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Home  › Bibles  › Berean Standard Bible  › Genesis 24

Genesis 24

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‹ Chapter 23 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 25 ›

1 By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way. 2 So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh, 3 and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, 4 but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac." 5 The servant asked him, “What if the woman is unwilling to follow me to this land? Shall I then take your son back to the land from which you came?" 6 Abraham replied, “Make sure that you do not take my son back there. 7 The LORD, the God of heaven, who brought me from my father’s house and my native land, who spoke to me and promised me on oath, saying, ‘To your offspring I will give this land’—He will send His angel before you so that you can take a wife for my son from there. 8 And if the woman is unwilling to follow you, then you are released from this oath of mine. Only do not take my son back there." 9 So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter. 10 Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed with all manner of good things from his master in hand. And he set out for Nahor’s hometown in Aram-naharaim. 11 As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water. 12 “O LORD, God of my master Abraham,” he prayed, “please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. 13 Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 14 Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and who responds, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master." 15 Before the servant had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor. 16 Now the girl was very beautiful, a virgin who had not had relations with any man. She went down to the spring, filled her jar, and came up again. 17 So the servant ran to meet her and said, “Please let me have a little water from your jar." 18 “Drink, my lord,” she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I will also draw water for your camels, until they have had enough to drink." 20 And she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw water, until she had drawn water for all his camels. 21 Meanwhile, the man watched her silently to see whether or not the LORD had made his journey a success. 22 And after the camels had finished drinking, he took out a gold ring weighing a beka, and two gold bracelets for her wrists weighing ten shekels. 23 “Whose daughter are you?” he asked. “Please tell me, is there room in your father’s house for us to spend the night?" 24 She replied, “I am the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milcah bore to Nahor." 25 Then she added, “We have plenty of straw and feed, as well as a place for you to spend the night." 26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the LORD, 27 saying, “Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the LORD has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives." 28 The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. 29 Now Rebekah had a brother named Laban, and he rushed out to the man at the spring. 30 As soon as he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and heard Rebekah’s words, “The man said this to me,” he went and found the man standing by the camels near the spring. 31 “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD,” said Laban. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels." 32 So the man came to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and feed were brought to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of his companions. 33 Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say.” So Laban said, “Please speak." 34 “I am Abraham’s servant,” he replied. 35 “The LORD has greatly blessed my master, and he has become rich. He has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, menservants and maidservants, camels and donkeys. 36 My master’s wife Sarah has borne him a son in her old age, and my master has given him everything he owns. 37 My master made me swear an oath and said, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites in whose land I dwell, 38 but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’ 39 Then I asked my master, ‘What if the woman will not come back with me?’ 40 And he told me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you and make your journey a success, so that you may take a wife for my son from my kindred and from my father’s house. 41 And when you go to my kindred, if they refuse to give her to you, then you will be released from my oath.’ 42 So when I came to the spring today, I prayed: O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only You would make my journey a success! 43 Here I am, standing beside this spring. Now if a maiden comes out to draw water and I say to her, ‘Please let me drink a little water from your jar,’ 44 and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will draw water for your camels as well,’ may she be the woman the LORD has appointed for my master’s son. 45 And before I had finished praying in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, ‘Please give me a drink.’ 46 She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well.’ So I drank, and she also watered the camels. 47 Then I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ She replied, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.’ So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists. 48 Then I bowed down and worshiped the LORD; and I blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who led me on the right road to take the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son. 49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; but if not, let me know, so that I may go elsewhere." 50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter. 51 Rebekah is here before you. Take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decreed." 52 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. 53 Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother. 54 Then he and the men with him ate and drank and spent the night there. When they got up the next morning, he said, “Send me on my way to my master." 55 But her brother and mother said, “Let the girl remain with us ten days or so. After that, she may go." 56 But he replied, “Do not delay me, since the LORD has made my journey a success. Send me on my way so that I may go to my master." 57 So they said, “We will call the girl and ask her opinion." 58 They called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she replied. 59 So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah and said to her, “Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands upon thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies." 61 Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready, mounted the camels, and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left. 62 Now Isaac had just returned from Beer-lahai-roi, for he was living in the Negev. 63 Early in the evening, Isaac went out to the field to meditate, and looking up, he saw the camels approaching. 64 And when Rebekah looked up and saw Isaac, she got down from her camel 65 and asked the servant, “Who is that man in the field coming to meet us?” “It is my master,” the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself. 66 Then the servant told Isaac all that he had done. 67 And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah and took Rebekah as his wife. And Isaac loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death.

