Genesis 24

Abraham being old and rich takes his oath of this eldest servant and sends him to Mesopotamia to his kindred for to fetch his son Isaac and a wife thence verse 1 the servant being well instructed and furnished parteth and dispatcheth the business faithfully and piously 10 and through a wonderful providence very successfully obtaining Rebecca forth with full consent of her friends he thereupon returneth thence with Rebecca and brings her to Isaac 61 who receiveth marrieth and loveth her 67.

1. Now Abraham was old [see above chapter 18.11 Abraham was by this time a hundred and forty years old for he was an hundred when Isaac was born above cahpetr 21.1 and Isaac was forty when he married Rebecca below chapter 35. Verse 20] and he well bedayed [Heb. Going in days see of this phrase above chapter 18.11] and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things [see above chapter 12.2.]

2. Then Abraham spake and his servant the eldest of his house [Heb. The old on understood the Steward or Bailiff and upper-servant of his family by the name Eliezer of Damascus see above chapter 15.2] ruling over all that he had lay the hand I pray under the thigh [a kind of practice used by masters of families in taking an oath from any of their household in token of their subjection and faithfulness see likewise below chapter47.29 otherwise it was also the custom in swearing to lift up the hands see above chapter 14.2 and Revelations 10.5.]

3. That I may swear thee by the Lord the God of heaven and the God of earth that thou shalt take no wife for my son of the daughters of Canaanites [Heb. Of the Canaanites of whom see above chapter 10.15, 16&c.Abraham would have none of those to be matched with his son because they were wholly given up to idolatry an doll manner of wickedness and without the covenant of God compare below chapter 28.1,2 Exodus 34:16 Deuteronomy 7:3 Joshua 23:12 Ezra 9:1,2,3 Nehemiah 13:23,25 &c. 2 Corinthians 6:14,15 of this right of the parents in general in marrying their children see above chapter 6 on verse and chapter 21.21] in the midst of whom I dwell.

4. But that thou shalt go to my country [which was Uz of Chaldea being the whole par of the whole land that lay between the river Euphrates and Tigris wherein Mesopotamia also in which Nahor lived was comprehended] and to my kindred [of whom he had lately received news above chapter 22 verse 20 those where indeed likewise somewhat tainted with the idolatry of people among whom they lived as appears below chapter 31.19,30,32,35 and Joshua 24:2 but yet not so abominably and grosley given up to the same and other grossly given up to the same and other gross sins as reprobate Canaanites were see Deuteronomy 12:30,31] and take a wife for my son Isaac.

5. and that servant said unto him peradventure [by this and the sequel and the singular prudence and piety of this servant appeareth who before it takes the oath will be first be fully satisfied of his masters intent and purpose] that woman shall not be willing to follow me [Heb. Go after me so below verse 8] into this land must I then bring thy son into the land out of which thou art gone? [Heb. Shall I bringing back bring back &c. this is said not in regard of Isaac who never was there but of Abraham in whose loins Isaac had been shut up.]

6. And Abraham said to him: Take heed to thy self that thou do not bring my son back thither. [Partly because God called him and his seed to come out of Chaldea into Canaan with promise that they should inherit the same, and partly to avoid the danger of idolatry into which Isaac might have been seduced.] [Heb. Be guarded or kept or beware thee, look to thee.]

7. The Lord of heaven that hath taken me out of my fathers house and out of the land of my kindred and that hath spoken to me and that hath sworn to me saying unto thy seed will I give this land the same shall send his angel before thy face that thou maist take a wife for my son thence.

8. But if so be that the woman will not follow thee thou shalt be clean of thy oath [that is discharge free and clear of the engagement which I am putting upon thee by this oath] only not bring my son thither again.

9. Then his servant laid his hand under Abraham his master’s thigh and he swear to him over this matter.

10. And that servant took ten camels of his master camels and went his way and all the good of his master were in the hand [that is he took along with him with his master good liking all manner of necessary and precious goods and commodities as well for his journey as for bestow in gifts and presents were it should be expedient in this affair see verse 53.] and he got up and went on to Mesopotamia [Heb. Syria of two rivers called thus by reason of it lying between two rivers called thus by reason of its lying between two rivers Tigris on the east and Euphrates on the west see of this name likewise Deuteronomy 23:4 Judges 3:8] to the city of Nahor [that is where Nahor dwelt see chapter 23 on verse 10 understand the city of Haran as is to be gathered by chapter 28.10 and 9.4.]

