Topical Bible: Oath: Abraham Requires Oath of his Servant Eliezer

◄ Oath: Abraham Requires Oath of his Servant Eliezer ►

Topical Encyclopedia

In the biblical narrative, the concept of an oath holds significant weight as a solemn promise or commitment made before God. One of the notable instances of an oath in the Old Testament is found in the account of Abraham requiring an oath from his servant Eliezer. This event is recorded in Genesis 24, where Abraham, advanced in age and blessed by the LORD in all things, seeks to secure a wife for his son Isaac from his own kindred rather than from the Canaanites among whom he dwells.

Context and Background

Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, is deeply concerned about the future of his lineage and the fulfillment of God's promises. Understanding the importance of maintaining the covenantal line, Abraham takes deliberate steps to ensure that Isaac's wife comes from his own family. This reflects the broader biblical theme of preserving the purity and faithfulness of God's chosen people.

The Oath

In Genesis 24:2-4 , Abraham instructs his chief servant, traditionally understood to be Eliezer of Damascus, to swear an oath: "So Abraham said to the servant, the oldest of his household who was in charge of all that he owned, 'Please place your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling. But you will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.'"

The act of placing a hand under the thigh is a culturally significant gesture, symbolizing the seriousness and binding nature of the oath. It underscores the gravity of the task entrusted to the servant and the divine witness to the promise being made.

Significance of the Oath

The oath serves multiple purposes within the narrative. Firstly, it emphasizes Abraham's unwavering faith in God's promises and his commitment to ensuring that his descendants remain distinct and faithful to the covenant. Secondly, it highlights the role of divine providence in guiding the servant's journey and the selection of Rebekah as Isaac's wife, as seen in Genesis 24:12-14 , where the servant prays for God's guidance and receives a clear answer.

Furthermore, the oath reflects the broader biblical principle of integrity and faithfulness. By swearing an oath, the servant is bound to act in accordance with Abraham's wishes, demonstrating loyalty and obedience. This mirrors the covenantal relationship between God and His people, where faithfulness and trust are paramount.

Outcome

The successful fulfillment of the oath is seen in Genesis 24:67 , where Isaac takes Rebekah as his wife, and she becomes a key figure in the continuation of the Abrahamic line. The narrative underscores the importance of divine guidance and human responsibility in the unfolding of God's redemptive plan.

In summary, the oath required by Abraham of his servant Eliezer is a pivotal moment in the biblical account, illustrating themes of faith, covenant, and divine providence. It serves as a testament to the enduring significance of oaths in the biblical tradition, where they are seen as binding commitments made before God, carrying profound spiritual and relational implications.

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Genesis 24:2,3,9
And Abraham said to his oldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray you, your hand under my thigh:
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