Genesis 24:44

and she replies, 'Drink, and I will draw water for your camels as well,' may she be the woman the LORD has appointed for my master's son.

Study Bible

and if she replies
This phrase sets the stage for a conditional response, highlighting the servant's reliance on divine guidance. The Hebrew word for "replies" is "אָמַר" (amar), which means to say or speak. This reflects the importance of verbal communication in ancient Near Eastern culture, where spoken words often carried significant weight and were seen as binding.

Drink
The simple command "Drink" is a pivotal moment in the narrative. In Hebrew, "שָׁתָה" (shatah) means to drink. This act of offering water is a gesture of hospitality, a highly valued virtue in the ancient world. It signifies kindness and a willingness to serve, qualities that are essential for the woman who would become Isaac's wife.

and I will draw water for your camels as well
This phrase demonstrates an extraordinary level of generosity and diligence. The Hebrew word for "draw" is "שָׁאַב" (sha'ab), which involves the laborious task of pulling water from a well. Camels, known for their ability to consume large amounts of water, would require significant effort to satisfy. This act of drawing water for the camels goes beyond basic hospitality, indicating a heart of service and selflessness.

let her be the woman
Here, the servant seeks a sign from God to identify the chosen woman. The Hebrew word "נַעֲרָה" (na'arah) refers to a young woman or maiden. This reflects the cultural context where marriages were often arranged, and specific qualities were sought in a bride. The servant's prayer for a sign underscores the belief in divine providence guiding personal and familial decisions.

the LORD has appointed
The phrase "the LORD has appointed" emphasizes divine sovereignty and purpose. The Hebrew word "יָכַח" (yakach) means to appoint or designate. This reflects the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people, orchestrating events according to His will. It reassures believers of God's intimate involvement in their lives and His ability to guide them to fulfill His purposes.

for my master’s son
This phrase identifies the intended recipient of God's provision, Isaac, the son of Abraham. The Hebrew word "בֵּן" (ben) means son, highlighting the importance of lineage and inheritance in biblical narratives. Isaac, as the promised heir, represents the continuation of God's covenant with Abraham. The servant's mission is not just about finding a wife but ensuring the fulfillment of God's promises through the chosen family line.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
The patriarch who sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac.

2. Isaac
Abraham's son, for whom the servant is seeking a wife.

3. Rebekah
The woman who fulfills the servant's prayer by offering water to him and his camels.

4. The Servant
Likely Eliezer, Abraham's trusted servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac.

5. Nahor
The city where the servant goes to find a wife for Isaac, located in Mesopotamia.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance
Trust in God's providence and timing when seeking direction in life.

Like the servant, we should pray specifically and expectantly for God's guidance.

Character and Service
Rebekah's willingness to serve is a model of hospitality and kindness.

Our actions and willingness to serve others can be a testament to our character.

Faith in Action
The servant's faith is demonstrated through his actions and reliance on God.

We should act in faith, trusting that God will fulfill His promises.

God's Sovereignty
God orchestrates events and relationships according to His will.

Recognize and submit to God's sovereignty in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's prayer in Genesis 24:12-14 demonstrate his faith and reliance on God? How can we apply this in our own prayer life?

2. In what ways does Rebekah's response to the servant's request reveal her character? How can we cultivate a similar spirit of service and hospitality?

3. How does the account of Rebekah at the well connect with Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman in John 4? What lessons can we learn about divine appointments?

4. What does this passage teach us about God's sovereignty in our relationships and life decisions? How can we better trust His plan for us?

5. How can we apply the principle of seeking God's guidance in our daily decisions, as demonstrated by the servant's actions in this chapter?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 24:12-14
The servant's prayer for guidance, showing his reliance on God to reveal the right woman.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Encourages trust in the Lord for guidance, similar to the servant's reliance on God.

1 Samuel 16:7
God's ability to see the heart, as He appoints Rebekah based on her character and actions.

John 4:7-10
Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting themes of service and divine appointments.