Genesis 24:14

Now may it happen that the girl to whom I say, 'Please let down your jar that I may drink,' and who responds, 'Drink, and I will water your camels as well'--let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master."

Study Bible

May it be
This phrase reflects a prayerful hope and reliance on divine providence. The Hebrew root here is "הָיָה" (hayah), which means "to be" or "to become." It signifies a request for God's will to manifest in the situation. The servant's dependence on God is evident, showing a deep trust in God's guidance and sovereignty.

when I say
The act of speaking is significant in biblical narratives, often indicating authority or the initiation of a covenant or agreement. The servant's words are not just casual conversation but a deliberate act of seeking God's will. This reflects the importance of intentionality in prayer and action.

to a young woman
The Hebrew term "נַעֲרָה" (na'arah) refers to a young woman of marriageable age. In the cultural and historical context, this indicates a woman who is eligible and suitable for marriage, highlighting the servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac. It underscores the importance of family and lineage in the biblical narrative.

‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’
This request is a test of character and hospitality. In ancient Near Eastern culture, hospitality was a highly valued virtue. The act of drawing water was labor-intensive, and the servant's request is a measure of the woman's kindness and willingness to serve others, reflecting the qualities desired in a matriarch of Israel.

and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well,’
The response is crucial, as it goes beyond the initial request, demonstrating generosity and a servant's heart. Watering camels was a significant task, indicating a willingness to go above and beyond. This reflects the biblical principle of serving others selflessly, a trait that aligns with God's character.

let her be the one You have appointed
The word "appointed" comes from the Hebrew "יָכַח" (yakach), meaning to appoint or designate. This indicates a belief in God's active role in guiding and determining outcomes. The servant seeks confirmation of God's choice, emphasizing the importance of divine selection in fulfilling God's promises.

for Your servant Isaac
Isaac, as the promised heir, holds a significant place in God's covenant with Abraham. The servant's mission is not just about finding a wife but ensuring the continuation of God's covenantal promises through Isaac. This highlights the theme of God's faithfulness to His promises and the unfolding of His redemptive plan.

By this I will know
The servant seeks a sign, a common biblical motif where individuals seek confirmation of God's will. This reflects a desire for assurance and clarity in discerning God's guidance, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's direction in life's decisions.

that You have shown kindness to my master.”
The Hebrew word for "kindness" is "חֶסֶד" (chesed), often translated as loving-kindness or steadfast love. It denotes God's covenantal faithfulness and mercy. The servant's prayer is rooted in the belief that God's kindness is evident in His guidance and provision, reinforcing the theme of God's unwavering love and faithfulness to His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham's Servant
The unnamed servant, likely Eliezer, is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. He demonstrates faith and reliance on God through prayer.

2. Rebekah
The young woman who fulfills the servant's prayer by offering water to him and his camels, showing her kindness and suitability as Isaac's wife.

3. Nahor
The city where Abraham's relatives live, and where the servant goes to find a wife for Isaac, ensuring she is from Abraham's kin.

4. The Well
A central location in the account where the servant meets Rebekah, symbolizing provision and divine encounter.

5. Isaac
Abraham's son, for whom the servant is seeking a wife, representing the continuation of God's covenant promise.

Teaching Points

Faith in Action
The servant's prayer and subsequent actions demonstrate a model of faith that actively seeks God's guidance and confirmation.

Divine Providence
God's hand is evident in orchestrating events to fulfill His promises, reminding believers of His sovereignty in their lives.

Character Matters
Rebekah's willingness to serve beyond what is asked highlights the importance of character and kindness in fulfilling God's purposes.

Prayerful Dependence
The servant's example encourages believers to approach decisions with prayer, seeking God's will and confirmation.

God's Kindness
The account illustrates God's kindness and faithfulness, encouraging believers to trust in His provision and timing.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's approach to finding a wife for Isaac demonstrate faith and reliance on God? How can we apply this in our decision-making processes?

2. In what ways does Rebekah's response to the servant's request reveal her character? How can we cultivate similar qualities in our own lives?

3. How does this passage illustrate the concept of divine providence? Can you think of a time when you experienced God's guidance in a similar way?

4. What role does prayer play in the servant's mission, and how can we incorporate prayer more effectively into our daily lives?

5. How does the account of Rebekah at the well connect with other biblical accounts involving wells? What do these accounts teach us about God's provision and revelation?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12
The servant's mission is rooted in God's promise to Abraham to make him a great nation, which requires a suitable wife for Isaac.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The servant's reliance on God for guidance parallels the call to trust in the Lord with all one's heart.

1 Samuel 16
Just as God chose David, not based on outward appearance but on the heart, Rebekah is chosen for her character and actions.

John 4
The encounter at the well with the Samaritan woman echoes themes of divine appointment and revelation.