Genesis 24:34

"I am Abraham's servant," he replied.

Study Bible

I am Abraham’s servant,
This phrase identifies the speaker as a servant of Abraham, a key patriarch in biblical history. Abraham is a central figure in the narrative of Genesis, known for his covenant with God (Genesis 12:1-3). The servant, traditionally understood to be Eliezer of Damascus (Genesis 15:2), plays a crucial role in fulfilling God's promise to Abraham by seeking a wife for Isaac. This reflects the importance of servanthood and obedience in fulfilling divine purposes, a theme echoed in the New Testament with Jesus as the ultimate servant (Philippians 2:7).

he replied.
The servant's response indicates a dialogue, likely with Rebekah's family, as he recounts his mission. This moment underscores the importance of communication and testimony in the biblical narrative. The servant's recounting of his mission parallels the role of witnesses in the New Testament, who testify to the works and promises of God (Acts 1:8). The act of replying also highlights the cultural practice of negotiation and agreement in ancient Near Eastern societies, where verbal contracts and oaths were binding.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
- The patriarch of the Israelite nation, who sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac.

2. Eliezer (the Servant)
- Abraham's trusted servant, tasked with finding a suitable wife for Isaac from Abraham's relatives.

3. Rebekah
- The woman chosen to be Isaac's wife, demonstrating hospitality and kindness.

4. Nahor
- The city where Abraham's relatives live, and where Eliezer travels to find a wife for Isaac.

5. Laban
- Rebekah's brother, who interacts with Eliezer and plays a role in the marriage arrangement.

Teaching Points

Faithful Service
Eliezer's obedience and faithfulness to Abraham's instructions serve as a model for serving God and others with integrity.

Divine Guidance
The account highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in major life decisions, such as marriage.

Hospitality and Kindness
Rebekah's actions demonstrate the value of showing kindness and hospitality to strangers.

God's Providence
The account illustrates how God orchestrates events to fulfill His promises and purposes.

Family and Heritage
The importance of family and maintaining a godly heritage is emphasized through the choice of a wife for Isaac from Abraham's relatives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Eliezer's approach to finding a wife for Isaac demonstrate trust in God's guidance, and how can we apply this in our own decision-making processes?

2. In what ways does Rebekah's hospitality reflect biblical principles of kindness, and how can we practice these principles in our daily interactions?

3. How does the account of Isaac and Rebekah's marriage connect to the broader theme of God's covenant with Abraham, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

4. What role does family play in the account of Genesis 24, and how can we prioritize family relationships in a way that honors God?

5. How can the example of Eliezer's faithful service inspire us to serve others with dedication and integrity in our own lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-3: God's promise to Abraham about making him a great nation, which is foundational to the events in Genesis 24.

Genesis 22:20-23: The genealogy of Nahor, which sets the stage for Rebekah's introduction.

Proverbs 3:5-6: Trusting in the Lord's guidance, as Eliezer does in his mission.

Hebrews 11:8-12: Abraham's faith, which underpins the actions and events in Genesis 24.

Ephesians 5:22-33: The biblical view of marriage, which is exemplified in the union of Isaac and Rebekah.