GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 24

GRIFFIN COMMENTS—GEN 24 (Gen 24:1) And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.

Abraham had fulfilled what he came to the world to do. There was only more thing that he felt was necessary before he went. His son was not married and Abraham felt obligated to make sure he was married to the right person, so he began the process to obtain a wife for Isaac. This chapter is devoted to the servant of Abraham finding a wife for Isaac.

FATHERHOOD OF GOD (Gen_24:1) 1. Abraham as father of Isaac {offering as sacrifice, obtaining a bride} (Gen_24:1) 2. Jacob (Gen_37:3) 3. David (2 Sam 9) 4. Hosea (Hos 1-3) 5. Adam (Rom_5:14) OLD TESTAMENT SURVEY 2Co_3:14 *(2) GENTILE BRIDE FOR ISAAC (Gen_24:1).

Here is the picture of the world’s greatest love story. Here is the tender love of a groom for his bride. It is good news from a far country. It is the story of the Church of Jesus Christ.

(1) Characters of the story and what they represent: (a) Abraham: Typical of God (as Father of a miracle son). (b) Isaac: Typical of Jesus (the miracle son). (c) Eleazar: Typical of the Spirit of God seeking man. (d) Rebekah: Typical of the Church.

He was not allowed to take any daughter from other parts of the world (Gen_24:3-6). She must be related (his second cousin; Gen_22:20-23; Gen_24:15; Gal_3:28-29). Abraham knew what an unholy alliance would do.

(2) The Servant (like the Spirit) was sent to find a bride.

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• The name Eleazar we know from Gen_15:2; Gen_24:2-4).

• The Son could not go back there (Gen_24:6).

• Isaac had been there in the loins of Abraham as Levi had been (Heb_7:9-10).

• The Spirit was sent to draw a Church [Bride] for the Son of God. • The Spirit that we received was like the servant of Abraham.

• Joh_14:26-27 It did not speak of himself.

• Joh_15:26-27 It came from the Father.

• Act_2:11 The Spirit spoke of the “Wonderful works of God” when it was received at Pentecost.

• God made Himself a servant to come and tell us how to become the Bride of Christ (Phi_2:7; Joh_16:13; Joh_15:26-27).

(3) She responded to the Servant [Spirit] with service.

• Gen_24:16 He found a fair lady.

• Eph_5:25-27 The Lord has found one He thinks is fair and without blemish.

• Psa_149:4 He beautifies the meek with salvation.

• Eze_16:13 She is exceeding beautiful.

[SEEREBEKAH Gen_24:15]

(4) Tokens of Isaac’s love were given to her.

• Gen_24:35; Gen_25:5 Eleazar told the family of Isaac’s riches and greatness (cf. Joh_3:36; Mat_28:18).

• Jewels were a token of his glory (Joh_16:13-17) “He shall testify of me • These gifts told her of his beauty, love, and kindness.

• He gave her jewels from the saddlebag (the earnest money) even as we receive the “earnest of our inheritance” (Eph_1:14).

• He set his seal of love upon her (Eph_1:13).

• She got a few things even before the earnest came as we receive many blessings even before we receive the Holy Ghost.

(5) She had to accept or reject the gifts brought her.

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• She could refuse to go along anywhere along the way. (a) When the first things were given (Gen_24:22). (b) When the tokens of his love were given to her (Gen_24:53). (c) When she was asked to go all the way home with him (Gen_24:58).

Some are like the foolish virgins (Mat_25:1-10) who are willing to accept some of what God has, but not all.

She forsook all to follow the groom. We must forsake all to follow Christ (Mat_19:29).

• There were people in her way (Gen_24:55-57, as they always are.

• She was going to a man she had never seen.

• She was going to a promise of riches she could not prove (Gen_24:35).

• She had only the tokens of his love and a promise of a future hope and love. We have done the same (1Pe_1:8).

• She went across a hot desert full of mirages, to Canaan.

• She left home, kindred, country, and all to accept the promise by faith, for “He that cometh to God must believe that He is, and that He is a rewarder of them that diligently seek Him” (Heb_11:6).

• The race is not to those who begin, but to those who endure (Mat_24:12-13).

• Robbers are to be avoided (Rev_3:11) “Let no man take your crown” • We toil long (Phi_3:14) “We press toward the mark” • We bypass the mirages and false prophets (Mat_7:15; 2Co_11:1319; Tit_2:13; 2Pe_2:1-3).

Some will make it and be in the Bride of Christ (Gen_24:67) if they will follow the Eleazar [Spirit] all the way. Some would rather go it on their own (2Th_2:10-11) and miss it.

(6) He came out to meet her.

When it was time, and she was ready, she saw him at a distance. They met and embraced. They loved each other (Son_4:7; Son_2:1-2, Son_2:14-16; Son_3:4; Son_6:3; Son_7:10; Son_1:3-4; Son_2:5; Pro_31:10-31).

• He was meditating—on what?

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(7) It ended in marriage.

We will go to the marriage supper and sit with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (the very types we use here). Isaac and Rebekah live happily ever after. The only marriage that will end like that is with Christ.

The wedding is in the Father’s house (Mat_22:2-13; Rev_19:7-9; Rev_21:9; Heb_12:22-23). c) TYPOLOGY IN ISAAC (1) Sacrifice: He gave his life upon the altar (Gen_22:9).

(2) Dual nature: The two sons in his loins exemplified the two natures within life. He loved the Esau (carnal) more, but the Jacob (spiritual) kept the birthright.

(3) Groom: In marrying Rebekah he showed us the picture of Christ in seeking for His church.

Gen_26:18 (Gen 24:2) And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: This would be the Eliezer of Damascus in Gen_15:2. He would be sent to find a bride for Isaac, but first he must swear by putting his hand under Abraham’s thigh, at the place of reproduction, thus making this oath the most solemn possible, the man’s very life and future generations were involved.

This story is typical of the wife of Jesus Christ the antitype of Isaac.

