So they said, "We will call the girl and ask her opinion." So they saidThis phrase indicates a collective decision-making process. In the Hebrew context, the word "they" refers to Rebekah's family, who are deliberating on the proposal brought by Abraham's servant. The use of "said" (Hebrew: אָמַר, 'amar) implies a verbal declaration, highlighting the importance of spoken word in ancient Near Eastern culture. It reflects a moment of transition from internal deliberation to external action, emphasizing the communal nature of decision-making in patriarchal societies. We will call
The act of calling (Hebrew: קָרָא, qara) signifies an invitation or summoning. In ancient times, calling someone was not merely about getting their attention but inviting them into a significant moment or decision. This reflects the respect and consideration given to Rebekah, acknowledging her role and agency in the decision about her future. It underscores the biblical principle of seeking and valuing individual input within the community. the girl
The term "girl" (Hebrew: נַעֲרָה, na'arah) refers to Rebekah, emphasizing her youth and unmarried status. In the cultural and historical context, a "na'arah" was often at the center of marriage negotiations, yet her opinion was not always sought. The mention of "the girl" here highlights the narrative's progressive nature, where Rebekah's voice is given weight in the decision-making process, aligning with the biblical theme of God valuing individuals regardless of societal norms. and ask her opinion
This phrase is pivotal, as it demonstrates a respect for Rebekah's autonomy. The Hebrew root for "ask" (שָׁאַל, sha'al) implies seeking information or guidance, often used in contexts of inquiry or consultation. "Opinion" (Hebrew: פֶּה, peh, literally "mouth") suggests a verbal expression of one's thoughts or desires. This reflects a significant moment where Rebekah's personal choice is honored, aligning with the biblical narrative of God’s providence working through human agency and free will. It serves as an inspirational reminder of the value of personal consent and the dignity of choice in the eyes of God. Persons / Places / Events 1. Rebekah- A young woman from the family of Bethuel, chosen to be Isaac's wife. Her willingness to follow God's plan is central to this passage. 2. Laban and Bethuel's Household- Rebekah's family, who are involved in the decision-making process regarding her future. 3. Abraham's Servant- Sent by Abraham to find a wife for Isaac, he plays a crucial role in the unfolding of God's plan. 4. Isaac- Abraham's son, for whom a wife is being sought to continue the covenant lineage. 5. Nahor's City- The place where Rebekah and her family reside, significant as the setting for this event. Teaching Points The Importance of Seeking God's WillRebekah's family sought her opinion, showing the importance of discerning God's will in major life decisions. Faith and ObedienceRebekah's willingness to leave her family and go to a new land is a testament to her faith and obedience, which are crucial in a believer's life. Family and Community in Decision-MakingThe involvement of Rebekah's family highlights the role of family and community in making significant life choices. God's Sovereignty in RelationshipsThe account illustrates God's hand in orchestrating relationships and fulfilling His promises. Bible Study Questions 1. How does Rebekah's willingness to leave her family reflect her faith, and how can we apply this in our own lives when faced with difficult decisions? 2. In what ways does the involvement of Rebekah's family in the decision-making process inform our understanding of seeking counsel from others? 3. How can we discern God's will in our own lives, especially in major life decisions, as seen in this passage? 4. What parallels can we draw between Rebekah's journey and the call of Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3? 5. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's sovereignty over our relationships and future plans? Connections to Other Scriptures Genesis 24:58- This verse follows immediately and shows Rebekah's willingness to go, highlighting her faith and obedience. Genesis 12:1-3- God's call to Abraham to leave his homeland, paralleling Rebekah's call to leave her family. Hebrews 11:8-9- Abraham's faith in leaving his home, similar to Rebekah's faith in leaving her family. Ruth 1:16-17- Ruth's commitment to Naomi, echoing Rebekah's willingness to leave her family for a new life. People Abraham, Aram, Bethuel, Canaanites, Isaac, Laban, Milcah, Nahor, Rebekah, SarahPlaces Beer-lahai-roi, Hebron, Mesopotamia, Nahor, NegebTopics Consult, Damsel, Decision, Girl, Inquire, Lady, Maiden, Mouth, WishesDictionary of Bible Themes Genesis 24:28-60 5737 sisters Genesis 24:50-60 5661 brothers Genesis 24:56-59 5428 nurse Genesis 24:57-59 5654 betrothal