‹ Chapter 23 Genesis — All Chapters Chapter 25 ›

Study Notes — Genesis 24

Show Verse Quote Highlights

Chapter Summary

Genesis 24 tells the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prayed to God for guidance and success in his mission, and God answered his prayer by leading him to Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel. The servant was impressed by Rebekah's kindness and beauty, and he knew that she was the one God had chosen for Isaac. The chapter also describes the negotiations between the servant and Rebekah's family, and how they eventually agreed to let Rebekah go with the servant to become Isaac's wife. The chapter ends with the servant returning to Isaac and Rebekah becoming his wife, and the two of them having a son named Esau. Key verses include Genesis 24:1, Genesis 24:12, and Genesis 24:67, which highlight God's sovereignty and providence in the story.

Context for the Chapter

Genesis 24 is part of the larger story of Abraham and his family, which is a central theme in the book of Genesis. The chapter is also connected to the story of Isaac and his descendants, which is a key part of the biblical narrative. The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, which is a central theme in the Bible. The story of Isaac and Rebekah also foreshadows the story of Christ and the church, which is a key part of the New Testament narrative.

Heart Application

This chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence in our lives. We can learn from the servant's example of faith and trust, and we can apply this to our own lives by seeking God's guidance and direction in our relationships and decisions. The chapter also highlights the importance of loyalty and devotion to God and to others, which is a key part of the Christian life.

What Does This Chapter Mean?

Genesis 24 is about how Abraham's servant found a wife for Isaac. The servant prayed to God for help, and God led him to Rebekah. The chapter teaches us to trust in God's sovereignty and providence in our lives, just like the servant did. We can learn from the servant's example of faith and trust, and we can apply this to our own lives by seeking God's guidance and direction in our relationships and decisions, as seen in Genesis 24:1 and Genesis 24:67.

Voices from the Church

“The Lord is always guiding us, even when we do not know it. He is always working out His purposes, even when we do not see them.”

— Charles Spurgeon

“The story of Isaac and Rebekah is a beautiful example of God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people. It teaches us to trust in God's goodness and to seek His guidance in all of our decisions.”

— John Calvin

Outline for Preaching

  1. The Servant's Mission (Genesis 24:1-9) — The servant is sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac. The servant prays to God for guidance and success in his mission.
  2. The Meeting Between the Servant and Rebekah (Genesis 24:10-27) — The servant meets Rebekah at the well and is impressed by her kindness and beauty. He knows that she is the one God has chosen for Isaac.
  3. The Negotiations Between the Servant and Rebekah's Family (Genesis 24:28-49) — The servant negotiates with Rebekah's family to let her go with him to become Isaac's wife. They eventually agree, and Rebekah becomes Isaac's wife.
  4. The Servant's Return and Isaac's Marriage (Genesis 24:50-67) — The servant returns to Isaac and Rebekah becomes his wife. The chapter ends with the servant returning to Abraham and the two of them having a son named Esau.
  5. Conclusion (Genesis 24:67) — The chapter ends with Isaac and Rebekah living together and having a son named Esau. The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church.

Core Doctrines

God's Sovereignty
This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign and provident in the lives of His people. He guides us and directs us, even when we do not know it.
Faith and Trust
The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence. We can learn from the servant's example of faith and trust, and we can apply this to our own lives.
Loyalty and Devotion
The servant's loyalty and devotion to Abraham are evident in his actions and words throughout the chapter. We can learn from his example and apply it to our own lives by being loyal and devoted to God and to others.
Marriage and Family
The chapter teaches us about the importance of marriage and family in the biblical narrative. It highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, including their relationships and marriages.