There is a father, Abraham; there is a miracle son, Isaac. There is the servant, Eliezer, and there is the bride Rebekah. With the antitype there is the Father of a miracle son, Jehovah. There is the miracle son, Jesus. There is the Holy Spirit that is the working aspect of God. There is the bride, the church.

THE HAND UNDER THE THIGH Gen_24:2 Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: and I will make thee swear.

This ancient form of adjuration, which is mentioned again only in Gen_47:29, and to which nothing analogous can elsewhere be

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discovered, —the practice alleged to exist among the modern Egyptian Bedouins of placing the hand upon the membrum virile in solemn forms of asseveration not forming an exact parallel, was probably originated by the patriarch. The thigh, as the source of posterity (cf. Gen_35:11; Gen_46:26; Exo_1:5), has been regarded as pointing to Abraham’s future descendants (Keil, Kalisch, Lange), and in particular to Christ, the promised seed (Theodoret, Jerome, Augustine, Luther, Ainsworth, Bush, Wordsworth), and the oath to be equivalent to a swearing by him that was to come. By others the thigh has been viewed as euphemistically put for the generative organ, upon which the sign of circumcision was placed, and the oath as an adjuration by the sign of the covenant (Jonathan, Jarchi, Tuch). A third interpretation considers the thigh as symbolizing lordship or authority, and the placing of the hand under it as tantamount to an oath of fealty and allegiance to a superior (Aben Ezra, Rosenmüller, Calvin, Murphy). Other explanations are modifications of the above.

By the Lord (Jehovah; since the marriage to which this solemn adjuration was preliminary was not an ordinary alliance, such as might have taken place under the providence of Elohim, but the wedding of the heir of the promise), the God of heaven, and the God of the earth (a clause defining Jehovah as the supreme Lord of the universe, and therefore as the sole Arbiter of human destiny), that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son — not investing him with authority to provide a wife for Isaac in the event of death carrying him (Abraham) off before his son’s marriage, but simply explaining the negative side of the commission with which he was about to be entrusted. (PULPIT) [Put his hand under the thigh of Abraham] This form of swearing has greatly puzzled the commentators; but it is useless to detail opinions, which I do myself believe, nor would wish my readers to credit. I believe the true sense is given in the Targum of Jonathan ben Uzziel, and that called the Jerusalem Targum. In the former it is said, "Put now thy hand," bigzirath mehulathi, in sectione circumcisionis meae; in the latter techoth perech keyami, sub femore faederis med. When we put the circumstances mentioned in this and the third verse together, we shall find that they fully express the ancient method of binding by oath in such transactions as had a religious tendency:

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1. The rite or ceremony used on the occasion: the person binding himself put his hand under the thigh of the person to whom he was to be bound, i.e., he put his hand on the part that bore the mark of circumcision, the sign of God's covenant, which is tantamount to our kissing the book, or laying the hand upon the New Testament or covenant of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. The form of the oath itself: the person swore by Jehovah (Yahweh), the God of heaven and the God of the earth.

Three essential attributes of God are here mentioned: 1. His self-existence and eternity in the name Jehovah (Yahweh).

2. His dominion of glory and blessedness in the kingdom of heaven.

3. His providence and bounty in the earth.

The meaning of the oath seems to be this: "As God is unchangeable in his nature and purposes, so shall I be in this engagement, under the penalty of forfeiting all expectation of temporal prosperity, the benefits of the mystical covenant, and future glory." An oath of this kind, taken at such a time, and on such an occasion, can never be deemed irreligious or profane. (Adam Clarke Commentary) In swearing, the servant put his hand under Abraham's hip. This custom, which is only mentioned here and in Gen_47:29, the socalled bodily oath, was no doubt connected with the significance of the hip as the part from which the posterity issued (Gen_46:26), and the seat of vital power; but the early Jewish commentators supposed it to be especially connected with the rite of circumcision. The oath was by "Jehovah, God of heaven and earth," as the God who rules in heaven and on earth, not by Elohim; for it had respect not to an ordinary oath, but to a question of great importance in relation to the kingdom of God. "Isaac was not regarded as a merely pious candidate for matrimony, but as the heir of the promise, who must therefore be kept from any alliance with the race whose possessions were to come to his descendants, and which was ripening for the judgment to be executed by those descendants" (Hengstenberg, Dissertations i. 350).

For this reason the rest of the negotiation was all conducted in the name of Jehovah.

(Keil & Delitzsch Commentary) [Thigh] This is a euphemism for the procreative organ. This act “either symbolized that the yet unborn children would avenge any violation of the oath, or solemnized the oath in the name of the God

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who gave circumcision as the sign of His covenant” (Ryrie, p. 42; cf.

47:29 for the only other instance). (Jerry Falwell) This week's Torah portion, Chayei Sara, tells us about the mission upon which Abraham sent Eliezer his servant, and the oath he made Eliezer take beforehand. Enjoining him to find the proper wife for his son Isaac, Abraham tells Eliezer: "Put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh."

Customarily, when a person takes an oath, he must hold something holy upon which he swears. This is why Abraham told Eliezer to place his hand under his thigh, for Abraham had performed the mitzva of circumcision when he was ninety-nine years old.

Some perplexing questions arise from Abraham's behavior.

According to our Sages, the patriarchs performed the mitzvot even before we received the Torah.

Did Abraham, then, have nothing else upon which to ask Eliezer to swear, other than the mitzva of circumcision? And, if Abraham already followed the laws of the Torah, why did he wait until God personally commanded him to circumcise himself at such an advanced age?

Chasidic philosophy explains that there is a great difference between mitzvot performed before the Torah was given and after.

Prior to the Revelation, mitzvot; even those performed by our ancestors; did not have the power to bring holiness into the world.

Physical reality was unchanged by the performance of a mitzva, and the physical objects that were used remained in their former state.

There was an unbridgeable gap between the spiritual and physical realms. The power to combine the spiritual and the physical was only given to the Jewish people after the Torah was revealed on Mount Sinai. Since that time, when a Jew performs a mitzva with a physical object, that object is elevated and becomes holy.

No matter how refined a person may be, he is limited in his ability to imbue the physical with Godliness. But, since we do mitzvot with the power given to us by God and the strength that comes from His commandments the physical world is elevated by our actions.

The only mitzva Abraham performed as a direct command from G-d was circumcision. Thus, this mitzva carried the power of God's

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command. This explains why Abraham waited so long to circumcise himself. He wanted to perform the mitzva in such a manner that his body would acquire holiness.

Because the circumcision was done in response to a direct command from God, Abraham was given the opportunity to make his flesh holy.

This mitzva, therefore, was the only one that Abraham could possibly ask Eliezer to swear on for any other physical article he had used in his life to perform mitzvot did not have the same holiness.

Adapted from the works of the Lubavitcher Rebbe.

(Gen 24:3) 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, among whom I dwell: This bride must not come from the world, she must be related. The bride of Christ is not part of the world we are part of Him. A BRIDE FOR ISAAC (Gen_1:1-4, Gen_24:10,Gen_24:16, Gen_24:53-67) Here is a picture of the world's greatest love story, the tender love of a bridegroom for his bride. This is a story of good news from a far country. In type, it is the wonderful history or story of the church and the Lord Jesus Christ. Abraham is a type of God as Father; Isaac, a type of the Son of God; Eliezer is a type of the Spirit of God; and Rebekah is a type of the Church.

1.

FAITHFULNESS OF ELIEZER

He was sent from the Father to call out a bride for His son.

Joh_15:26 "Come unto you from the Father."

2.

ELIEZER FOUND THE BRIDE-TO-BE BY THE WELL

Isaac was a well digger. Jesus spoke of the well of salvation in John 4.

3.

REBEKAH MADE AN UNUSUAL RESPONSE

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A type of conviction, she offered a drink to him, the camel drivers and the camels.

2Ti_2:19 "The Lord knoweth them that are His." Serves now but never again. Rev_7:14-15 4.

REBEKAH FORSOOK ALL TO FOLLOW ELIEZER

Wilt thou go? "And she followed the man." She left home, kindred, and country.

1Pe_1:8 "Whom having not seen ye love."

5.

ELIEZER TOLD REBEKAH OF ISAAC'S RICHES AND GREATNESS Joh_16:13-17 "He shall testify of me." Told her of his beauty, love, kindness. Eliezer gave Rebekah some jewels from the saddle bags on the way home (Earnest of the inheritance).

6.

ISAAC WENT TO MEET HIS BRIDE

Isaac went out into the field at eventide to meditate.

1Th_4:16-18. He cried, "Behold the camels are coming. She pulled her veil 7.

THEN THERE WAS A WEDDING IN THE FATHER'S HOUSE

She became his wife. She lifted her veil.

Rev_19:7. "Let us be glad and rejoice for the marriage of the Lamb is come."

She knew nothing about the land of Canaan, having never been there. Here comes a man looking for a bride for his master's son whom she has never seen. She is told that he is rich and fair, but she must accept it only by faith as this man asks her to be that bride. It is hot across the desert, long toilsome journey, robbers and mirages to deceive her, yet when they asked her she said, "I will go."

This race is not to those who begin but to those who endure to the end, and one must love him above every thing because, "iniquity

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shall abound, love of many shall wax cold and only those who endure to the end shall be saved." (Mat_24:12-13).

We have never seen Him nor the mansions He has prepared; we can only believe and hope, traveling the hot long journey to the land of the groom. There are robbers we must avoid, "hold fast your crown" (Rev_3:11. Much toil is required as we press toward the mark, calling unto Jesus (Phi_3:14).

We must be careful not to follow mirages as Jesus said, "Beware of false prophets...wolves." (Mat_7:15). Paul speaks of them (2Co_11:13-19). "False...satan himself transfigured into an angel of light." "Be in behavior...accusers." (Tit_2:3). Peter "False...heresies-...truth evil spoken of" (2Pe_2:1-3).

Some will make it and be in the bride of Christ (verse 67).

Someday Jesus is going to come to meet His bride and His bride will leave this world to ever reign with Him. We are going to the marriage supper and sit with Abraham, Isaac and Jacob.

1Th_4:14-18 "Jesus died...God will bring...alive and remain...Lord Himself shall descend, comfort one another with these words."

However, before this happens the servant must first come (Holy Ghost) and get us ready, (Joh_16:12-14). As REBEKAH had to rely on this man we must rely on the Holy Ghost. When he got there he gave gifts and our Lord's servant has given us gifts and fruit; Gal_5:22; Love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith.

1Co_12:7-11 Word of wisdom, word of knowledge, faith, healing, miracles, prophecy, discerning of spirits, divers kinds of tongues, interpretation of tongues.

Heb_11:6 We must follow without fear or doubt and go through the way of holiness and peace (Heb_12:14).

2Co_11:2. For I am jealous over you with a godly jealousy; for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ.

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Eph_5:21-29 Subjecting yourselves one to another in the fear of God. Wives, submit yourselves unto our own husbands, as unto the Lord. For the husband is the head of the wife, even as Christ is the head of the Church; and He is the Saviour of the body. Therefore as the church is subject unto Christ, so let the wife be to their own husband in everything.

Husbands, love your wife even as Christ also loved the church, and gave Himself for it; that He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word. That He might present it to Himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish. So ought men to love their wives as their own bodies. He that loveth his wife loveth himself. For no man ever yet hated his own flesh; but nourisheth and cherisheth it, even as the Lord the Church.

1Pe_1:3-8 So great that (1Co_2:9) Eye hath not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man the things that God has prepared for those that love Him. She did not know when she would get there and neither do we.

2Pe_3:10-13 the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night.

