Elberfelder Bible (1905) - with Strong’s numbers (GER)

1Und AbrahamH85 warH935 altH2204, wohlbetagt, und JehovaH3068 hatte AbrahamH85 gesegnetH1288 in allem. 2Und AbrahamH85 sprachH559 zu seinem KnechteH5650, dem ältestenH2205 seines HausesH1004, der alles verwaltete, was er hatte: LegeH7760 doch deine HandH3027 unter meine HüfteH3409, 3und ich werde dich schwörenH7650 lassen bei JehovaH3068, dem GottH430 des HimmelsH8064 und dem GottH430 der ErdeH776, daß du meinem SohneH1121 nicht ein WeibH802 nehmenH3947 wirst von den TöchternH1323 der KanaaniterH3669, inH7130 deren Mitte ich wohneH3427; 4sondern in mein LandH776 und zu meiner Verwandtschaft sollst du gehenH3212 und ein WeibH802 nehmenH3947 meinem SohneH1121, dem IsaakH3327. 5Und der KnechtH5650 sprachH559 zu ihm: Vielleicht wird das WeibH802 mirH310 nichtH14 in dieses LandH776 folgenH3212 wollen; soll ich dann deinen SohnH1121 in das LandH776 zurückbringen, ausH3318 welchem duH7725 weggezogen bist? 6Da sprachH559 AbrahamH85 zu ihm: Hüte dichH8104, daß duH7725 meinen SohnH1121 nichtH6435 dorthin zurückbringest! 7JehovaH3068, der GottH430 des HimmelsH8064, der michH1696 ausH7971 dem HauseH1004 meines VatersH1 und aus dem LandeH776 meiner Verwandtschaft genommen und der zu mir geredet und der mir also geschworenH7650 hatH3947 : Deinem SamenH2233 will ich dieses LandH776 gebenH5414! der wird seinen EngelH4397 vor dir hersenden, daß duH559 meinem SohneH1121 vonH6440 dannen ein WeibH802 nehmestH3947. 8Wenn aber das WeibH802 dirH310 nicht folgenH3212 willH14, so bistH5352 duH7725 dieses meines EidesH7621 ledig; nur sollstH7725 du meinen SohnH1121 nicht dorthin zurückbringen. 9Und derH2088 KnechtH5650 legteH7760 seine HandH3027 unter die HüfteH3409 AbrahamsH85, seines HerrnH113, und schwurH7650 ihm überH5921 dieser SacheH1697. 10Und der KnechtH5650 nahmH3947 zehnH6235 KameleH1581 von den KamelenH1581 seines HerrnH113, und zogH3212 hin; und allerlei Gut seines HerrnH113 hatte er bei sichH3027. Und er machte sich aufH6965 und zogH3212 nach MesopotamienH763, nach der StadtH5892 NahorsH5152. 11UndH3318 er ließ die KameleH1581 draußenH2351 vor der StadtH5892 niederknien beim WasserbrunnenH875, zur Abendzeit, zur ZeitH6256, da die Schöpferinnen herauskommen. 12UndH6213 er sprachH559 : JehovaH3068, GottH430 meines HerrnH113 AbrahamH85, laß es mirH6440 doch heuteH3117 begegnen, und erweise GüteH2617 anH5973 meinem HerrnH113 AbrahamH85! 13Siehe, ich steheH5324 bei der Wasserquelle, und die TöchterH1323 der LeuteH582 der StadtH5892 kommenH3318 heraus, um WasserH4325 zu schöpfenH7579; 14möge es nun geschehen, daß das Mädchen, zuH6213 dem ichH2617 sagenH559 werde: NeigeH5186 doch deinen KrugH3537, daß ich trinkeH8354 und welches sagenH559 wird: TrinkeH8354, und auch deine KameleH1581 will ich tränkenH8248, diejenige sei, welche duH8248 für deinen KnechtH5650, für IsaakH3327, bestimmt hastH3198; und daran werde ich erkennenH3045, daß du Güte an meinem HerrnH113 erwiesen hast. 15Und es geschah, er hatteH1696 noch nicht ausgeredet, siehe, da kam RebekkaH7259 herausH3318, die dem BethuelH1328 geborenH3205 worden, dem SohneH1121 der MilkaH4435, des WeibesH802 NahorsH5152, des BrudersH251 AbrahamsH85, mit ihrem KrugeH3537 aufH3615 ihrer SchulterH7926. 