Genesis 24

Genesis 24:1-9

In the foregoing chapter we had Abraham burying his wife; here we have him marrying his son. Here is, 1. Abraham’s care about Vea. I.

it, and the charge be gave to his servant, ver. 1—9. 2. His servant’s journey into Abraham’s country, to seek a wife for his young mother among his own relations, ver. 10—14. 3. The kind prevalence which brought him acquainted with Rebekah, which further was Spain’s employment, ver. 15—27. 4. The treaty of marriage with her relations, ver. 29—40. 5. Their custom obtained, ver. 50—60. 6. The happy meeting and marriage between Isaac and Rebekah, ver. 61, ad finum.

1. AND Abraham was old and well stricken in age; and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. 2. And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, ‘Hur, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: 3. And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites amongst whom I dwell: 4. But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac. 5. And the servant said unto him, ‘Peraiventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again into the land from whence thou camelt? 6. And Abraham said unto him, ‘Beware thou, that thou bring not my son thither again. 7. ¶ The LORD God of heaven which took me from my father’s house, and from the land of my kindred, and which spake unto me, and that swore unto me, saying, ‘Unto thy seed will I give this land; he shall send his angel before thee, and thou shalt take a wife unto my son from thence. 8. And if the woman will not be willing to follow thee, then thou shalt be clear from this my oath: only bring not my son thither again. 9. And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his matter, and swore to him concerning that matter.

As Sarah’s death concurred with Abraham’s age, in reminding him how few were his days to come; he is delirious, as a good father, to see Isaac well settled before he dies. Two things he was solicitous to prevent; his marriage with a daughter of Canaan, and his return to his own country to seek a wife. Nate, (1.) Every godly man or woman should well weigh Abraham’s caution. An unconverted partner is a most dangerous and deadly horse. (2.) Parents, as they have a right to recommend what appears best to their children, should, above all things, conflate their souls good. In consequence of these views we have,

1. His solemn charge given to his steward, confessed by an oath to set herein according to his intentions. He is to go and seek a wife from Abraham’s kindred, and is solemnly enjoined by no means to suffer Isaac to go thither himself. The steward, according to his known fidelity and affection, confesses readily to be employed, and takes the oath, with one provide, if the woman should not be willing to come, he should be free. Nate, An oath is a solemn thing, and cannot be taken with too much warmth and consideration.

2. The encouragement Abraham gives him, v. 7. Past experience affixed him of present success, as he knew he was in the way of duty, he doubted not but success would attend him. Nate, It is good to remember the past mercies we have received, to encourage us in present dependance on the same care and kindness of our God.

3. ¶ And the servant took ten camels, of the camels of his master, and departed ( for all the goods of his master were as his hand:) and he sailed, and went to Mefopotamia, unto the city of Nahor. 11. And he made his camels to kneel down without the city, by a well of water, at the time of the evening, even the time that women go out to draw water. 12. And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. 13. Behold, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: 14. And let it come to pass, that the damself to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and the shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be the dear thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Genesis 24:10-14

How great a blessing is a trusty servant. We have here,

2. His expeditious journey, and safe arrival in Mefopotamia, where Nahor dwelt. It is mentioned to his honour; for that servant

Before Christ servant 1856.

9. His earnest address to God, for a blessing and direction in this important business. Nate, Where servants learn to pray, and fear God, the business of that family will prosper. He begs he may have good speed that day. Nate, Those who begin the day with prayer, may hope to end it with praise. The particular mercy he seeks, is a suitable partner for his master’s son; and he mentions those best qualifications, humility of temper, and industry in her station; begging by these signs God would point out the person at the well where his camels rested. Nate, (1.) In difficult cases it is wisest to begin with prayer for directions. (2.) It is a great mark of spiritual prudence, to look for and follow the leadings of God’s providence. (3.) Those who are bound most industrious and gentle in the house of their father, will prove most amiable and useful in the house of their husband.

10. ¶ And it came to pass before he had done speaking, that Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel but of Milcals the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brothers, with her pitcher upon her shoulder. 16. And the damsel tour of very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her, and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up. 17. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, (I pray thee) drink a little water of thy pitcher; 18. And the said, Drink, my lord: and she haffed, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink. 19. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. 20. And she haffed, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels. 21. And the man wondering at her, held his peace, to wit, whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not. 22. And it came to pass as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden year-ring, of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands, of ten shekels weight of gold; 23. And said, Whofe daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father’s house for us to lodge in? 24. And she said unto him, “I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor. 25. She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in. 26. And the man ‘bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. 27. And he said, Blessed be the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I bring in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my masters brethren. 28. And the damsel ran, and told them of her mothers house the things.

11. 15—28. No sooner had he spoken, than God answers; so ready is he to hear our prayers. The maid comes, fills her pitcher, and is returning; but on his accosting her, the readily affills him to water his camels. In these days the qualifications of the fair were courtesy, humility, and diligence: let the degenerate daughters of pride, luxury, and laziness, bluffs at the compulsion. Thus providences remarkably concurred, and on enquiry he finds her a relation of his master, and is invited to the house. Happy they whom God thus brings together, not from the riotous assembly, or the market of public places, but by providential disposition, in answer to fervent prayer. Two things hereupon he does.

12. Makes her a handsome pretext for her kind assistance. To wear the golden bracelet was then thought not inconsistent with the labours of industry.