What manner of men we ought to be in all godliness. Looking for the day of God. We look for a new Heaven and a new earth wherein dwelleth righteousness.

When it was time and she was prepared she saw him at a distance and they met each other and embraced.

In the beautiful love story of the Church and Christ, written in prophecy we find many wonderful statements of profound love making while on the way to the place prepared. "Set me as a flame" (Son_8:6) "You art fair my love, no spot in thee" (Son_4:7) "I am the rose of Sharon...so is my love (Son_2:1-2); Son_2:14-16 "Let me see...let me hear thy voice, he feedeth among the lilies." (Son_3:4) "I found him and I held Him and would not let him go (Son_6:3; Son_7:10; Son_1:3-4; Son_2:5) Pro_30:10-31.

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A BRIDE FOR ISAAC (Gen_24:2-4) 1.

ABRAHAM: typified as a king (Gen_24:2-4)

2.

THE UN-NAMED SERVANT: type of the Holy Ghost (Gen_24:22) 3.

THE SERVANT: as enriching the Bride (Gen_24:53; Gen_5:22)

4.

THE SERVANT: as Spirit, bringing the bride to a meeting with the Bridegroom (Gen_24:63-67) 5.

REBEKAH: Type of the Church (Gen_24:16, 50; Eph_5:25-32)

6.

ISAAC: Type of the Bridegroom (Gen_24:66-67; 1Pe_1:8)

7.

ISAAC: As the Bridegroom going out to meet the Bride (Gen_24:65) BRIDE FOR ISAAC (Gen_24:57-58) A promise was brought to her Husband had never seen nor heard of • Yet she learned he was rich • He would love her Foreign land Dangerous journey Heat Robbers Animals Pondered these things and counted the cost She went

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She saw him a long way off "He never told me he loved me but he gave me these."

It was different, not normal BRIDE OF CHRIST (Gen_24:15) 1.

Eve

2.

Rebekah

3.

Asenath

4.

Ruth

5.

Rahab

6.

Shunnamite

7.

Captive

8.

Israel

9.

Zipporah

10.

Abigail

11.

Rachel

12.

Esther

SEVEN THINGS THE SPIRIT DOES FOR THE BRIDE (Gen_24:17) 1.

HE SPEAKS TO THE BRIDE (Gen_24:17)

2.

HE SAVES THE BRIDE (Gen_24:61)

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3.

HE SEALS THE BRIDE (Eph_1:13)

4.

HE SUSTAINS THE BRIDE (Gen_24:59)

5.

HE SUCCORS THE BRIDE (Gen_24:47)

6.

HE SATISFIES THE BRIDE (Gen_24:58)

7.

HE IS COMING FOR THE BRIDE (1Th_4:16)

(Gen 24:4) But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

Abraham received news at the end of Genesis 22 about his family in the area of Haran and he sent this servant to those family members to find a wife. She must be related. He did not want Isaac to marry someone who might influence him away from the God of Abraham.

He failed, however, to take his own advice when it came to his next marriage.

(Gen 24:5) And the servant said unto him, Peradventure the woman will not be willing to follow me unto this land: must I needs bring thy son again unto the land from whence thou camest?

The servant wanted to get things clear, and Abraham wanted to be sure he understood, that this bride must not be from among the Canaanites. So if he was not to find one in Canaan, and he could not find one in the land of his kindred, he wondered whether or not he should take Isaac there to find her for himself. It was a natural and reasonable hypothesis that the bride elect should demur to undertake a long and arduous journey to marry a husband she had never seen.

(Gen 24:6) And Abraham said unto him, Beware thou that thou bring not my son thither again.

Abraham realized that this land he was presently in was the land of promise. My son must not go back to the land from whence I came.

We are to remain in this land because God gave it to us for an inheritance. He had received the covenant and heard it repeated

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several times with additions as God spoke to him of the conditions, and he did not want to deviate from that.

(Gen 24:7) 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 sware 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.

Abraham knew that God had led him to this time and place and had done all these marvelous things for him so that his life was basically over as far as the fulfillment of God’s promises were concerned. Once this son was married there should be nothing left but the city God had prepared. So he knew that the God who had led thus far would lead on to find a bride.

(Gen 24:8) 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.

Abraham knew God well enough to know that He would lead the man to the right place, so there was no question as far as he was concerned. But if it should not turn out that way, the servant was clear when he had fulfilled these orders.

Only bring not my son thither again; neither agree with the damsel and her parents, that he shall come to them, nor persuade him to comply with such terms. (Gill) (Gen 24:9) And the servant put his hand under the thigh of Abraham his master, and sware to him concerning that matter.

This servant was the most trusted person among the servants of Abraham. He had been made the steward of Abraham's possessions.

Abraham knew that this man could be depended on to obey and fulfill the wishes of his lord. He swore to it and Abraham knew he would not back out. He did not have to worry about anything, but simply await the man's return.

(Gen 24:10) And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master were in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

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Abraham made it very clear at this point that the servant was not limited, that he was fully trusted by Abraham to handle the way he knew best and he did not have to ask for camels, or a certain amount, he just took them and anything else he would need for the journey.

Lessons: 1. Faithfulness in making vows will be diligent in the performing them.

2. Prudence will teach men to suit provisions unto undertakings (Gen_24:10).

3. Providence makes stops to creatures where it hath more to discover to them.

4. It is better staying in the field by a little water with God, than to go into cities without Him. 5. Rest for man and beast is but reasonable after labor and travel.

6. Honest labors become the greatest ladies even in household affairs; it was an honor among the saints of old (Gen_24:11).

(G. Hughes, B. D.) (Gen 24:11) 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.

He arrived at the end of the day at about the time for women to come and draw water. The fact that he spoke of women doing this chore said that it was customary for women to do this job.

In Bengal it is the universal practice for the women to go to pools and rivers to fetch water. Companies of four, six, ten, or more, may be seen in every town daily going to fetch water, with the pitchers resting upon their sides; and, on their return from bathing, women frequently bring water home - Ward. (Adam Clarke)

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(Gen 24:12) 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.

