Genesis 24:33

Then a meal was set before the man, but he said, "I will not eat until I have told you what I came to say." So Laban said, "Please speak."

Study Bible

Then a meal was set before him
This phrase indicates the customary hospitality of the ancient Near East, where offering a meal was a sign of welcome and respect. The Hebrew word for "meal" here is "אָכְלָה" (okhlah), which can refer to food in general. In the cultural context, sharing a meal was not just about nourishment but also about establishing a bond of trust and fellowship. This act of setting a meal before a guest was a significant gesture, reflecting the values of generosity and community that were deeply ingrained in the society of the time.

but he said, 'I will not eat
The servant's refusal to eat before speaking highlights his sense of duty and urgency. The Hebrew verb "אָמַר" (amar), meaning "said," is used here to convey the servant's firm resolve. This reflects a prioritization of mission over personal comfort, a theme that resonates with the biblical principle of seeking first the kingdom of God (Matthew 6:33). The servant's commitment to his task exemplifies the importance of fulfilling one's responsibilities before indulging in personal needs.

until I have told you what I have to say
This phrase underscores the servant's dedication to his mission. The Hebrew word "דָּבָר" (dabar), meaning "word" or "thing," signifies the importance of the message he carries. In the biblical narrative, words are powerful and carry divine authority, as seen in the creation account where God speaks the world into existence. The servant's insistence on delivering his message before partaking in the meal highlights the weight and significance of his mission, which is to find a wife for Isaac, a task ordained by God.

And Laban said, 'Please speak.'
Laban's response, using the Hebrew word "דַּבֵּר" (daber), meaning "speak," indicates his willingness to listen and engage. This openness to hear the servant's message reflects a cultural norm of hospitality and respect for guests. In the broader biblical context, listening is often associated with obedience and receptivity to God's will. Laban's invitation to speak sets the stage for the unfolding of God's providential plan, as the servant recounts the miraculous guidance he received in finding Rebekah. This interaction between the servant and Laban illustrates the importance of communication and the readiness to hear and respond to God's purposes.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham's Servant
The unnamed servant, traditionally believed to be Eliezer, is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. His dedication to his task is evident in his refusal to eat before completing his mission.

2. Laban
Rebekah's brother, who plays a significant role in the hospitality and negotiations regarding Rebekah's marriage to Isaac. His response, "Please speak," shows his willingness to listen and engage in the conversation.

3. Rebekah
Although not directly mentioned in this verse, she is central to the account as the prospective bride for Isaac. Her family, including Laban, is involved in the decision-making process.

4. Haran
The place where Abraham's servant finds Rebekah. It is significant as the location where Abraham's relatives reside, fulfilling Abraham's desire for a wife for Isaac from his own kin.

5. The Meal
Represents the cultural practice of hospitality and the importance of sharing a meal in establishing relationships and agreements. The servant's refusal to eat highlights his commitment to his mission.

Teaching Points

Prioritizing God's Mission
The servant's refusal to eat before completing his task teaches us the importance of prioritizing God's work over personal comfort or social customs.

The Role of Hospitality
Laban's hospitality reflects the biblical value of welcoming and listening to others, which can open doors for God's purposes to be fulfilled.

Commitment to Duty
The servant's dedication is a model for believers to remain focused and committed to the tasks God has entrusted to them, even when distractions arise.

Divine Guidance and Providence
The account encourages believers to seek God's guidance in their endeavors, trusting that He will lead them to the right path.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's prioritization of his mission over the meal challenge our own priorities in serving God today?

2. In what ways can we practice hospitality like Laban, and how might this open opportunities for God's work in our lives?

3. Reflect on a time when you had to choose between personal comfort and fulfilling a responsibility. How did you handle it, and what can you learn from the servant's example?

4. How does the servant's reliance on prayer and God's guidance in Genesis 24:12-14 inspire you to seek divine direction in your own decisions?

5. What are some practical ways we can demonstrate commitment to God's tasks in our daily lives, similar to the servant's dedication in this passage?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 24:12-14
The servant's prayer for guidance shows his reliance on God, which is answered when he meets Rebekah. This connection emphasizes the theme of divine providence.

Luke 10:38-42
The account of Mary and Martha, where Mary chooses to listen to Jesus rather than be distracted by hospitality, parallels the servant's prioritization of his mission over the meal.

Proverbs 3:5-6
Trusting in the Lord and acknowledging Him in all ways is exemplified by the servant's actions and reliance on God's guidance.