A Wife for Isaac
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Introduction:
The narrative of finding a wife for Isaac is a significant event in the biblical account, illustrating themes of faith, divine guidance, and covenantal continuity. This account is primarily found in Genesis 24, where Abraham seeks a suitable wife for his son Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God's promises to his lineage.

Background:
Abraham, the patriarch of the Hebrew people, was living in Canaan when he decided to find a wife for his son Isaac. Concerned about the influence of the Canaanites, Abraham desired a wife from his own kin. This decision underscores the importance of maintaining cultural and religious identity within the Abrahamic covenant.

The Oath:
Abraham tasked his senior servant, often identified as Eliezer of Damascus, with the mission of finding a wife for Isaac. He made the servant swear an oath, saying, "You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell. But you shall go to my country and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son Isaac" (Genesis 24:3-4). This oath highlights the seriousness of the task and Abraham's commitment to God's promises.

The Journey:
The servant embarked on a journey to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor, Abraham's brother. Upon arrival, he prayed for success, asking God for a sign to identify the right woman: "Let the girl to whom I say, 'Please let down your jar that I may drink,' and who responds, 'Drink, and I will water your camels also'—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac" (Genesis 24:14).

Rebekah's Selection:
Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel and granddaughter of Nahor, appeared at the well and fulfilled the servant's prayer by offering water to him and his camels. Recognizing this as a divine sign, the servant gave her gifts and inquired about her family. Learning that she was of Abraham's kin, he worshiped the Lord, acknowledging His guidance: "Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master" (Genesis 24:27).

The Proposal:
The servant was welcomed into Rebekah's family home, where he recounted his mission and the events at the well. Laban, Rebekah's brother, and Bethuel agreed to the marriage, recognizing the Lord's hand in the matter: "This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter" (Genesis 24:50). Rebekah consented to go with the servant, demonstrating her own faith and willingness to join Isaac.

The Marriage:
Rebekah traveled back to Canaan with the servant. Upon arrival, Isaac went out to meditate in the field and saw the caravan approaching. Rebekah covered herself with a veil upon meeting Isaac, signifying her modesty and readiness for marriage. The servant recounted all that had transpired, and Isaac took Rebekah into his mother Sarah's tent, and she became his wife. The text notes, "So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death" (Genesis 24:67).

Significance:
The account of finding a wife for Isaac is pivotal in the biblical narrative, as it ensures the continuation of the Abrahamic line through which God's promises would be fulfilled. It emphasizes themes of faith, divine providence, and the importance of adhering to God's covenant. The account also highlights the role of women in the biblical narrative, as Rebekah's actions and decisions are central to the unfolding of God's plan.
Subtopics

Wife

Wife: Bath-Sheba

Wife: Beloved, by Isaac

Wife: Beloved, by Jacob

Wife: Called: Desire of the Eyes

Wife: Contentious, Zipporah

Wife: Domestic Duties of

Wife: Fruitful Vine

Wife: Hated

Wife: Help

Wife: Idolatrous, Solomon's Wives

Wife: Incorruptible, Vashti

Wife: Jezebel

Wife: Loyal

Wife: Obtained by Violence

Wife: Potiphar's

Wife: Procured

Wife: Purchased

Wife: Relation of, to Husband

Wife: Tactful Abigail

Wife: The Judgment Denounced Against Eve

Wife: Unclassified Scriptures Relating To

Wife: Unfaithful

Wife: Vows of

Related Terms

Fever (13 Occurrences)

Vow (49 Occurrences)

Je-i'el (11 Occurrences)

Jeiel (13 Occurrences)

Mehet'abel (2 Occurrences)

Mezahab (2 Occurrences)

Mehetabel (3 Occurrences)

Matred (2 Occurrences)

Ma'acah (22 Occurrences)

Me'zahab (2 Occurrences)

Me-zahab (2 Occurrences)

Pau (2 Occurrences)

Baalhanan (5 Occurrences)

Baal-hanan (5 Occurrences)

Ba'al-ha'nan (5 Occurrences)

Maachah (19 Occurrences)

Hanan (19 Occurrences)

Burning (415 Occurrences)

Persian (4 Occurrences)

Maacah (30 Occurrences)

Sick (117 Occurrences)

Marriage (74 Occurrences)

Relationships (1 Occurrence)

Crimes (22 Occurrences)

Crime (45 Occurrences)

Hadad (38 Occurrences)

Succeeded (81 Occurrences)

Gibeon (39 Occurrences)

Home (270 Occurrences)

Home (270 Occurrences)

Stead (117 Occurrences)

Yield (78 Occurrences)

Quarrels (10 Occurrences)

Uncover (35 Occurrences)

Jethro (10 Occurrences)

Jehiel (17 Occurrences)

Jealousy (54 Occurrences)

Laid (552 Occurrences)

Lingered (5 Occurrences)

Grabbed (8 Occurrences)

Grasped (11 Occurrences)

Gilead's (1 Occurrence)

Wayward (14 Occurrences)

Immoral (16 Occurrences)

Flattery (11 Occurrences)

Toil (66 Occurrences)

Reigned (206 Occurrences)

Raguel (1 Occurrence)

Ephah (55 Occurrences)

Equity (19 Occurrences)

Dripping (3 Occurrences)

Dieth (192 Occurrences)

Pa'i (1 Occurrence)

Peter's (11 Occurrences)

Pai (1 Occurrence)

Portion (227 Occurrences)

Brother-in-law (5 Occurrences)

Besought (57 Occurrences)

Barzillai (10 Occurrences)

Anon (2 Occurrences)

Affinity (4 Occurrences)

Achbor (7 Occurrences)

Acbor (7 Occurrences)

Andrew (12 Occurrences)

Wife (437 Occurrences)

Safely (83 Occurrences)

Sarai (13 Occurrences)

Spoke (799 Occurrences)

Slander (34 Occurrences)

Sister-in-law (1 Occurrence)

Sarah (38 Occurrences)

Simon's (9 Occurrences)

Son-in-law (14 Occurrences)

Hadar (2 Occurrences)

Cursed (115 Occurrences)

Slay (189 Occurrences)

Calleth (261 Occurrences)

Jephthah (26 Occurrences)

A Widow or Divorced Woman
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