Tyndale Open Study NotesGenesis 24

Isaac's marriage to Rebekah made it certain that God's plan would continue for the next generation. God showed his covenant faithfulness by working through his faithful people (24:12, 27, 49).

Trusting in the Lord's promise, Abraham had his main servant promise to find a wife for Isaac (probably Eliezer, 15:2). Abraham told his servant to return to his relatives in his homeland, 724 kilometers away (about 450 miles). Abraham was faithful to the covenant by planning for Isaac's future.

The servant placed his hand under Abraham's thigh (compare 47:29). This was the custom when making a serious oath. The servant accepted the responsibility of completing this mission.

Isaac knew how wicked and threatening the local Canaanite people were, so he maintained separation from them (compare 26:34–35; 27:46; 28:8–9).

The servant was never to take Isaac out of the promised land to find a wife. Abraham protected Isaac and made sure God’s promises would remain tied to the land of blessing.

The servant obeyed his master’s instructions and trusted God to lead him to the right woman.

The servant faithfully completed his mission. God showed his faithful covenant love to Abraham's family by bringing all these details together. God was working quietly through these events to carry out his will through people who acted responsibly and in faith.

Aram-naharaim means "Aram of the two rivers." It was also known as Paddan-aram, which means "the field of Aram" (compare 25:20).

The journey took two weeks each way. So, the servant took 10 of his master’s camels and departed with all kinds of gifts (24:22, 53).

Abraham’s future daughter-in-law showed hospitality and hard work, similar to Abraham (see 18:1–8). Ten thirsty camels could drink 946 liters (250 gallons) of water. A woman willing to do that much work for a stranger was certainly not lazy, but generous and hospitable.

The servant received a precise, immediate answer to his prayer for guidance.

The servant thanked the girl by giving her expensive jewelry.

God guided the servant to Abraham's relatives.

Rebekah again showed kindness by offering lodging for the servant and food for his camels.

The servant bowed to the ground and worshiped the Lord for his loyal love and faithfulness in guiding him to the exact family he sought.

the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master: These words express this chapter’s message (compare 24:48). Believers can trust the Lord’s leading because he is sovereign in all things. He never leaves his people to their own resources in carrying out his covenant work.

Laban … rushed: He did not want to miss the chance to marry off his sister and get more gifts. Laban's reaction to the servant's wealth hints at his greedy nature (see 24:54–56 and study note; 29:21–27; 30:27–36; 31:1–13).

The servant stayed focused on his mission. He insisted on sharing his story before eating. He explained his mission and recognized God's providence in leading him to Rebekah. He did this before taking care of his own needs. The servant wanted everyone to understand that this was God's work, not a chance or humanly arranged meeting.

The way that God directed this event from behind the scenes is different than in most of Genesis, but it is true to how the life of faith normally works. Faith, expressed in personal prayer and obedience, looks for evidence of God’s working. Believers usually have to make wise choices and remain faithful to the covenant, trusting that God will guide them through the circumstances of life to accomplish his will.

Following his testimony about God’s guidance, the servant secured the family’s blessing and permission to take Rebekah to his master’s son Isaac.

The servant gave expensive gifts to Rebekah, her mother, and her brother to conclude the arrangements.

It was hard for Rebekah’s family to let her go so suddenly, and Laban may have hoped to gain more wealth. However, the servant had sworn an oath and would not rest until it was completed. There was no reason for him to stay.

Rebekah chose to leave at once to be with her new husband, which ended the disagreement. She accepted what seemed to be the Lord’s clear leading.

In that culture, young women usually wanted to marry (not marrying brought great shame and hardship). Later stories about Laban help explain why Rebekah may have wanted to leave (compare 31:14–15).

Rebekah showed faithful love to the servant, to Abraham’s family, and to Isaac by going to become his wife.

When Rebekah left, her family blessed her, hoping she would become the mother of millions. They said, May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies. Rebekah's marriage to Isaac was part of God's plan to bless "all the families of the earth" (12:1–3).

Isaac lived in the Negev, in the southern part of Canaan.

Isaac was 40 years old when he married Rebekah (25:20), so Abraham was 140 (21:5).