11. And he caused the camels to kneel down [for to rest themselves or to bait them according to the nature and condition of those beasts when they are weary] without a city by a well of water in the evening time at the time when the women drawers came forth.

12. And he said Lord God of my master Abraham make her I pray [viz. the young woman or daughter or make it that is my wish and desire] to meet me [Heb. Before my face] this day and shew kindness to Abraham my master.

13. Behold I stand by the fountain of water and the daughters of the man of this city are going forth to draw water.

14. Let it come to pass that young maid to whom I shall say thy pitcher I pray that I may drink and she shall say drink [this token he desireth not out of many difference or presumption out of a singular confidence had disposed all things accordingly which the event revised as appears in the sequel see the like example Judges 6:17 and 1Samuel 14.9,10] thou hast [others ordained prepared determined] to thy servant Isaac and that I may acknowledge thereby that thou hast done kindness to my master.

15. And it came to pass before he had made an end to speak behold Rebecca came forth she that was born to Bethuel the son of Milca NAhors wife the brother of Abraham and she had her pitcher upon her shoulder.

16. And the young maid was very fair [Heb. Good see chapter 6 on verse 2] to look on a virgin and no man had acknowledged her [see of this manner of speaking chapter 19 verse 8] and she went down to the fountain and filled her pitcher and came up.

17. Then that servant ran to meet her and he said let me drink a little water I pray out of thy pitcher.

18. And she said drink my Lord and she made haste and let down her pitcher upon her hand and gave him to drink.

19. Now when she had done giving him to drink she said I will likewise draw for thy camels till they have done drinking.

20. And she made haste and purred her pitcher out into thee through a darn again to the well for to draw and she drew for all his camels.

21. And the man was amazed over her [viz. for great joy and admiring how readily and exactly the token which he had desired from the Lord was presented to his eyes] holding his peace [pondering with himself how wonderful Gods providence did here shew forth itself and resolve to observe whether the sequel and he success should be answerable in all things to his beginnings] to observe whether the Lord had made his way prosperous or not.

22. And it came to pass when the camels had done drinking that, that man took a golden frontlet [the Hebrew word here doth signify an ornament of the forehead as appears below verse 47 Isaiah 3:22 Ezekiel 16:12 sometimes indeed it doth likewise betoken an earing or ornament for the ear chapter 35.4 and Exodus 32:2,3] whose weight was half or the moity of [the Hebrew word here used is rendered by itself half a shekel Exodus 38:28] a shekel [of the silver shekel see above chapter 20 on verse 16 the golden and the silver shekel were both of one weight the common containing an hundred and sixty barley grains or a quarter of an ounce the holy one as much again viz. three hundred and twenty grains that is to say half an ounce one ounce of Gold was valued at ten times the quantity of silver one ounce of silver was as much as a Rix-dollar and consequently one ounce of gold was worth ten Rix-dollars or five twenty gilders two pounds ten shillings] and two bracelet on her hands [understand he bestowed them or put them on her hands like as the word to take used in this verse doth oftentimes imply another signification besides its own see above chapter 12 on verse 15] whose weight was ten shekels of gold [six pounds two shillings six pence.]

23. For he had said [compare below verse 47.] whose daughter art thou? Let me know it I pray is there room also for us in thy fathers house to over-night? Or lodge.

24. And she had told him I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milca whom she bare to Nahor [this is added here that Abraham’s servant might know that she was true and lawfully begotten daughter of Bethuel born likewise of true and lawful principle wife of Nahor and not of the concubine Reuma [see above chapter 22 verse 23, 24.]

25. Moreover she had said to him there is straw likewise and store of a provender with us also room over night.

26. Then that men bowed his head [the Hebrew word doth properly signify to bow or incline the head down wards] and worshipped the Lord [the Heb. Word here signify here the bending and bowing of the whole body which doth here imply a very religious and devout reverend posture of the body accompanied adoration and prayer see likewise above chapter 22.5 item Psalms 66:4 Nehemiah 9:3&c.]

