Genesis 24:39

Then I asked my master, 'What if the woman will not come back with me?'

Study Bible

But I asked my master
This phrase indicates a dialogue between the servant and his master, Abraham. The Hebrew word for "asked" is "שָׁאַל" (sha'al), which implies a request for guidance or clarification. This reflects the servant's humility and respect for Abraham's authority. In a broader scriptural context, it underscores the importance of seeking wisdom from those who are spiritually mature, a principle echoed throughout the Bible.

‘What if the woman
The phrase "the woman" refers to the prospective bride for Isaac. In Hebrew, "הָאִשָּׁה" (ha'ishah) is used, which can denote a specific woman of significance. This highlights the servant's concern for the success of his mission, emphasizing the importance of marriage in God's covenantal plan. Historically, marriage alliances were crucial for familial and tribal continuity, reflecting God's design for family as a foundational societal unit.

will not come back with me?’
The concern "will not come back" is expressed in Hebrew as "לֹא תֵלֵךְ אַחֲרָי" (lo telekh acharai), which literally means "will not walk after me." This phrase captures the uncertainty and potential obstacles in fulfilling God's plan. It reflects the servant's awareness of human free will and the need for divine intervention. Scripturally, it reminds believers of the necessity to trust in God's providence, even when outcomes are uncertain. The servant's question is a testament to his faithfulness and reliance on God's guidance, a theme that resonates throughout the narrative of Genesis.

Persons / Places / Events

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

2. The Servant
- Likely Eliezer of Damascus, Abraham's trusted servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac.

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

4. Nahor's City
- The place where Abraham's relatives live, and where the servant is sent to find Isaac's wife.

5. Rebekah
- The woman who eventually agrees to return with the servant to marry Isaac.

Teaching Points

Faithful Obedience
The servant's question reflects a concern but also a commitment to obey his master's instructions. We should strive to faithfully carry out God's commands, even when outcomes are uncertain.

Trust in God's Providence
The servant's journey and question highlight the need to trust in God's provision and guidance. We can rely on God to lead us in fulfilling His plans.

Seeking God's Will
The servant's mission was not just a task but a spiritual journey seeking God's will. In our decisions, we should seek God's guidance through prayer and scripture.

God's Covenant Faithfulness
The account underscores God's faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. We can trust that God will fulfill His promises to us.

Community and Family
The importance of family and community in God's plans is evident. We should value and seek to strengthen our familial and community relationships in accordance with God's purposes.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's question in Genesis 24:39 reflect his understanding of his mission, and what can we learn from his approach to uncertainty?

2. In what ways does the servant's journey to find a wife for Isaac demonstrate trust in God's providence, and how can we apply this trust in our own lives?

3. How does the account of finding a wife for Isaac connect to God's larger covenant promises to Abraham, and what does this teach us about God's faithfulness?

4. What role does prayer and seeking God's guidance play in the servant's mission, and how can we incorporate these practices into our decision-making processes?

5. How does the importance of family and community in this account inform our understanding of their roles in God's plans for our lives today?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 12:1-3
God's promise to Abraham about making him a great nation, which underscores the importance of finding a suitable wife for Isaac to continue the covenant.

Genesis 15:2-3
Eliezer is mentioned as Abraham's servant, highlighting his trusted position.

Genesis 22:20-23
The genealogy of Rebekah, connecting her to Abraham's family.

Hebrews 11:8-19
The faith of Abraham, which is a backdrop to the servant's mission and his reliance on God's guidance.