5710 marriage, customs Library Guidance in the Way
'I being in the way, the Lord led me.'--GENESIS xxiv. 27. So said Abraham's anonymous servant when telling how he had found Rebekah at the well, and known her to be the destined bride of his master's servant. There is no more beautiful page, even amongst the many lovely ones in these ancient stories, than this domestic idyll of the mission of the faithful servant from far Canaan across the desert. The homely test by which he would determine that the maiden should be pointed out to him, the glimpse …
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy ScriptureNo Compromise
The faithful servant of Abraham, before he started, communed with his master; and this is a lesson to us, who go on our Lord's errands. Let us, before we engage in actual service, see the Master's face, talk with him, and tell to him any difficulties which occur to our minds. Before we get to work, let us know what we are at, and on what footing we stand. Let us hear from our Lord's own mouth what he expects us to do, and how far he will help us in the doing of it. I charge you, my fellow-servants, …
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 34: 1888 If, Therefore, Even they who are United in Marriage Only for the Purpose Of...
22. If, therefore, even they who are united in marriage only for the purpose of begetting, for which purpose marriage was instituted, are not compared with the Fathers, seeking their very sons in a way far other than do these; forasmuch as Abraham, being bidden to slay his son, fearless and devoted, spared not his only son, whom from out of great despair he had received [1997] save that he laid down his hand, when He forbade him, at Whose command he had lifted it up; it remains that we consider, …
St. Augustine—On the Good of Marriage Jesus Sets Out from Judæa for Galilee.
Subdivision B. At Jacob's Well, and at Sychar. ^D John IV. 5-42. ^d 5 So he cometh to a city of Samaria, called Sychar, near to the parcel of ground that Jacob gave to his son Joseph. 6 and Jacob's well was there. [Commentators long made the mistake of supposing that Shechem, now called Nablous, was the town here called Sychar. Sheckem lies a mile and a half west of Jacob's well, while the real Sychar, now called 'Askar, lies scarcely half a mile north of the well. It was a small town, loosely called …
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel The Blessing of Jacob Upon Judah. (Gen. Xlix. 8-10. )
Ver. 8. "Judah, thou, thy brethren shall praise thee; thy hand shall be on the neck of thine enemies; before thee shall bow down the sons of thy father. Ver. 9. A lion's whelp is Judah; from the prey, my son, thou goest up; he stoopeth down, he coucheth as a lion, and as a full-grown lion, who shall rouse him up? Ver. 10. The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh come, and unto Him the people shall adhere." Thus does dying Jacob, in announcing …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament The Blessings of Noah Upon Shem and Japheth. (Gen. Ix. 18-27. )
Ver. 20. "And Noah began and became an husbandman, and planted vineyards."--This does not imply that Noah was the first who began to till the ground, and, more especially, to cultivate the vine; for Cain, too, was a tiller of the ground, Gen. iv. 2. The sense rather is, that Noah, after the flood, again took up this calling. Moreover, the remark has not an independent import; it serves only to prepare the way for the communication of the subsequent account of Noah's drunkenness. By this remark, …
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament Genesis
The Old Testament opens very impressively. In measured and dignified language it introduces the story of Israel's origin and settlement upon the land of Canaan (Gen.--Josh.) by the story of creation, i.-ii. 4a, and thus suggests, at the very beginning, the far-reaching purpose and the world-wide significance of the people and religion of Israel. The narrative has not travelled far till it becomes apparent that its dominant interests are to be religious and moral; for, after a pictorial sketch of …
John Edgar McFadyen—Introduction to the Old Testament Links Genesis 24:57 NIVGenesis 24:57 NLTGenesis 24:57 ESVGenesis 24:57 NASBGenesis 24:57 KJV
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