27. And he said praise [or bless see above chapter 14.20] be the Lord the God of my master Abraham that hath not withheld his kindness and truth [that is the faithfulness in keeping his promises so below chapter 32.10 Psalms 143:1 Isaiah 38:18 ,19] from my master [Hebrew I that is as for me or touching concerning myself that it is taken likewise above chapter 9.9 and 17.4 1 Chronicles 28:2 Psalms 35.13an d41.13and elsewhere] the lord hath conducted me upon this way to the house of my masters brethren [that is kindred consanguinity see chapter 13.8 and in the chapter verse 48 Mark 3:31,32.]

28. And the young maid ran and made it known at her mothers house so as these things were.

29. And Rebecca had a brother whose name was Laban and Laban ran to that man forth to the fountain.

30. And it came to pass when he had seen the frontlet and the bracelet on his sisters hand and after he had heard the words of his sister Rebecca thus that man spake to me then he came to that man and lo he stood by the camels of the fountains.

31. And he said come in thou blessed of the Lord [this is a very honorable title which the Israelites used to attribute to gods special friends implying that God had done singularly well by them and was still with his grace and favors about them see chapter 26.29 Ruth 3:10 Psalms 115:15] why shouldst thou stand without? For I have prepared the house and the place for the camels [prepared or cleansed sitted drest the same and removed or rid away all impediments thus the Hebrew word is taken Leviticus 14:36.]

32. And that man came unto the house and they did ungird the camels and they gave the camels straws and provender and water to wash his feet [see above chapter 18.4 and the annotations] ad the feet of theme that were with him.

33. Then they set meat before them to eat [Heb. And before his face was set to eat] but he said] I shall not eat until I have spoken my words or delivered my errand he said [Laban namely] speak or say on.

34. Then said he I am Abraham’s servant [see above verse 2.]

35. And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly so that he is become [or grown] great [that s very rich and wealthy] and he hath given him sheep and oxen and silver and gold and men-servants and maid-servants and camels and asses.

36. And Sarah my master's wife has born a son to my master after she was grown old. [Heb. after her old age, that is by a supernatural operation of the Lord from whence there is to be expected or an extraordinary blessing according to his promise] and he has given him all he has [that is he has made him the sole and full heir of all.]

37. And my master made me swear saying thou shalt take no wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I dwell [see above verse 3.]

38. But thou shalt go [others shalt or shouldst thou not go or if thou goest not &c. understand hereupon WO be to thee then or then god do thus and thus by thee see above chapter 14.22,23 and 21.23] to my fathers house and to my kindred ands halt take a wife to my son.

39. Then said I to my master peradventure that woman will not follow me.

40. And he said to me the Lord before whose face I have walked [see above chapter 17 on verse 1] shall send his angels with thee and shall make thy way prosperous that thou maist take away my prosperous that thou maist take a wife to my son out of my kindred and out of my fathers house.

41. Then shalt thou be clean or clear of my oath [others curse or oath of the curse that is free of punishment which a forsworn person makes himself liable unto] when thou shalt have gone to my kindred and if they shall not give her to thee then shalt thou be clean of my oath.

42. And I came this day to the fountain and I said O LORD God of my master Abraham if now thou shalt make my way prosperous whereon I go.

43. Behold I stand by the fountain of the water let it come to pass that the virgin coming forth to draw and to whom I shall say give me a little water to drink I pray out of thy pitcher.

44. And she shall say to me drink thou also and I shall likewise draw for thy camels that this same be that woman which the Lord hath appointed for my masters son.

45. Before I had done speaking in my heart behold there came Rebecca forth and had a pitcher upon her shoulder and she went down to the fountain and drew and I said unto her give me to drink I pray.

46. Then she made haste and let down her pitcher from her and said drink thou and I shall likewise water thy camels and I drank and she likewise watered the camels.

47. Then I asked of her and said whose daughter art thou? And she said the daughter of Bethuel the son of Nahor whom Milca bare unto him then I laid the frontlet upon her face [or upon her nose so namely that it was hanging from her forehead downwards on the nose] and the bracelet on her hand.

48. And I bowed down my head and worshipped the Lord and I praised or blessed the LORD the God of my master Abraham that had guided me upon the right way [Heb. The way of truth that is the true or right way] for to take the daughter of my masters brother [that is near kinsmen nephew here for Bethuel was the son of Nahor Abrahams brother see above verse 27.] for his son.