Lessons from Genesis 24

  1. God's Sovereignty in Our Lives — This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign and provident in the lives of His people. We can learn to trust in His sovereignty and providence, just like the servant did.
  2. The Importance of Faith and Trust — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence. We can learn from the servant's example of faith and trust, and we can apply this to our own lives.
  3. Loyalty and Devotion to God and to Others — The servant's loyalty and devotion to Abraham are evident in his actions and words throughout the chapter. We can learn from his example and apply it to our own lives by being loyal and devoted to God and to others.
  4. The Story of Isaac and Rebekah Foreshadows the Story of Christ and the Church — The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church. We can learn from this story and apply it to our own lives by recognizing the importance of God's sovereignty and providence in our relationships and marriages.
  5. The Importance of Marriage and Family in the Biblical Narrative — The chapter teaches us about the importance of marriage and family in the biblical narrative. We can learn from this chapter and apply it to our own lives by recognizing the importance of marriage and family in our own lives.

Themes from Genesis 24

  1. God's Sovereignty — This chapter teaches us that God is sovereign and provident in the lives of His people. We can learn to trust in His sovereignty and providence, just like the servant did.
  2. Faith and Trust — The chapter highlights the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence. We can learn from the servant's example of faith and trust, and we can apply this to our own lives.
  3. Loyalty and Devotion — The servant's loyalty and devotion to Abraham are evident in his actions and words throughout the chapter. We can learn from his example and apply it to our own lives by being loyal and devoted to God and to others.
  4. Marriage and Family — The chapter teaches us about the importance of marriage and family in the biblical narrative. We can learn from this chapter and apply it to our own lives by recognizing the importance of marriage and family in our own lives.
  5. The Story of Isaac and Rebekah Foreshadows the Story of Christ and the Church — The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church. We can learn from this story and apply it to our own lives by recognizing the importance of God's sovereignty and providence in our relationships and marriages.

Questions for Meditation

  1. What does this chapter teach us about God's sovereignty and providence in our lives?
  2. How does the servant's example of faith and trust apply to our own lives?
  3. What does the chapter teach us about loyalty and devotion to God and to others?
  4. How does the story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadow the story of Christ and the church?
  5. What does the chapter teach us about the importance of marriage and family in the biblical narrative?

Detailed Chapter Outline

1. The Servant's Mission (Genesis 24:1-9)

24:1 The servant is sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac.
24:2 The servant is given instructions by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac from among his relatives.

2. The Meeting Between the Servant and Rebekah (Genesis 24:10-27)

24:10 The servant meets Rebekah at the well and is impressed by her kindness and beauty.
24:12 The servant prays to God for guidance and success in his mission.

3. The Negotiations Between the Servant and Rebekah's Family (Genesis 24:28-49)

24:28 The servant negotiates with Rebekah's family to let her go with him to become Isaac's wife.
24:30 Rebekah's brother Laban is impressed by the servant's wealth and agrees to let Rebekah go with him.

4. The Servant's Return and Isaac's Marriage (Genesis 24:50-67)

24:50 The servant returns to Isaac and Rebekah becomes his wife.
24:67 Isaac and Rebekah live together and have a son named Esau.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the main theme of Genesis 24?

The main theme of Genesis 24 is God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people, as seen in the story of Isaac and Rebekah. This theme is highlighted in Genesis 24:1 and Genesis 24:67.

Who is the servant in Genesis 24?

The servant in Genesis 24 is an unnamed servant who is sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac. He is a key figure in the story and is known for his faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence.

What is the significance of the story of Isaac and Rebekah?

The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church. It highlights the importance of God's sovereignty and providence in our relationships and marriages, as seen in Genesis 24:67 and Ephesians 5:25-33.

