Genesis 24:47

Then I asked her, 'Whose daughter are you?' She replied, 'The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milcah bore to him.' So I put the ring on her nose and the bracelets on her wrists.

Study Bible

Then I asked her
This phrase indicates a moment of inquiry and discernment. The servant of Abraham, seeking a wife for Isaac, approaches the task with prayerful consideration. The Hebrew root for "asked" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies a request or inquiry, often used in contexts of seeking divine guidance. This reflects the servant's reliance on God to lead him to the right person, emphasizing the importance of seeking God's will in decisions.

Whose daughter are you?
This question is pivotal in establishing identity and lineage, crucial in the patriarchal society of the time. Lineage determined social standing and covenantal blessings. The inquiry reflects the cultural importance of family heritage, especially in the context of marriage alliances. It underscores the servant's mission to find a wife from Abraham's kin, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promises.

She replied, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor
Rebekah's response identifies her as part of Abraham's extended family, fulfilling the criteria set by Abraham for Isaac's wife. Bethuel, her father, and Nahor, her grandfather, are significant figures in the Abrahamic family line. This connection reinforces the theme of God's providence and faithfulness in guiding the servant to the right family, ensuring the purity and continuity of the covenant lineage.

whom Milcah bore to him
Milcah, Nahor's wife, is mentioned to emphasize the legitimacy and purity of Rebekah's lineage. In the ancient Near Eastern context, maternal lineage was also significant, often indicating the social and spiritual status of the family. This detail highlights the careful orchestration of God's plan, ensuring that Rebekah is not only of the right family but also of a lineage that aligns with God's covenantal purposes.

So I put the ring on her nose
The act of placing a ring on Rebekah's nose is a cultural gesture of betrothal and commitment. In ancient Near Eastern customs, jewelry was often used as a symbol of a binding agreement or covenant. The nose ring signifies the servant's recognition of Rebekah as the chosen bride for Isaac, marking the beginning of a new covenant relationship. This act symbolizes God's provision and the unfolding of His promises through tangible, cultural expressions.

and the bracelets on her wrists
The bracelets further signify wealth, status, and the establishment of a covenant relationship. In biblical times, such gifts were not only tokens of betrothal but also symbols of the bride's value and the groom's commitment. This gesture reflects the servant's acknowledgment of God's guidance and the fulfillment of his mission. It serves as a reminder of the blessings and responsibilities that come with entering into God's covenant promises.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
- The patriarch who sent 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 identified as the suitable wife for Isaac.

4. Bethuel
- Rebekah's father, son of Nahor.

5. Nahor
- Abraham's brother, making Rebekah a relative of Abraham.

6. Milcah
- Nahor's wife and Rebekah's grandmother.

7. The Servant
- Abraham's trusted servant, traditionally identified as Eliezer, tasked with finding Isaac's wife.

8. Haran
- The city where Nahor's family lived, and where the servant found Rebekah.

Teaching Points

Divine Guidance in Decision Making
The servant's reliance on God for guidance in choosing a wife for Isaac highlights the importance of seeking divine direction in our decisions.

Family and Heritage
The emphasis on Rebekah's lineage underscores the value of family and heritage in God's plan, reminding us to honor our own family ties and heritage.

Symbolism of Commitment
The giving of the ring and bracelets symbolizes commitment and covenant, teaching us about the importance of commitment in relationships.

Faithfulness in Service
The servant's dedication to his task reflects the importance of faithfulness in our responsibilities, encouraging us to serve diligently in our roles.

God's Sovereignty and Provision
The successful outcome of the servant's mission demonstrates God's sovereignty and provision, reassuring us of His control and care in our lives.

Bible Study Questions

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

2. In what ways does Rebekah's family background play a role in God's plan, and how does this encourage us to view our own family heritage?

3. What is the significance of the servant giving Rebekah a ring and bracelets, and how can this act inform our understanding of commitment in relationships?

4. How does the servant's faithfulness to Abraham's instructions inspire us to be faithful in our own responsibilities?

5. Reflect on a time when you experienced God's provision in your life. How does this account of God's provision for Isaac encourage you in your current circumstances?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 22:20-23
This passage provides the genealogy of Rebekah, connecting her to Abraham's family.

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

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman, which can be seen in Rebekah's character.

1 Peter 3:3-4
Discusses the inner beauty of a woman, which complements the outward adornment Rebekah received.