AnThe journey of Abraham’s servant in Genesis 24:1-27 demonstrates unyeilding faith and obedience. He faithfully follows Abraham’s instructions to find a wife for Isaac, showing reliance on God’s guidance through prayer. This journey shows the importance of trust in God and the fulfillment of His promises. This passages insure that God can work in every part of our lives. Ultimately, the story of Rebekah and Abraham’s Servant tells about faith, obedience and giving thanks.
We’ll discover how Abraham sends his servant out to find a wife for for his son, Isaac. The servant comes back with Rebekah. The rest is history.
God Leads Abraham’s Servant to Rebekah – A Wife for Isaac
“Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water; now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.” – Genesis 24:13-14 NASB
Rebekah at the Well
The well was normally located outside of town and people came from a mile or more to draw water to carry home. The significance of the well is that it is also a place to meet new people; a social gathering place if you will.
Rebekah most likely went to the well twice daily as she could only use the water she was able to carry in one trip.
God Will Provide
Eliezer, the servant, watched Abraham and learned that Abraham depended on God to lead him and provide for him. And, he knew to ask God for guidance when he began his journey to find a wife for Isaac. So, he prayed earnestly at the well, asking God to show him a sign to identify the right woman for Isaac. He then requested that the chosen woman would offer him water and also volunteer to draw water for his camels. This specific prayer was his way of seeking divine confirmation and ensuring that he was following God’s will.
Someone is Watching
Just as Eliezer watched Abraham, we need to ask ourselves; “Who’s watching us?“
Do we have someone who watches to see whether or not we depend on God or His guidance before making our life’s decisions? Our family members and friends can learn about the Christian lifestyle by watching us — good, or bad. So, we need to make a habit of asking God to guide us so that those watching will follow suit.
For example, when faced with career decisions, we might pray for guidance to ensure we are following God’s path. Similarly, when deciding on how to handle a conflict within the family, seeking divine wisdom can help us act with love and patience. Even in everyday choices, like how we spend our time or resources, relying on faith can guide us to make better decisions.
Signs from God
Abraham’s servant asked God to give him a sign to help him choose the right wife for Isaac. He asked that the girl offer water to him and his camels. When Rebekah offered to give him water, this was just an act of hospitality. It was required of her to offer water to people who asked. But, it wasn’t required to draw water for animals.
Beyond the Call of Duty
Rebekah went beyond the call of duty when she offered to draw water for Eliezer’s camels.
This request was significant because a single camel can drink up to 20 gallons of water at a time. Offering to draw water for multiple camels would indicate not just kindness, but also a willingness to undertake a substantial and laborious task, revealing Rebekah’s character and suitability.
When Eliezer saw this willingness to serve he knew that God had led him to the right person.
Giving Thanks to God for Blessings
Again she said to him, “We have plenty of both straw and feed, and room to lodge in.”
Then the man bowed low and worshiped the Lord.
He said, “Blessed be the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His lovingkindness and His truth toward my master; as for me, the Lord has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brothers.” – Genesis 24:25-27 NASB
As soon as Eliezer realized that God had answered his prayer he bowed down and worshiped God. So, when God answers a prayer for us we should be quick to thank Him too.
Love in Christ
– Bob
If you would like to know more about how you can receive the love and life-changing experience of Jesus Christ, please take a moment to look at John 3:16.