He did the wise thing. He prayed as soon as he got there for divine direction. He received it and acknowledged that God had led him here. This should be contrasted with Jacob who came to the same well many years later and did not pray. Rachel was there, and if he had prayed for guidance he would have received his answer much like this man did.

(Gen 24:13) Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water: He knew that there could be many ladies come to the well, some from the family and some not of the family, so he needed to know which one to enquire of. When we commit our way to the Lord and trust in Him, He has promised to bring our desire to pass (Psa_37:5). When we acknowledge Him in all our ways He directs our pathway (Pro_3:6).

(Gen 24:14) And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

The servant put in his prayer something that would be unusual. The ordinary response would be to say, “Sure,” and bring down her pitcher and give the man a drink, put it back on her shoulder and go home. She would have felt she had done her good deed for the day.

But Eleazer added something that would require God's intervention.

(Gen 24:15) And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

God was answering while he was still praying. He has not even gotten all the words out, or spoken them in his heart as he revealed later, before here came the answer.

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REBEKAH (Gen_24:15) Rebekah means "a rope with a noose, that can both catch and hold fast." Young's translation is "Flattered." Strong's translation is "Fettered." Both are short of the actual meaning of her name.

Gesenius says it is "one who ensnares with her beauty."

She is opposite of a frivolous shallow girl with a butterfly beauty.

Son_3:4 "I held him and would not let him go."

Character traits: "Winning in character and fast in friendships."

She could have been named that because she is the one who drew water.

Saying the right thing put Rebekah out of the common lot and put her into the lineage of Jesus Christ. (Like saying "Shiboleth") (Gen 24:16) And the damsel was 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.

There are those momentous times in life that catch us unaware. They seem like ordinary days and the circumstances appear as usual, but God has something special in store. Rebekah had no idea what awaited her and that she would never come to this well again. The next well she would encounter would have her husband awaiting her.

(Gen 24:17) And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

This may have happened very seldom, but very likely in her life she had given other strangers a drink. That would be a common thing to do. So she did her duty. By responding in the right way she would be similar to the widow that made a cake for Elijah (1Ki_17:10-17). She acted in faith and her barrel never was empty as long as the famine persisted.

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(Gen 24:18) And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

I am sure the servant was watching and listening close to see if the rest of the response would come. He took his drink and she had not yet said anything about camels. He took the pitcher down and handed it back expecting to have to wait for another damsel. But then she broke the silence and revealed that she was the one.

(Gen 24:19) And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

She had no way of knowing about this test, so the only way she could have fulfilled it was for the Lord to have prompted her to do something very unusual. He must have dropped the suggestion into her mind. So she suddenly answered him with the answer to his prayer, not knowing the long-range results of this reply. He was listening very attentively to see if she passed the test.

(Gen 24:20) And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

I have no idea how long this took, but it must have been nearly dark before she finished. A camel can drink at least twenty gallons of water and there were ten camels. The folks at home must have been wondering what happened to her by this time. After watering camels she had to then go get one more pitcher full. Whether she got home with this pitcher full is not known for the Bible says she ran home, so she may have left it there while she ran to tell the family.

(Gen 24:21) And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not.

They that wait upon the Lord change their strength (Isa_40:29-31).

His faith was rewarded, for the Lord led him to the right place and right person.

He permitted this delicate female to draw water for ten camels, without ever attempting to afford her any kind of assistance! I know not which to admire most, the benevolence and condescension of

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Rebekah, or the cold and apparently stupid indifference of the servant of Abraham. Surely they are both of an uncommon cast.

(Adam Clarke) (Gen 24:22) And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold; The servant began to give tokens of her future husband’s wealth. That is the same that has happened to us. We are not married yet, but the Holy Ghost has given us tokens of our Savior’s love. One whom we never have seen we love (1Pe_1:8). He has sent the Spirit to lead us to Him, and we must answer with service as Rebekah.

(Gen 24:23) And said, Whose daughter art thou? tell me, I pray thee: is there room in thy father's house for us to lodge in?

Though he had not yet found out this was part of the family, God had answered his prayer in such a way that he was assured that it was but he had to ask and make sure.

After he had given her the earring and the bracelets, he put the following question, according to Jarchi, and so our version seems to intimate the same; but, as it is related in Gen_24:47; the question was put before those were given, therefore some render the words, "and he had said", or, "and after he had said" (f), namely, what follows; though, as Schmidt observes, the matter is easily reconciled, and both accounts stand clear and plain, if it be only remarked, that he took out the earring and bracelets before he put the question, but it was after it that he gave her them, or put them upon her. (Gill) (f) "et dixerat", Drusius; "postquam dixisset", Junius & Tremellius, Piscator.

(Gen 24:24) And she said unto him, I am the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, which she bare unto Nahor.

Now he had the proof that he needed. From these circumstances it was obvious that Jehovah had guided him. Abraham gave him these same names before he left Hebron, so he knew he was among the right family.

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Which Milcah was the daughter of Haran, Abraham's elder brother, and, as thought by many, sister to Sarah, Abraham's wife, see Gen_11:29. (Gill) (Gen 24:25) She said moreover unto him, We have both straw and provender enough, and room to lodge in.

God had prospered his way and now he was assured that there was room so he could make plans now to go to their home to spend the night. She could tell him of their provisions, though she would not be authorized to invite him to take advantage of their home. She would have to return home and send her brother to come and invite him.

(Gen 24:26) And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD. He no doubt had become a worshipper of Jehovah long ago as he watched Abraham make altars all over Canaan and worship. So he worshiped Him also. These two acts of adoration appear to be for both Rebekah and Jehovah. He would bow down his head to Rebekah to show gratitude for her help, and he fell prostrate before Jehovah in worship.

(Gen 24:27) 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 being in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

Here is the best definition in the Bible for being led by the Spirit. He said, “I being in the way, the Lord led me.” That is the way it happens.

We are doing our duty, obeying orders, going about our routine, and as we do the Lord opens doors that none can close and closes doors that none can open. Some think being led by the Spirit means that you are in some kind of trance, or that you just sit on the sidelines and wait for God to tell you something or do something to you. But this man said it was while he was fulfilling what he knew to do, praying as he did for guidance, the Lord will work on the other end of the line.

THE LEADING OF GOD

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(Gen_24:27) "I being in the way, the Lord led me."

He was not sitting and waiting He was doing what he knew to do He was ON THE WAY! Acknowledge the Lord in all your ways and He will direct your steps.

He acknowledged God’s goodness in so quickly leading him to the house of his master’s brethren, and so unmistakably pointing out the bride.

Jesus chose those who were mending nets and watching their tax post. He never chose one man who was waiting around for something to happen.

He even gave a parable about paying those who worked only one hour the same as those who worked all day. This was in derision to those who felt mistreated.

This is a great statement here: “I being in the way, the LORD led me….” The Lord leads those who are in the way—that is, those who are in His way, who are wanting to be led, who will be led of Him, and who will do what He wants done.

God can lead a willing heart anytime. (McGee) [The Lord led me] By desire of his master he went out on this journey; and as he acknowledged God in all his ways, the Lord directed all his steps (Pro_3:6).

(Gen 24:28) And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.

The fact that he did not mention her father, yet he was mentioned later as still alive (Gen_24:50), makes it look like the household had now been turned over to Laban, the son and his father may have been too old to respond very well.

She did not tarry but ran to tell her family about this stranger and the even stranger reception she had received from him.

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(Gen 24:29) And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.

Laban as we know from the days yet to come with Jacob, was a very ambitious man with an objective to benefit himself whenever he could, so he was anxious to meet this man that had come from Abraham’s household. So he did not tarry either, but ran to meet him.

Doubtless he had heard of Abraham’s wealth, and could see a way to benefit from it.

(Gen 24:30) And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

Notice that Laban’s attention was on the trinkets of gold and not on the man himself. Since we know Laban from elsewhere this is exactly what we would expect. The servant was remaining at the well by the camels with a servant's attitude, waiting on the next direction, either from Jehovah or the family of Bethuel.

(Gen 24:31) And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.

Laban, in spite of what we know of his cunning, could also be a very hospitable and good man at times. He had made preparation for this servant of Abraham and invited him in with the greatest of welcome.

As Laban said "I have prepared the house," so Christ has ordained the Church and provided it with all things necessary for the refreshment, repose, and invigoration of His people. (Newman Hall, LL. B.) (Gen 24:32) And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.

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This appears to still be Laban at work. Laban ungirded the camels, and gave straw and brought water, so the servant would not have to do anything. [and gave straw and provender for the camels] straw for their litter, and provender to eat; this Laban did, or ordered to be done: the Targum of Jonathan expresses his name, and no doubt he is intended, for who should give these but he? (Gill) (Gen 24:33) 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.

Then they sat down for a luscious meal before they went to bed, but this servant of Abraham was under orders and did not feel right about breaking out of his commission for any enjoyment until that order was fulfilled.

In Hindoostan it is not unusual for a Brahmin to enter a house and sit down, and when meat is offered, refuse to eat till he has obtained the object of his errand. Here is a servant who had his master’s interest more at heart than his own. (Adam Clarke) (Gen 24:34) And he said, I am Abraham's servant.

As he was Abraham’s servant, so the Holy Ghost is the working aspect of God. The definition of the Spirit is, “God in action.” When we speak of His being we call Him by a name, but when we speak of God’s Spirit we are speaking of God at work. The first time we find the term Spirit in the Bible (Gen_1:2) is when the Spirit of God moved upon the waters. This began the creation, a work of the Spirit.

(Gen 24:35) And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.

He came to tell of His master, Abraham and of his son Isaac, as the Holy Ghost did not come to speak of Himself, Jesus said, but He will “tell you things about me.” (Joh_15:26) His major interest was to find a bride for the miracle son as the Holy Ghost is preparing a bride for Christ.

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To bless signifies here to enrich, or increase with substance as the text in the same verse declares. (Geneva Bible) (Gen 24:36) And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.

Isaac was the promised miracle son, as Jesus is the promised miracle Son of God, and Savior. All things have been given to Him (Heb_11:3; Psa_2:8).

[And Sarah, my master's wife] Who must be well known to this family, by name at least, being, as is generally supposed, the sister of Milcah, Nahor's wife, and Bethuel's mother. (Gill) (Gen 24:37) And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: He was under oath and that was why dinner must wait or anything else that was standing between him and the work to be done. That is the attitude of any servant of God to let nothing interfere with the work.

What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand. (JFB) (Gen 24:38) But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

He was given instructions as to who the persons were in that father’s house so he would know he was in the right place when he arrived, and he knew the wife must come from there. Everything was fitting into place so he knew that God had directed his steps to the right place, and all that needed to be done now was work it out.

(Gen 24:39) And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me.

There was a drawing of the Spirit (Joh_6:44), but those who followed must be willing. None would be forced. If they did not want to follow

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they must be allowed to choose what they wish. The whole drama of redemption is based on whosoever will that may come, and those who reject Him are allowed to go their way and miss out on eternal life.

(Gen 24:40) 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 father's house: It had worked out as he hoped for the Spirit of God led him. The servant did not see the angel of God, but he was there just the same guiding the way. He is with us also working out the details of our lives though we cannot see him.

God commissioned angels—it is not for man to do.

Abraham sends Eliezer, the steward of his house, to seek a wife for the risen heir, for his only son Isaac, from the country whither Isaac was not to return — in the world such as it is: beautiful figure of the mission of the Holy Spirit, who, fulfilling His office (after the Lord's death and resurrection) with the elect of God who are to form the Lamb's wife in the counsels of God, conducts her (already adorned with His gifts, but waiting the moment when she shall see Him who is heir of all things that belong to His Father) across the desert to her heavenly bridegroom. The call and readiness of the appointed bride is beautifully depicted, and she goes with him, who prefigures the Spirit, to the bridegroom who is heir of all. (Darby) (Gen 24:41) Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.

