1By then Abraham was very old, and Jehovah had blest Abraham in everything. 2So Abraham said to his servant (the elder of his house, who was in charge of all his possessions), ‘Put your hand under my thigh, 3because I want you to swear by Jehovah the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you won’t take a wife for my son Isaac from the daughters of the CanaAnites, these [people] among whom I am living. 4Rather, I want you to go to my country – to the place where I was born and to my people – to find a wife for my son Isaac.’ 5And his servant replied, ‘But if the woman isn’t happy and willing to return with me to this land, then should I carry your son back to the land that you came from?’ 6And Abraham said to him, ‘Make sure that you don’t carry my son back there. 7Jehovah – the God of heaven and the God of earth, who took me out of my father’s house and out of the land where I was born, who spoke to me, and who swore to me, saying, I will give this land to you and to your seed, will send His messenger ahead of you, and you must take a wife for my son from there. 8And if the woman isn’t willing to come with you into this land, you will be free from this oath. Just don’t carry my son there again.’ 9So, the servant put his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham, and swore this to him. 10Then the servant took ten camels from his master’s herd, and [some of] his master’s valuables, and traveled through MesoPotamia to the city of Nahor. 11And toward evening, he rested his camels outside the city, by the well where the young women went to draw water. 12And he [prayed], ‘O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham; Bless what I’m doing today, and be merciful with my master Abraham. 13{Look!} Here I am standing by the well where the daughters of those who live in this city come to draw water. 14And may it be that, whichever virgin to whom I say, Bring down the water jar so that I can have a drink, and she replies, Take a drink, and I will also [pour water] for your camels to drink until they are satisfied, [I will believe that] this is the one who You’ve prepared for Your servant Isaac. And it [will be by this sign] that I’ll know whether You’ve been merciful to my master Abraham.’ 15And before he was even done speaking in his mind, {Look!} Rebecca, the daughter of BathuEl (who was the son of Melcha, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother) came there carrying a water jug on her shoulders. 16This virgin was very beautiful, and she was in fact a virgin… no man ever had sexual relations with her. She went down to the well, filled her water jug, and [walked back] up. 17Then [Abraham’s] servant ran to meet her, and said, ‘Give me a little water to drink from your pitcher.’ 18And she said, ‘Have a drink, Sir.’ So she quickly removed the pitcher [from her head] and allowed him to drink until he was finished. 19Then she said, ‘I’ll also draw water for your camels, until they all have enough to drink.’ 20And she quickly emptied the water jug into the trough, and then ran to the well to draw, until she had drawn enough water for all the camels. 21And the man really paid attention to her, but he didn’t say anything, because he wanted to know whether Jehovah was blessing this or not. 22And after all the camels were finished drinking, he gave her [two] gold earrings (each weighing about an eighth of an ounce), and he [put] two bracelets on her hands (they weighed about the same as ten gold coins), 23and he asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you… tell me! And is there room for us to lodge with your father?’ 24And she replied, ‘I’m the daughter of BathuEl, who is the son of Melcha and whose father was Nahor.’ 25And she added, ‘We have straw, a lot of fodder, and a place for [you to] rest.’ 26Then the man (who was very happy) bowed low to Jehovah 27and said, ‘May Jehovah the God of my master Abraham be praised, [because He] hasn’t allowed His righteousness or His truth to fail my master. Jehovah has led me right to the house of my lord’s brother!’ 28Well, the young maiden ran and reported what he said to the household of her mother. 29Now, Rebecca had a brother whose name was Laban; and Laban ran out to meet the man, all the way to the well. 30And when he saw the earrings and the bracelets on his sister’s hands, and when he heard what his sister Rebecca said about what the man had told her, he went to the man, as he was standing at the well with his camels, 31and said to him, ‘Come on in, you who are blest by Jehovah; Why are you standing outside? I’ve prepared the house and I also made a place for your camels!’ 32So the man went into the house, and [Laban] unloaded the camels, gave them straw and fodder, got water to wash the feet [of Abraham’s servant], as well as the feet of the men who were with him; 33then he set loaves of bread before them to eat. However, [Abraham’s servant] said, ‘I’m not going to eat until I’ve told you why I’ve come.’ And [Laban] said, ‘Go ahead and speak.’ 34And he said, ‘I’m a servant of Abraham; 35and Jehovah has greatly blest my master. He is highly respected and has been given sheep, cattle, silver, gold, male and female servants, camels, and burros. 36And Sarah, my master’s wife, bore one son to my master after he had grown old; and he gave [this son] everything he has. 37‘Now, my master made me swear [an oath], saying, You must not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the CanaAnites… these [people] among whom I am living. 38But you should go to the house of my father and to my tribe, and take a wife for my son from there. 39‘Then I asked my master, What if the woman is unhappy about coming along? 40‘And he replied, Jehovah God, who has found me to be acceptable in His presence, will send His messenger along with you, and your journey will be blest. You should take a wife for my son from my tribe and from the house of my father. 41Then you will be free from the curse [of your oath]. Because, when you get to my tribe, and if they won’t give her to you, then you will be freed from your oath. 42‘So, today I came to this well, and I [prayed]: Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham; If you would bless this journey that I’m now on, 43{Look!} I will stand by this well where the daughters of the people of this city come to draw water. And whichever young woman to whom I will say, Give me a little water to drink out of your pitcher, 44and she replies, Take a drink, and I will also [pour water] for your camels to drink until they are satisfied; this is the wife that Jehovah has prepared for His servant Isaac. And that’s how I will know that You have been merciful to my master Abraham. 45‘And before I had even finished speaking in my mind, Rebecca arrived with her pitcher on her shoulders. And [after] she went down to the well and drew water, I said to her, Give me a drink; 46then she quickly took the pitcher from her head, and said, Take a drink, and I will also give your camels [something to] drink. So I drank, and she watered the camels. 47‘Then I asked her, Whose daughter are you… tell me! And she replied, I’m the daughter of BathuEl, who is the son of Melcha and whose father was Nahor. So I put the earrings on her, and the bracelets on her hands. 48‘All of this made me so happy that I bowed low and praised Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, who has truly blest me in such a way that I might take the daughter of my master’s own brother for his son. 49Tell me whether you will be merciful and just with my lord, so I will know which way to turn.’ 50And at this, Laban and BathuEl answered, saying, ‘This thing has come from Jehovah, so we won’t be able to answer you either in a bad or a good way. 51Look! There’s Rebecca standing before you. Take her and go. Let her be the wife of your master’s son, just as Jehovah has said.’ 52And when Abraham’s servant heard these words, he bowed to the ground to Jehovah. 53Then he brought out jewelry of silver and gold, as well as clothing, and gave it to Rebecca. He also gave gifts to her brother and to her mother. 54And afterward, both he and the men who were with him ate and drank; then they went to sleep. Well, when he got up in the morning, he said to them, ‘Now allow me to leave, so I can return to my master.’ 55And her brothers and mother said, ‘Let the virgin stay here with us for about ten more days, and then she can go.’ 56But he replied to them, ‘Don’t hold me back, because Jehovah has blest my journey. Send me away, so I can return to my master!’ 57And they said, ‘Let’s call the girl and ask [what she wants to do]. 58So they called Rebecca and asked, ‘Will you go with this man?’ And she replied, ‘I’ll go.’ 59So they [agreed to] send their sister Rebecca and all her possessions along with Abraham’s servant and his attendants. 60Then they [gave] Rebecca a blessing, saying to her, ‘You are our sister; now become ten thousands of thousands, and may your seed own the cities of their enemies.’ 61Thereafter, Rebecca and her female attendants mounted the camels and went along with the man. And the servant, on having received Rebecca, departed. 62Now, Isaac had traveled through the desert toward the Well of the Vision, and he lived in the southern portion of that land. 63And toward evening, Isaac went out into the plains to meditate. And when he looked up, he saw camels coming. 64Also, Rebecca looked up and saw Isaac. So she quickly dismounted the camel 65and asked the servant, ‘Who is that man who is walking across the plains to meet us?’ And the servant said, ‘This is my master.’ So she took her veil and covered herself. 66Thereafter, the servant told Isaac everything that he had done. 67And Isaac went to the house of his mother and took Rebecca, so she became his wife… and he loved her… and Isaac was given comfort for [the death of] Sarah his mother.
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.
