Topical Encyclopedia Overview:Abraham's servant, though unnamed in the biblical narrative, plays a pivotal role in the account of Isaac's marriage to Rebekah. He is often identified with Eliezer of Damascus, mentioned earlier in Genesis 15:2, though the text does not explicitly confirm this identification. The servant's mission is a testament to his loyalty, faithfulness, and the providence of God in the unfolding of the Abrahamic covenant. Biblical Account: The primary account of Abraham's servant is found in Genesis 24. Abraham, advanced in age, is concerned about finding a suitable wife for his son Isaac. He calls his chief servant, the oldest of his household, and entrusts him with the task of finding a wife from Abraham's own relatives in Mesopotamia, rather than from the Canaanites among whom they dwell. Oath and Mission: Abraham makes his servant swear an oath by placing his hand under Abraham's thigh, a customary practice of the time, signifying the seriousness of the mission (Genesis 24:2-3). The servant is instructed to go to Abraham's country and kindred to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham assures him that the LORD, the God of heaven, will send His angel before him to ensure the success of the mission (Genesis 24:7). Journey and Prayer: The servant takes ten camels and sets out for the city of Nahor in Mesopotamia. Upon arrival, he stops by a well outside the city at evening time, when women go out to draw water. There, he prays to the LORD, asking for a sign to identify the right woman for Isaac: "May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac" (Genesis 24:14). Encounter with Rebekah: Before he finishes praying, Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, arrives at the well. She fulfills the sign exactly as the servant had prayed, offering him water and then drawing water for all his camels (Genesis 24:18-20). Recognizing the providence of God, the servant bows down and worships the LORD, acknowledging His guidance (Genesis 24:26-27). Negotiation and Return: The servant is welcomed into Rebekah's family home, where he recounts his mission and the events at the well. Laban, Rebekah's brother, and Bethuel agree that the matter is from the LORD and consent to Rebekah going with the servant to marry Isaac (Genesis 24:50-51). After receiving gifts, Rebekah and her nurse depart with the servant. Reunion with Isaac: Upon returning to Canaan, the servant brings Rebekah to Isaac, who is living in the Negev. Isaac takes Rebekah into his mother Sarah's tent, and she becomes his wife, bringing him comfort after his mother's death (Genesis 24:67). Character and Significance: Abraham's servant is depicted as a model of faithfulness and obedience. His reliance on prayer and acknowledgment of God's hand in his mission highlight the theme of divine providence. The successful completion of his task ensures the continuation of the Abrahamic line through Isaac and Rebekah, fulfilling God's promises to Abraham. References: · Genesis 15:2 (Eliezer of Damascus) · Genesis 24 (The mission to find a wife for Isaac) · Genesis 24:2-67 (Detailed narrative of the servant's journey and actions) Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms |