4.) He fairly refers the matter to their consideration, and waits their decision (
Gen 24:49):
If you will deal kindly and truly with my master, well and good: if you will be sincerely kind, you will accept the proposal, and I have what I came for; if not, do not hold me in suspense. Note, Those who deal fairly have reason to expect fair dealing.
(5.) They freely and cheerfully close with the proposal upon a very good principle (
Gen 24:50):
The thing proceedeth from the Lord, Providence smiles upon it, and we have nothing to say against it. They do not object distance of place, Abraham's forsaking them, or his having no land in possession, but person estate only: they do not question the truth of what this man said; but, [1.] They trust much to his integrity. It were well if honesty did so universally prevail among men that it might be as much an act of prudence as it is of good nature to take a man's word. [2.] They trust more to God's providence, and therefore by silence give consent, because it appears to be directed and disposed by Infinite Wisdom. Note, A marriage is then likely to be comfortable when it appears to proceed from the Lord.
(6.) Abraham's servant makes a thankful acknowledgment of the good success he had met with, [1.] To God:
He worshipped the Lord, Gen 24:52. Observe,
First, As his good success went on, he went on to bless God. Those that
pray without ceasing should
in every thing give thanks, and own God in every step of mercy.
Secondly, God sent his angel before him, and so gave him success,
Gen 24:7,
Gen 24:40. But when he has the desired success, he worships God, not the angel. Whatever benefit we have by the ministration of angels, all the glory must be given to the Lord of the angels,
Revel 22:9. [2.] He pays his respects to the family also, and particularly to the bride,
Gen 24:53. He presented her, and her mother, and brother, with many precious things, both to give a real proof of his master's riches and generosity and in gratitude for their civility to him, and further to ingratiate himself with them.
54 Rebekah is here taking leave of her father's house; and 1. Abraham's servant presses for a dismission. Though he and his company were very welcome, and very cheerful there, yet he said,
Send me away (
Gen 24:54), and again,
Gen 24:56. He knew his master would expect him home with some impatience; he had business to do at home which wanted him, and therefore, as one that preferred his work before his pleasure, he was for hastening home. Note, Lingering and loitering no way become a wise and good man; when we have despatched our business abroad we must not delay our return to our business at home, nor be longer from it than needs must; for as a bird that
wanders from her nest so is he that wanders from his place, Prov 27:8. 2. Rebekah's relations, from natural affection and according to the usual expression of kindness in that case, solicit for her stay some time among them,
Gen 24:55. They could not think of parting with her on a sudden, especially as she was about the remove so far off and it was not likely that they would ever see one another again:
Let her stay a few days, at least ten, which makes it as reasonable a request as the reading in the margin seems to make it unreasonable,
a year, or
at least ten months. They had consented to the marriage, and yet were loth to part with her. Note, It is an instance of the vanity of this world that there is nothing in it so agreeable but it has its alloy.
Nulla est sincera voluptas -
There is no unmingled pleasure. They were pleased that they had matched a daughter of their family so well, and yet, when it came to the last, it was with great reluctance that they sent her away. 3. Rebekah herself determined the matter. To her they appealed, as it was fit they should (
Gen 24:57):
Call the damsel (who had retired to her apartment with a modest silence) and
enquire at her mouth. Note, As children ought not to marry without their parents' consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own. Before the matter is resolved on, Ask at the damsel's mouth; she is a party principally concerned, and therefore ought to be principally consulted. Rebekah consented, not only to go, but to go immediately:
I will go, Gen 24:58. We may hope that the notice she had taken of the servant's piety and devotion gave her such an idea of the prevalence of religion and godliness in the family she was to go to made her desirous to hasten thither, and willing to forget her own people and her father's house, where religion had not so much the ascendant. 4. Hereupon she is sent away with Abraham's servant; not, we may suppose, the very next day after, but very quickly: her friends see that she has a good heart on it, and so they dismiss her, (1.) With suitable attendants - her
nurse (
Gen 24:59), her
damsels, Gen 24:61. It seems, then, that when she went to the well for water it was not because she had not servants at command, but because she took a pleasure in works of humble industry. Now that she was going among strangers, it was fit she should take those with her with whom she was acquainted. Here is nothing said of her portion. Her personal merits were a portion in her, she needed none with her, nor did that ever come into the treaty of marriage. (2.) With hearty good wishes:
They blessed Rebekah, Gen 24:60. Note, When our relations are entering into a new condition, we ought by prayer to recommend them to the blessing and grace of God. Now that she was going to be a wife, they prayed that she might be a mother both of a numerous and of a victorious progeny. Perhaps Abraham's servant had told them of the promise God had lately made to his master, which it is likely, Abraham acquainted his household with, that God
would multiply his seed as the stars of heaven, and that they should possess the gate of their enemies (
Gen 22:17), to which promise they had an eye in this blessing,
Be thou the mother of that seed.
62 Isaac and Rebekah are, at length, happily brought together. Observe,
I. Isaac was well employed when he met Rebekah:
He went out to meditate, or pray,
in the field, at the even-tide, Gen 24:62,
Gen 24:63. Some think he expected the return of his servants about this time, and went out on purpose to meet them. But, it should seem, he went out on another errand, to take the advantage of a silent evening and a solitary field for meditation and prayer, those divine exercises by which we converse with God and our own hearts. Note, 1. Holy souls love retirement. It will do us good to be often left alone, walking alone and sitting alone; and, if we have the art of improving solitude, we shall find we are never less alone than when alone. 2. Meditation and prayer ought to be both our business and our delight when we are alone; while we have a God, a Christ, and a heaven, to acquaint ourselves with, and to secure our interest in, we need not want matter either for meditation or prayer, which, if they go together, will mutually befriend each other. 3. Our walks in the field are then truly pleasant when in them we apply ourselves to meditation and prayer. We there have a free and open prospect of the heavens above us and the earth around us, and the host and riches of both, by the view of which we should be led to the contemplation of the Maker and owner of all. 4. The exercises of devotion should be the refreshment and entertainment of the evening, to relieve us from the fatigue occasioned by the care and business of the day, and to prepare us for the repose and sleep of the night. 5. Merciful providences are then doubly comfortable when they find us well employed and in the way of our duty. Some think Isaac was now praying for good success in this affair that was depending, and meditating upon that which was proper to encourage his hope in God concerning it; and now, when he sets himself, as it were, upon his watch-tower, to see what God would answer him, as the prophet (
Hab 2:1),
he sees the camels coming. Sometimes God sends in the mercy prayed for immediately,
Acts 12:12.
II. Rebekah behaved herself very becomingly, when she met Isaac: understanding who he was, she
alighted off her camel (
Gen 24:64), and
took a veil, and covered herself (
Gen 24:65), in token of humility, modesty, and subjection. She did not reproach Isaac for not coming himself to fetch her, or, at least, to meet her a day's journey or two, did not complain of the tediousness of her journey, or the difficulty of leaving her relations, to come into a strange place; but, having seen Providence going before her in the affair, she accommodates herself with cheerfulness to her new relation. Those that by faith are espoused to Christ, and would be presented as chaste virgins to him, must, in conformity to his example, humble themselves, as Rebekah, who alighted when she saw Isaac on foot, and must put themselves into subjection to him who is their head (
Ephes 5:24), as Rebekah, signifying it by the veil she put on,
1Cor 11:10.
III. They were brought together (probably after some further acquaintance), to their mutual comfort,
Gen 24:67. Observe here, 1. What an affectionate son he was to his mother: it was about three years since her death, and yet he was not, till now, comforted concerning it; the wound which that affliction gave to his tender spirit bled so long, and was never healed till God brought him into this new relation. Thus crosses and comforts are balances to each other (
Qoh 7:14), and help to keep the scale even. 2. What an affectionate husband he was to his wife. Note, Those that have approved themselves well in one relation, it may be hoped, will do so in another:
She became his wife, and he loved her; there was all the reason in the world why he should, for so
ought men to love their wives even an themselves. The duty of the relation is then done, and the comfort of the relation is then enjoyed, when mutual love governs; for
there the Lord commands the blessing.