The Spirit of God has invited you and He will find a bride for the Son, but if you do not come He is free of the oath. He has done His part.

This servant had faithfully obeyed his master and from this point on he was clear whether they accepted his offer or rejected it. He had declared his mission and asked for the daughter to be the wife of Isaac and now it was out of his hands and all depended on Rebekah's acceptance.

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(Gen 24:42) And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: He went as far as he knew to go. He did not know which house it would be so he stopped at the well where he knew eventually he would meet some people.

Then he prayed to the God of his master, Abraham. This makes it appear he had not actually declared Him to be his own personal God, but knew that He was the living God who answers prayer.

(Gen 24:43) 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; When he stood by the well, he began to pray about his present situation. It was a focused prayer on a present need. It was an effectual fervent prayer of a righteous man that avails much (Jam_5:6). It was the same kind of prayer that would have led Jacob to his favorite wife Rachel years later if he had taken the advice of this servant and prayed when he arrived here.

(Gen 24:44) 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 master's son.

The prayer had in it a provision that only God could make sure of its happening. It would be a test to him to let him know whether or not he had come to the right place. He had total confidence that somehow God would direct him.

Note, It is good dealing with those who by prayer take God along with them in their dealings. (Matthew Henry) (Gen 24:45) 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.

Notice he was speaking this prayer in his heart. He was not waking up the neighborhood, crying aloud to make sure God heard him. He was like Hannah, who prayed a silent prayer and Nehemiah who prayed a

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quick silent prayer (after praying three months very likely with loud prayers). But God heard this heart prayer.

(Gen 24:46) 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 drank, and she made the camels drink also.

This girl passed the test and did not even know it. There are always some who do “more than I say” (Phm_1:23). The Bible is filled with those who received extra blessings because they went beyond what they were told. No one told David to challenge Goliath. No one told the four men to let the paralytic down through the roof. No one told Zachaeus to climb the tree. These all did more than they were told.

(Gen 24:47) And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

Eleazar did not give the tokens of Isaac's love to Rebekah until he was sure that this was the one who would be a good wife for Isaac. As soon as God knows you are the one He will fill you with His Spirit (Act_15:8), the earnest of your inheritance (Eph_1:14). It is not all you are getting, but it tells you that there is more where this came from.

(Gen 24:48) 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 master's brother's daughter unto his son.

He recognized that it was God who had led him to this place. As he said earlier (Gen_24:27) as he was in the way the Lord led him. He had not just been sitting around waiting on the Lord, but went into action. Acknowledge Him in all your ways and He will direct your steps (Pro_3:6).

He shows our duty when we have received any benefit from the Lord. (Geneva Bible) (Gen 24:49) And now if ye 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.

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Multitudes in the valley of decision (Joe_3:14). There comes a time to decide, “Will I go with this man?” Will I accept what God has planned for my life or will I live it the way I desire? Whichever way you choose He is ready to recompense (Job_34:33). He desires you to follow Him but He will allow you to make the decision. He will not force you.

(Gen 24:50) Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

Here we find that Bethuel was still alive, but this was the only time he entered into the transaction and made no decisions about anything that was done or said. This makes it appear he was incapacitated or in some way unable to make decisions anymore.

They recognized that this was the will of God. It is a wonderful thing to see a man like Laban yielding to the will of God. (Gen 24:51) Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken.

They consented to the transaction and the servant now knew that his mission was complete. Now he had to take the woman back to his master’s house to finish up the legwork that went along with this commission.

It is remarkable that Laban made no qualifications to this transaction, but recognized that it was from God and nothing he would be allowed to alter and no words he could add.

(Gen 24:52) And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth.

He worshipped earlier as you may have noticed, but this time he bowed in humble adoration to the God of Glory who could orchestrate the affairs of men.

POSTURE IN WORSHIP (Gen_24:52) Gen_24:26 Bowed down his head Gen_24:52 Bowed to the earth 2Ch_20:18 Fell to the earth

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Psa_95:6 Bow and kneel Psa_63:6 In bed Psa_47:1 Clap your hands Psa_134:2 Lift up your hands (Sign of surrender and embrace) Act_2:1-4 Sitting Ezr_9:5 Spread forth the hands (Gen 24:53) 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.

The servant brought forth even more tokens when the transaction was made, and you will find when you accept the way of the cross that there is no end to what God gives from His storehouse. He will give you handfuls on purpose.

The word keley, which we here translate jewels signifies properly vessels or instruments; and those presented by Eliezer might have been of various kinds. (Adam Clarke) (Gen 24:54) 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.

The servant of Abraham stayed no longer than he had to in this world of strangers, and the Holy Ghost will stay here in this world no longer than it takes to obtain a bride for Jesus Christ, and He will take that bride to meet the Bridegroom as soon as possible. He will not tarry nor be distracted until He has fulfilled His mission (Isa_42:4).

(Gen 24:55) And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

Again we find Laban in charge with Bethuel not even mentioned, and they were pleading for a little time. Of course it would be left up to Rebekah, but notice there are always people in the way when you want to do something for God. The Bible is filled with those who found people in the way.

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The woman with the issue of blood wanted healing, but people were in the way. She pressed on anyway. Bartemaeus found people in the way, who wanted him to stop calling, but he cried the louder. The paralyzed man found people in the way, but they broke through the roof to let him down at Jesus feet. Zachaeus found people in the way but he climbed the tree and salvation came to his house that day.

(Gen 24:56) 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.

The servant was not going to keep on negotiating once he found the answer, and the Spirit will not always strive with man. When the chance comes to respond we should respond because tomorrow may be too late.