16Und das Mädchen war sehrH3966 schönH2896 von AnsehenH4758, eine JungfrauH5291, und kein MannH376 hatte sie erkanntH3045; und sie stieg zur Quelle hinabH3381 und füllteH4390 ihren KrugH3537 und stieg wieder heraufH5927. 17Und der KnechtH5650 liefH7323 ihr entgegenH7125 und sprachH559 : Laß mich doch ein wenigH4592 WasserH4325 aus deinem KrugeH3537 schlürfen. 18Und sie sprachH559 : TrinkeH8354, mein HerrH113. Und eilends ließH3381 sie ihren KrugH3537 auf ihre HandH3027 hernieder und gab ihm zu trinkenH8248. 19Und als sie ihm genug zu trinkenH8248 gegeben hatteH3615, sprachH559 sie: Ich will auch für deine KameleH1581 schöpfenH7579, bis sie genug getrunkenH8354 habenH3615. 20Und sie eilteH4116 und goßH6168 ihren KrugH3537 aus in die TränkeH8268 und liefH7323 abermals zum BrunnenH875, um zu schöpfenH7579; und sie schöpfte für alle seine KameleH1581. 21Und der MannH376 sah ihr staunend zu und schwiegH2790, um zu erkennenH3045, ob JehovaH3068 zu seiner ReiseH1870 Glück gegeben habe oderH518 nicht. 22Und es geschah, als die KameleH1581 genug getrunkenH8354 hattenH3615, da nahmH3947 der MannH376 einen goldenenH2091 Ring, ein halber Sekel sein GewichtH4948, und zweiH8147 Spangen für ihre Arme, zehnH6235 Sekel GoldH2091 ihr GewichtH4948; 23und er sprachH559 : Wessen TochterH1323 bist duH859? Sage mirH5046 ' s doch an. IstH3426 im HauseH1004 deines VatersH1 RaumH4725 für uns zu herbergen? 24Und sie sprachH559 zu ihm: Ich bin die TochterH1323 BethuelsH1328, des SohnesH1121 der MilkaH4435, den sie dem NahorH5152 geborenH3205 hat. 25Und sie sprachH559 zu ihm: Sowohl StrohH8401 als auchH1571 FutterH4554 ist bei uns in MengeH7227, auchH1571 RaumH4725 zu herbergen. 26Da verneigte sichH6915 der MannH376 und warf sichH7812 nieder vor JehovaH3068 und sprach: 27Gepriesen seiH1288 JehovaH3068, der GottH430 meines HerrnH113 AbrahamH85, der vonH5973 seiner GüteH2617 undH559 seiner WahrheitH571 nicht abgelassen hatH5800 gegen meinen HerrnH113! Mich hatH5148 JehovaH3068 geleitet auf den WegH1870 zum HauseH1004 der BrüderH251 meines HerrnH113. 28Und dasH1697 Mädchen liefH7323 und berichtete diese Dinge dem HauseH1004 ihrer MutterH517. 29Und RebekkaH7259 hatte einen BruderH251, sein NameH8034 war LabanH3837; und LabanH3837 liefH7323 zu demH5869 ManneH376 hinausH2351 zur Quelle. 30Und es geschah, als erH3027 den Ring sahH7200 und die Spangen an den Armen seiner SchwesterH269, und als erH559 die WorteH1697 seiner SchwesterH269 RebekkaH7259 hörteH8085, welche sagte: AlsoH3541 hatH1696 der MannH376 zu mir geredet, da kam erH935 zu demH5869 ManneH376; und siehe, er standH5975 beiH5921 den KamelenH1581, an der Quelle. 31Und erH935 sprachH559 : Komm herein, GesegneterH1288 JehovasH3068! Warum stehstH5975 du draußenH2351? Denn ich habe das HausH1004 aufgeräumt, und RaumH4725 ist für die KameleH1581. 32Und der MannH376 kam in das HausH1004; und man sattelte die KameleH1581 ab und gabH5414 den KamelenH1581 StrohH8401 und FutterH4554, und WasserH4325, um seine FüßeH7272 zu waschenH7364 und die FüßeH7272 der MännerH582, die bei ihmH6605 warenH935. 33UndH6440 es wurde ihm zu essenH398 vorgesetzt; aber erH559 sprachH559 : Ich will nicht essenH398, bis ich meine WorteH1697 geredet habeH7760. Und er sprachH1696 : RedeH1696! 