49. Now if you will do [Heb. If you be doing] kindness and faithfulness [Heb. Truth] to my master make it known to me and if not make it likewise known to me that I may turn myself [or look about] to the right or to the left hand [that is I may be able t resolve one way or another what course to take in my masters behalf.]

50. Then answered Laban and Bethuel [the son is put before the father here in regard that Laban as is thought was ordered by his father to speak in and manage that affair as he did most of the household the father being not only well bedayed or very aged but perchance sickly too]and side this business has proceeded from the LORD [hence it appears that there was yet some knowledge and fear of the true God among them see here verse 51] we can speak neither bad nor good unto thee [that is we hath nothing at all to gain say in this nature compare below chapter 31.24,29 and 2 Samuel 13:22.]

51. Behold Rebecca is before thy face take her [see above on verse 3] and go thy way let her be thy masters sons wife even the LORD hath spoken.

52. And it came to pass when Abraham servant Herad their words he bowed himself to the ground before the LORD.

53. And the servant reached forth silver jewels and gold jewels [Heb. vessels of silver and vessels of gold, that is all kind of gold and silver plate manufacture] and garment, and he gave them to Rebecca, also he gave preciousnesses ( or precious things ) [the Hebrew word does signify whatsoever is choice and precious, but especially choice and rare fruits and spicery. See Deuteronomy 33:13,14,15 and 2 Chronicles 21:3 and 32.23 Ezekiel 1:6] to her brother and to her mother.

54. Then they did eat and drink him and the man that were with him and they overnighted and they rose up early in the morning and he said let me go to thy master.

55. And said her brother and mother let the young man tarry with us some days or ten [see above chapter 4 on verse 3 some do understand by days or turn a full year which is called of days or ten months in time the particle is sometimes also taken for at least] after that thou shalt go or then go [others she shall go.]

56. But he said unto them stay me not because the LORD hath made my way prosperous let me part or dismiss me that I may go to my master.

57. Then said let us call the young maid and ask her mouth [that is let us see what she will say to this hasty departure for the marriage she had yielded unto upon her parents and kindred’s pleasure and in kindred thereof accepted of the presents.]

58. And they called Rebecca and said to her wilt thou go with this man? And she answered I will go.

59. Then they [that is all the kindred] let her sifter [or kinswoman for not Laban only her brother but all the kindred took their leave from her and so in the next verse] and her nurse [Deborah by name below chapter 35.8] go together with Abrahams’ servant and his man.

60. And they blessed [see above chapter 14.19] Rebecca and said unto her O our sifter he or become thou to thousand of millions [or ten thousand they wish that she may become the mother of the innumerable or numberless posterity compare Daniel 7:10] and let thy seed possess the gate [see above chapter 22 on verse 17] of his haters or those that hate him.

61. And Rebecca rose up with her young maids [whom the friends sent along with her for company and service] and they rode on camels and followed the man and that servant took Rebecca and went his way.

62. Isaac now came from whence one comes to the well Luchai-roi [of this well see above chapter 14 and 25.11] and he dwelt in the south country [in the south part of Canaan about Bersheba and Gerar.]

63. And Isaac was gone forth to pray [or to meditate contemplate that is he went forth there to take and exercise his mind with pious meditations and prayers before the LORD] into the field against the approaching of the evening [Heb. Against or towards with the look or aspect of the evening likewise Exodus 14:7 towards or with the aspects of the morning] and he lifted up his eyes and beheld and see the camels come on.

64. And Rebecca likewise lifted up her eyes and she saw Isaac and she fell off from the Carmel [that is she let herself suddenly down being surprised in her thoughts whether this might not be Isaac and therewith all asking her servants about it others conceive she lightened not before she had understood by the servant that it was Isaac in that since that in the following verse is read by some for had said unto the servant &c.]

65. And she said to the servant who is that man that walks to meet us in the field? And the servant that is my master then she took the vial and covered herself [in token of shame fastness and subjection.]

66. And the servant related unto Isaac all the things he had done.

67. And Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah [see above chapter 18.10 and 23.1] and he took Rebecca and she became his wife and he loved her. Thus Isaac was comforted after his mother's (death) [which happened three years before. This long grief for the loss of his mother was a sign of the great love and respect he bare to her.]