The words of our text may be the prayer of the new convert to Christ -- the Christian who has just experienced the new creating grace of God; "hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way." The character of God appears to him full of glory, and shining in love.

The great salvation which He has offered, seems worthy of all acceptation. His whole heart is arrested and occupied with the objects and excitements of this first love. But there are many hindrances surrounding this infantile state of grace. (S. H. Tyng, D. D.) (Gen 24:57) And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

They hoped to hold her at home for a while. This sounds just like Laban and the Laban spirit is always trying to get us to procrastinate, but that always leads to more problems as Jacob found out when he dealt with Laban many years later. The choice was not actually theirs however, but Rebekah was the one who had to make the final decision, so she was the one they called.

(Gen 24:58) And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

Her answer was ready. She did not need ten days to decide. She recognized that this was the opportunity of a lifetime and she would

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take advantage of it. We need to recognize that our Bridegroom is the opportunity beyond compare and we should not delay in responding, “I will go.” Though we have never seen Him we have received the tokens of His love to us and we will go with the servant through all the trials of the wilderness to reach the one who invited us.

(Gen 24:59) And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.

It does not mention the name of her nurse here but we find later that it was Deborah, one of the most fascinating women in the Bible. She raised Rebekah apparently, then her two sons, and then was called on

by Jacob to raise his sons. Jacob finally buried her under an oak tree as they left Bethel on his second trip there (Gen_35:8).

(Gen 24:60) And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

They placed the best blessings on her they could and sent her away and God fulfilled their wish and more so because she was part of the royal family; in the genealogy of Jesus Christ. They prayed for her to have a large family, which was customary in those days because that was proof to them of the special blessing of God. A large family showed God's favor.

(Gen 24:61) And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Here we find that Rebekah had more with her than the nurse, Deborah, they gave to her some damsels to be of service to her. She would not very likely need more from her own home since Abraham had an abundance of servants. She now had to trust this man to get her back through the desert to her future husband. He would have to know how to get her past mirages, robbers, and anything else that would be a hindrance. We too must depend on the Holy Ghost to get us past all the obstacles of our wilderness and get us home. Get us to the wedding on time.

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(Gen 24:62) And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.

She had left the well of Haran and came to a new one where she found her bridegroom. This was the well where the angel of the Lord found Hagar when she ran away from the persecution of Sarah (Gen_16:1314).

As it appears from Gen_25:11, that Isaac dwelt at the well Lahai-roi, it has been conjectured that he had now come on a visit to his aged father at Beersheba, where he waited in expectation of his bride.

(Adam Clarke) (Gen 24:63) And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

There is no doubt about what he was meditating on. There is no doubt about what our Bridegroom is meditating on as He prepares to come and meet us.

A man's meditations are the pure outcome of what he is. The word itself is suggestive. It means to be in the midst of a matter, to have it in your very center. Do not be afraid of losing yourself in meditation. The more you lose yourself in great themes the better.

The dream is the way to reality, but let it be reality and impression and abiding results that you are seeking. The Hebrew word here rendered "meditate" means also to pray. The meditation of a devout spirit on almost anything will soon run into prayer. (J. Leckie, D. D.) (Gen 24:64) And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.

She was as anxious to meet him as he was to meet her. And the same is true with us. We are anxiously waiting for that day and He is preparing a place for us.

THE CAMELS ARE COMING (Gen_24:64-67)

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The Lord not only furnished Rebekah grace to say yes to Eliezer, but He also furnished transportation to go unto Isaac.

1.

THE CAMEL IS A BURDEN BEARER Rebekah was to ride, not lead, the camel. Her load was to rest upon the camel. "Casting all your care upon Him."

2.

THE CAMEL IS A WEANER The camel carried Rebekah away from her kindred and home.

Jesus said, "Except ye forsake father and mother, ye cannot follow me."

3.

THE CAMEL HAS AN UNUSUAL NOSE Out in the desert, he can smell water a long way off. The priest in the Old Testament who had a broken nose was rejected. A pastor would be able to find the wells of refreshment for his people.

4.

THE CAMEL HAS A CUSHION RIM AROUND HIS HOOFS This enables him to walk upon the sand of the desert. The Christian is to walk above the world and not sink down in it.

1Jo_2:15 "If any man love the world the love of the Father is not in him."

5.

THE CAMEL IS KNOWN FOR HIS LONG SHARP TEETH When he is out on the desert sands with nothing to eat, he can reach into the horny cactus bushes for food. "I have meat to eat that ye know not of."

7.

THE CAMEL HAS TWO TANKS (HUMPS) TO CARRY WATER IN FOR THE LONG HOT JOURNEY When these run out, there are some special pouches which hold water in the lining of the camel's stomach. These

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pouches are released when the humps run out. This is more than enough water to carry the camel across the desert.

Grace has brought us safe thus far; and grace will take us home.

(Gen 24:65) 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 vail, and covered herself.

She made herself ready and the Apostle John says that the bride of Christ has made herself ready (Rev_19:7).

She took a veil [tsaw-eef] and covered her. This is the first time this word occurs, and it is of doubtful signification; but most agree to render it a veil or a cloak. The former is the most likely, as it was generally used by women in the east as a sign of chastity, modesty, and subjection. (Adam Clarke) (Gen 24:66) And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.

The record does not mention his report to Abraham. I am sure there was one, but the main thing for him was to finish this mission by bringing the bride to the groom and now he could say, “Mission accomplished.” He is a good example of a faithful servant and a perfect type of the Holy Ghost who sought out a bride for the Father's Son. (Gen 24:67) 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.

The story ends in a marriage as will that of Christ and His church.

Blessed are all those who are at that wedding.

A primeval marriage that illustrates the principle of unity in diversity. The characters of Isaac and Rebekah were most diverse.

They were truly complements of each other, and when brought together made a complete whole. (T. H. Leale.)

GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 24—PAGE 35

GRIFFIN COMMENTS GEN 24—PAGE 36