34Da sprachH559 er: Ich bin AbrahamsH85 KnechtH5650; 35und JehovaH3068 hat meinen HerrnH113 sehrH3966 gesegnetH1288, so daß er groß geworden istH1431; und er hat ihm KleinviehH6629 gegebenH5414 und RinderH1241, und SilberH3701 und GoldH2091, und KnechteH5650 und MägdeH8198, und KameleH1581 und EselH2543. 36Und SaraH8283, das WeibH802 meines HerrnH113, hat meinem HerrnH113 einen SohnH1121 geborenH3205, nachdemH310 sie altH2209 geworden war; und er hat ihm alles gegebenH5414, was er hat. 37Und mein HerrH113 hat mich schwörenH7650 lassen und gesagtH559 : Du sollst meinem SohneH1121 nicht ein WeibH802 nehmenH3947 von den TöchternH1323 der KanaaniterH3669, in deren LandeH776 ich wohneH3427; 38sondernH518 zu dem HauseH1004 meines VatersH1 und zu meinem GeschlechtH4940 sollst du gehenH3212 und meinem SohneH1121 ein WeibH802 nehmenH3947! 39Und ich sprachH559 zu meinem HerrnH113 : Vielleicht wird das WeibH802 mirH310 nicht folgenH3212. 40Da sprachH559 erH1980 zu mir: JehovaH3068, vor dessen AngesichtH6440 ich gewandelt habe, wirdH6743 seinen EngelH4397 mit dir sendenH7971 und Glück zu deiner ReiseH1870 geben, daß du meinem SohneH1121 ein WeibH802 nehmestH3947 aus meinem GeschlechtH4940 und aus dem HauseH1004 meines VatersH1. 41Wenn du zu meinem GeschlechtH4940 kommstH935, dann sollst du meines EidesH423 ledig seinH5355; und wenn sie sie dir nicht gebenH5414, so bistH5352 du meines EidesH423 ledig. 42So kamH1980 ich heuteH3117 zu der Quelle und sprachH559 : JehovaH3068, GottH430 meines HerrnH113 AbrahamH85, wenn du doch Glück geben wolltest zu meinem WegeH1870, auf demH5869 ich geheH935! 43Siehe, ich steheH5324 bei der Wasserquelle; möge es nun geschehen, daß die JungfrauH5959, die herauskommt, um zu schöpfenH7579, und zu der ich sagenH559 werde: Gib mirH8248 doch ein wenigH4592 WasserH4325 ausH3318 deinem KrugeH3537 zu trinkenH8248! - 44und welche zu mir sagenH559 wird: TrinkeH8354 du, und auch für deine KameleH1581 will ich schöpfenH7579, daß sie das WeibH802 sei, welches JehovaH3068 für den SohnH1121 meines HerrnH113 bestimmt hatH3198. 45Ich hatteH1696 in meinem HerzenH3820 noch nicht ausgeredet, siehe, da kam RebekkaH7259 herausH3318 mit ihrem KrugeH3537 aufH3615 ihrer SchulterH7926; und sie stieg zur Quelle hinabH3381 und schöpfte. Da sprachH559 ich zu ihr: Gib mir doch zu trinkenH8248! 46Und eilends ließH3381 sie ihren KrugH3537 von ihrer Schulter hernieder und sprachH559 : TrinkeH8354, und auch deine KameleH1581 will ich tränkenH8248. Und ich trankH8354, und sie tränkteH8248 auch die KameleH1581. 47Und ich fragteH7592 sie und sprachH559 : Wessen TochterH1323 bist du? Und sie sprachH559 : Die TochterH1323 BethuelsH1328, des SohnesH1121 NahorsH5152, den MilkaH4435 ihmH3027 geborenH3205 hat. Und ich legteH7760 den Ring an ihre NaseH639 und die Spangen an ihre Arme; 48und ich verneigte michH6915 und warf mich niederH1288 vor JehovaH3068; und ich pries JehovaH3068, den GottH430 meines HerrnH113 AbrahamH85, der mich den rechtenH571 WegH1870 geleitet hatH5148, um die TochterH1323 des BrudersH251 meines HerrnH113 für seinen SohnH1121 zu nehmenH3947. 