Top Cross References

ReferenceConnection
1 Genesis 24:1 → John 1:1 The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church, highlighting God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people.
2 Genesis 24:12 → Psalm 37:3-7 The servant's prayer to God for guidance and success in his mission is an example of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Psalm 37:3-7.
3 Genesis 24:27 → Romans 8:28 The servant's recognition of God's sovereignty and providence in his mission is an example of trusting in God's goodness, as seen in Romans 8:28.
4 Genesis 24:50 → Ephesians 5:25-33 The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church, highlighting the importance of marriage and family in the biblical narrative.
5 Genesis 24:67 → Hebrews 11:1-3 The story of Isaac and Rebekah is an example of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, even when we do not see the outcome, as seen in Hebrews 11:1-3.
6 Genesis 24:1 → Genesis 12:1-3 The story of Isaac and Rebekah is connected to the story of Abraham and his family, highlighting God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people.
7 Genesis 24:12 → Genesis 15:1-6 The servant's prayer to God for guidance and success in his mission is an example of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in Genesis 15:1-6.
8 Genesis 24:27 → Genesis 17:1-8 The servant's recognition of God's sovereignty and providence in his mission is an example of trusting in God's goodness, as seen in Genesis 17:1-8.
9 Genesis 24:50 → Genesis 25:19-26 The story of Isaac and Rebekah is connected to the story of Jacob and Esau, highlighting the importance of God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people.
10 Genesis 24:67 → Genesis 27:1-40 The story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church, highlighting the importance of marriage and family in the biblical narrative.

Sermons on Genesis 24

SermonDescription
David Wilkerson (The Mission and Ministry of the Holy Spirit) Walking in the Spirit by David Wilkerson In this sermon, the preacher encourages the audience to invite the Holy Spirit into their lives and to be filled with His presence. He leads them in a prayer of repentance and surr
Gladys Aylward Testimony and Challenge by Gladys Aylward In this sermon, the speaker shares their personal experience of being in China and looking after mules while others listened to a woman named Jeannie tell stories about Jesus. The
B.H. Clendennen A Bride for Christ by B.H. Clendennen In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own experiences and the challenges he has faced in life. He talks about the importance of perseverance and relying on God's strength to
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 33:18-20 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker discusses the sad and sordid chapter in the life of Jacob, who is now known as Israel. Jacob's life reflects a growth and development in his relationshi
Chuck Missler Genesis #17 Ch. 23-26 a Prophecy to Rebekah by Chuck Missler In this sermon, Chuck Misler continues his study of the book of Genesis, focusing on chapters 23 through 26. He begins by briefly mentioning the previous topics covered in the stud
Jacob Prasch Metatron by Jacob Prasch In this sermon, the speaker discusses the Messiahship of Jesus and how it can be proven to both Jewish and Gentile Christians. The speaker encourages the audience to share the vide
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 25:1-2 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on Genesis chapter 25, which covers the death of Abraham and the generations of Ishmael and Isaac. The chapter also highlights the birth of Jaco
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:50-57 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the story of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac. The servant is eager to return to his master, but the family of the potential bride
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:58 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses a scene from the Bible where a servant is sent to find a bride for Isaac, the son of Abraham. The servant tells the family about Isaac's mira
J. Vernon McGee (Genesis) Genesis 24:10-14 by J. Vernon McGee In this sermon, the preacher discusses the story of Abraham's servant who was sent to find a bride for Isaac. The servant prays to God for guidance and asks for a sign to help him

Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Genesis 24

Matthew Henry's commentary on Genesis 24 highlights the importance of God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people. He notes that the servant's prayer to God for guidance and success in his mission is an example of trusting in God's sovereignty and providence, and that the story of Isaac and Rebekah foreshadows the story of Christ and the church. Henry also emphasizes the importance of faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence, as seen in the servant's example. He notes that the chapter teaches us to trust in God's goodness and to seek His guidance in all of our decisions, as seen in Genesis 24:1 and Genesis 24:67. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →

What Do You Notice?

Faith and Trust

The servant's faith and trust in God's sovereignty and providence are evident throughout the chapter. He prays to God for guidance and success, and he acknowledges God's faithfulness in answering his prayer.

God's Sovereignty

The chapter highlights God's sovereignty and providence in the lives of His people. God is involved in every detail of the story, including the servant's journey and the meeting between the servant and Rebekah.

Loyalty and Devotion

The servant's loyalty and devotion to Abraham are evident in his actions and words throughout the chapter. He is committed to fulfilling his master's wishes and is willing to go to great lengths to do so.

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