Genesis 24:11

As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water.

Study Bible

He made the camels kneel down
The act of making the camels kneel is significant in the context of ancient Near Eastern customs. Camels were valuable assets, often used for long journeys across arid regions. The Hebrew word for "kneel" is "בָּרַךְ" (barak), which can also mean "to bless." This dual meaning may suggest a symbolic act of preparation and blessing for the task ahead. The camels kneeling indicates a pause, a moment of readiness and expectation, reflecting the servant's faith and anticipation of God's guidance in finding a wife for Isaac.

near the well
Wells were central to community life in ancient times, serving as gathering places and essential sources of water. The Hebrew word for "well" is "בְּאֵר" (be'er), which often symbolizes life and sustenance. In biblical narratives, wells are frequently sites of divine encounters and significant events, such as Jacob meeting Rachel (Genesis 29) and Moses meeting Zipporah (Exodus 2). The well here represents a place of providence and divine appointment, where God's plan for Isaac's marriage will unfold.

outside the town
The location "outside the town" suggests a place of transition between the domestic and the communal. It is a space where the servant, Eliezer, can observe without intruding, allowing God's providence to manifest naturally. This setting underscores the theme of divine orchestration, as God often works in the margins and unexpected places to fulfill His purposes.

in the evening
The evening time is significant, as it was customary for women to draw water during the cooler parts of the day. The Hebrew word "עֶרֶב" (erev) denotes not only the time of day but also a period of transition from light to darkness. This time of day symbolizes a moment of reflection and anticipation, aligning with the servant's prayerful expectation for God's guidance in choosing the right bride for Isaac.

at the time when the women go out to draw water
This phrase highlights the cultural practice of women drawing water, a daily routine that provided opportunities for social interaction. The Hebrew word for "draw" is "שָׁאַב" (sha'av), which implies effort and purpose. This setting is crucial, as it is within this ordinary activity that God orchestrates an extraordinary meeting. The servant's reliance on God's timing and the natural flow of life emphasizes the theme of divine providence working through everyday circumstances.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham's Servant
The unnamed servant, traditionally believed to be Eliezer, is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. His actions reflect his faithfulness and dedication to Abraham's mission.

2. Camels
The camels are a sign of Abraham's wealth and the means by which the servant travels. They also play a role in the servant's prayer for a sign.

3. The Well
A central meeting place in ancient communities, the well is where the servant positions himself to find a suitable wife for Isaac. It symbolizes provision and sustenance.

4. The Town
The town is not named here, but it is in the region of Nahor, Abraham's brother, indicating the servant's obedience to seek a wife from Abraham's relatives.

5. The Women
The women of the town come to draw water, setting the stage for Rebekah's introduction. This cultural practice highlights the servant's strategic planning.

Teaching Points

Faithful Service
The servant's dedication to his master's mission is a model of faithful service. Believers are called to serve God and others with diligence and integrity.

Strategic Positioning
The servant's choice to wait by the well demonstrates the importance of being in the right place at the right time. Christians should seek God's guidance in positioning themselves for His purposes.

Prayerful Dependence
The servant's prayer for a sign underscores the necessity of seeking God's guidance in decision-making. Believers should cultivate a habit of prayerful dependence on God.

Cultural Awareness
Understanding the cultural context of the well as a gathering place can enhance our appreciation of biblical accounts. Christians should strive to understand the cultural contexts of Scripture to apply its truths effectively.

Divine Appointments
The meeting at the well illustrates how God orchestrates events for His purposes. Believers should be open to divine appointments in their daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's faithfulness to Abraham's instructions challenge us in our own commitments and responsibilities?

2. In what ways can we position ourselves strategically, like the servant at the well, to be used by God in our communities?

3. How does the servant's prayer for guidance encourage us to seek God's direction in our own decision-making processes?

4. What cultural practices today can serve as opportunities for divine appointments, similar to the well in ancient times?

5. How can we recognize and respond to divine appointments in our lives, as the servant did in meeting Rebekah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 24:12-14
The servant's prayer for guidance and a sign from God connects to the theme of divine providence and guidance seen throughout Scripture.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The servant's reliance on God for direction parallels the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

John 4:7-15
The encounter at the well between Jesus and the Samaritan woman echoes the theme of divine appointments and the provision of living water.