13. He blesses God for the mercy so graciously shown him. Prayer and praise are like found and echo. They who pray shall praise; and nothing more matter of praise, than finding such a partner, who to the amiableness of her person and manners adds the crowning beauty of religion. This was a fresh mercy to Abraham, and, like a good servant, his master’s interests are his own, and he rejoices in God for his sake, that he had found a suitable wife for his son.

14. ¶ And Rebekah had a brother, and his name near ‘Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. 30. And it came to pass when he saw the ear-ring and bracelets upon his sisters hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus isake the man unto me; that he came unto the man, and behold, he stood by the camels at the well. 31. And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD, wherefore standeth thou

without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels. 32. ¶ And the man came into the house: and he unguided his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the mens feet that were with him. 33. And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on. 34. And he said, I am Abraham’s servant. 35. And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly, and he is become great: and he hath given him stocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and men-servants, and maid-servants, and camels, and ashes. 36. And Sarah my masters wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and ‘unto him hath he given all that he hath. 37. And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Cananites, in whose land I dwell: 38. But thou shalt go unto my fathers house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son. 39. And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me. 40. And he said unto me, The LORD before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my fathers house. 41. Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou cometh to my kindred; and if they give not thee ear, thou shalt be clear from my oath. 42. And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper the way which I go: 43. Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; 44. And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my masters son. 45. And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. 46. And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drink, and she made the camels drink also. 47. And I asked her, and said, Whofe daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor’s son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the ear-ring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands. 48. And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my masters brothers daughter unto his son. 49. And now if you will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left. 50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee had to good. 51. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy masters sons wife, as the LORD hath spoken. 52. And it came to pass, that when Abraham’s servant heard their words, ‘he worshipped the LORD, betwing himself to the earth. 53. And the servant brought forth ‘jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: He gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

9. 29—53. In consequence of what had passed at the well, Laban, Rebekah’s brother, comes and gives him the kindest reception. From Laban’s character it is to be feared, the bracelets paved the way; for a man’s gift maketh raen for him, Prov. avio. 16. The cattle are first put up and fed. Nate, On a journey remember your heart before you eat yourself. And then the board is spread to entertain the stranger. But, before he eats, he opens.

10. His commission at large; whose servant he was; the design of his coming; the riches of his master; the settlement of all upon his son; his care to have him marry among his own kin, and not among the daughters of Canaan; his prayer; the providential answer to it in the meeting of Rebekah; then begs them to consider and determine concerning the issue of his journey. I know not whether most to admire the ingenuousness of the representation of his master’s affairs, or the fidelity, which made him prefer his master’s business to his own refreshment: both admirable, and worthy imitation. Nate, In religious courtship, plain dealing is the best waving.

11. The Before Christ about 1856.

12. The brother’s consent to the proposal. They saw God’s hand in the affair; and therefore, as Abraham’s fortune made it advantageous, God’s providence also bespoke their compliance.

13. The behaviour of Abraham’s servant on the occasion. He thanked God for the speedy answer he had received. Note, As we go on receiving, we should go on laboring. We shall, with all our praise to God, he left far behind. And, to confirm the match, as well as evidence his master’s opulence, he makes noble presents to the intended bride, as also to her mother and brothers. Note, The bride, the Lamb’s wife, must be brought to him, not in her own ornament, but in the jewels with which he hath decked her.

14. And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night: and they rose up in the morning, and he said, ‘Send me away unto my master. 55. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damself abide with us’ a few days, at the least ten; after that the shall go. 56. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the LORD hath prospered my way: send me away, that I may go to my master. 57. And they said, We will call the damself, and enquire at her mouth. 58. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Will thou go with this man? And the said, I will go. 59. And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and ‘her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men. 60. And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the master of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them. 61. And Rebekah arose, and her damself, and they rose upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Genesis 24:54-61

A good servant never hisses. Instead of staying to spend the days in mirth and feasting, no sooner is his business done, than he is in haste to be gone. Few such servants to be met with now a days. But,

1. Natural affection pleads for a little respite. Though they know it is good for Rebekah, they are loth to part with her. Note, No joy pure without allay in this world. However, as he profess to be gone, Rebekah is called and asked.

2. She confents to go. She had, from the piety of the servant, conceived a high esteem for the family, and therefore the more readily yields. Note, Though parents have a right of advising, they have none of confining. Marriage must be of choice, not force.

3. On this they give her their blessing, take care she is suitably attended, and send her on her way. Note, New relations need our prayers for God’s blessing upon them.

4. And Isaac came from the way of the ‘well Lahai-roi; for he dwelt in the south country. 63. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the even-tide: and he left up his eyes, and saw, and behold, the camels were coming. 64. And Rebekah left up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, ‘she lighted off the camel. 65. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vali and covered herself. 66. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. 67. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

Genesis 24:62-67

Isaac inherited not more his father’s promises than his piety. We have him here,

1. Employed in meditation. Improving an evening’s walk in the blessed work of communion with God. Wife are they, who can make even their amusements means of drawing them nearer the Lord. Note, (1.) Retirement is most needful for the soul. (2.) When we are in the field, we should imitate the patriarch, where every object around us may serve to awaken serious thoughts of God. (3.) None ever will feel the want of company, who have learned the arts of converse with a better world.

2. His meeting Rebekah. When we go to meet God, mercies come to meet us. He saw her at a distance, and when she knew him, she put on her veil, and alighted to meet him. Modestly is woman’s best ornament.

3. His marriage, and putting her in possession of Sarah’s tent. For three years he had mourned over his loss of so dear a mother; and now he is comforted in a gracious wife, and his affection sent to her, as a loving husband. Happy the pair, where mutual love makes marriage real union.