49Und nun, wenn ihrH3426 Güte und Treue an meinem HerrnH113 erweisen wollt, so tutH6213 es mirH5046 kund; und wenn nicht, so tut es mirH5046 kund, und ichH2617 werde mich zur RechtenH571 oderH176 zur LinkenH8040 wendenH6437. 50Da antwortetenH6030 LabanH3837 und BethuelH1328 und sprachenH559 : VonH3318 JehovaH3068 istH1696 die Sache ausgegangen; wir könnenH3201 dir nichtsH1697 sagen, weder BösesH7451 nochH176 GutesH2896. 51Siehe, RebekkaH7259 istH3947 vorH6440 dir: nimm sie und ziehe hinH3212; und sie sei das WeibH802 des SohnesH1121 deines HerrnH113, wie JehovaH3068 geredet hatH1696. 52Und es geschah, als AbrahamsH85 KnechtH5650 ihre WorteH1697 hörteH8085, da beugte er sichH7812 zur ErdeH776 nieder vor JehovaH3068. 53Und der KnechtH5650 zog hervorH3318 silbernes GeschmeideH3627 und goldenesH2091 GeschmeideH3627 und KleiderH899 und gabH5414 sie der RebekkaH7259; und Kostbarkeiten gabH5414 er ihrem BruderH251 und ihrer MutterH517. 54Und sie aßenH398 und trankenH8354, er und die MännerH582, die bei ihm waren, und übernachteten. Und des MorgensH1242 standen sie aufH6965, und er sprachH559 : Entlasset michH7971 zu meinem HerrnH113! 55Da sprachenH559 ihrH3427 BruderH251 undH310 ihre MutterH517 : Laß das Mädchen einige TageH3117 oderH176 zehnH6218 bei uns bleiben, danach magst du ziehenH3212. 56Er aber sprachH559 zu ihnen: Haltet michH309 nicht auf, da JehovaH3068 Glück gegeben hat zu meiner ReiseH1870; entlasset michH7971, daß ich zu meinem HerrnH113 zieheH3212! 57Und sie sprachenH559 : Laßt uns das Mädchen rufenH7121 und ihren MundH6310 befragen. 58Und sie riefenH7121 RebekkaH7259 und sprachenH559 zu ihr: Willst duH559 mit diesem ManneH376 gehenH3212? Und sie antwortete: Ich will gehenH3212. 59Und sieH7971 entließen ihre SchwesterH269 RebekkaH7259 mit ihrer AmmeH3243 und den KnechtH5650 AbrahamsH85 und seine MännerH582. 60Und sie segnetenH1288 RebekkaH7259 und sprachenH559 zu ihr: DuH859, unsere SchwesterH269, werdeH1961 zu tausendmalH7233 Zehntausenden, und dein SameH2233 besitzeH3423 das TorH8179 seiner FeindeH8130! 61UndH310 RebekkaH7259 machte sichH7392 aufH6965 mit ihren Mägden, und sie bestiegen die KameleH1581 und folgten dem ManneH376; und der KnechtH5650 nahmH3947 RebekkaH7259 und zogH3212 hinH3212. 62IsaakH3327 aber war von einem Gange nach dem Brunnen Lachai-Roi gekommenH935; erH935 wohnteH3427 nämlich im LandeH776 des Südens. 63Und IsaakH3327 ging ausH3318, umH6437 auf dem FeldeH7704 zu sinnen beim Anbruch des AbendsH6153; und erH935 hobH5375 seine AugenH5869 auf und sahH7200, und siehe, KameleH1581 kamen. 64Und RebekkaH7259 hobH5375 ihre AugenH5869 aufH5921 und sahH7200 IsaakH3327; und sie warf sichH5307 vom KameleH1581 herab und sprach zu dem Knechte: 65WerH4310 ist derH1976 MannH376, der uns da auf dem FeldeH7704 entgegenwandelt? UndH1980 der KnechtH5650 sprachH559 : Das ist mein HerrH113. Da nahmH3947 sie den Schleier undH559 verhüllte sichH3680. 66Und der KnechtH5650 erzählteH5608 IsaakH3327 all die DingeH1697, die er ausgerichtet hatteH6213. 67Und IsaakH3327 führte sie in das ZeltH168 seiner MutterH517 SaraH8283, und erH935 nahmH3947 RebekkaH7259, und sie wurde sein WeibH802, und er hatte sie liebH157. Und IsaakH3327 trösteteH5162 sich nachH310 dem Tode seiner MutterH517.


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.