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Genesis 24

67 verses

TL;DR

Abraham's faithful servant fulfills the patriarch’s directive by finding Rebekah in Mesopotamia and bringing her to Canaan to become Isaac’s wife, demonstrating divine providence and the continuity of Abraham’s covenant.

Summary

After Abraham grows old, he instructs his servant to secure a wife for Isaac from his own kin rather than the Canaanites, swearing an oath before God. The servant travels to Mesopotamia, where he meets Rebekah at a well; she offers water to him and his camels, and she appears as a fitting bride. He gives her gifts and confirms her lineage, securing her family’s hospitality. Rebekah’s brother Laban and mother Bethuel welcome the servant and affirm that the choice is divinely ordained. The servant brings Rebekah back to Canaan, where Isaac, weary and grieving after Sarah’s death, is comforted by her, and they marry. The chapter highlights the faithfulness of Abraham’s covenant, the providential guidance of God, and the importance of family ties.

Outline
  1. Abraham’s instruction and the oath of the servant
  2. Journey to Mesopotamia, encounter with Rebekah, and confirmation of her suitability
  3. Marriage of Isaac and Rebekah and the continuation of Abraham’s line
Themes
Covenant faithfulnessDivine providence and guidanceFamily continuity and kinship
Keywords
covenantoathdivine providencewellpitchercamelsgiftfamily
People
AbrahamIsaacRebekahBethuelMilcahNahorLabanSarahAbraham’s servant
Places
MesopotamiaCity of NahorCanaanWellSarah’s tent
Things
CamelsPitcherEarringBraceletsJewels of silver and goldStraw and provender
Key Verses
  • Genesis 24:12: The servant’s prayer for speed and divine kindness, marking the moment of divine commissioning.
  • Genesis 24:14-15: Rebekah’s arrival at the well, the pivotal encounter that reveals her as the chosen bride.
  • Genesis 24:24-25: The gifting of the earring and bracelets, signifying the formal presentation of Rebekah to her future father-in-law’s household.
  • Genesis 24:51: Laban’s acceptance of the servant’s request, affirming that the choice is ordained by the Lord.
  • Genesis 24:63-65: Isaac’s encounter with Rebekah, showing the fulfillment of the plan and the consummation of the marriage.
Questions
  • How does Abraham’s oath shape the actions of the servant and the narrative’s outcome?
  • In what ways does the well function as a symbol of divine revelation?
  • What role does hospitality play in establishing Rebekah’s suitability as a bride?
  • How does the servant’s acknowledgment of God’s angel reflect faith and agency?
  • What does the reunion of Isaac and Rebekah say about healing after loss?
Sentiment

positive
The narrative emphasizes divine guidance, family blessings, and the successful fulfillment of Abraham’s covenant.