October 28 – The Marriage of Isaac

Sunday School Lesson

October 28

The Marriage of Isaac

 

Devotional Reading: Ephesians 5:21–33

Background Scripture: Genesis 24

 

Genesis 24:12–21, 61–67

12. And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.
13. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:
14. And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.
15. And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
16. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.
17. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.
18. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.
19. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.
20. And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.
21. And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.
22. And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.
23. And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country.
24. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.
25. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel.
26. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.
27. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done.
28. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

 

Key Verse

Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.—Genesis 24:61

 

Lesson Aims

After participating in this lesson, each learner will be able to:

1. Explain how the story of Isaac and Rebekah fits into the larger creation/re-creation cycle in the book of Genesis.
2. Discuss the correct biblical perspective on the practice of seeking signs from God.
3. Write a commitment statement to take the next bold step of faith that presents itself.

HOW TO SAY IT

Babel	Bay-bul.
Bethuel	Beh-thew-el.
Canaan	Kay-nun.
Hagar	Hay-gar.
Haran	Hair-un.
Ishmael	Ish-may-el.
Lahairoi	Luh-hi-roy.
Nahor	Nay-hor.
Rebekah	Reh-bek-uh.

Introduction

1. Putting Out a Fleece

When facing an important decision, sometimes we may ask God for a sign to help us decide what to do. Based on a famous story involving Gideon in Judges 6, such requests are often referred to as “putting out a fleece.” Gideon’s story has been taken as evidence that God will grant signs of His will to those who ask for them.

While it is essential that we are open to God’s leading and while the Bible does record instances of individuals asking God for signs and receiving them, it is important to note the contexts of these biblical accounts. In each case the requested sign related to something God had already commanded or promised would happen. In the story of the fleece, for example, God had already called Gideon to save the Israelites from oppression and had given specific instructions on what to do (Judges 6:1–16, 33–35). These instructions did not involve Gideon’s personal well-being, but rather pertained to God’s larger plan for the redemption of His people. Gideon was requesting tangible signs to prove that he had not merely imagined that God had spoken to him. We also note what Jesus had to say about seeking signs in Matthew 12:39; Luke 11:29.

Our story today illustrates some principles in a context that frequently drives Christians to ask God for a sign: choosing a spouse. God had decided to preserve a chosen people by making a covenant with Abraham and his descendants. Obviously, that plan could be fulfilled only if Abraham had faithful descendants. With stakes so high, it would be critical for God to be involved in the process.

1. Lesson Context

Our lessons this quarter have focused on God’s plan to create a perfect world populated with human beings who would live in fellowship with Him and one another (Genesis 1:26–31). Sin spoiled this plan, but God did not give up. When the world was all but completely corrupted, God cleansed the earth through the flood and started the cycle of creation afresh with Noah and his family (6:1–7:1; 9:1–7). The line of faith continued through Noah’s son Shem and his descendants, even after the scattering of the nations following the Tower of Babel incident (11:1–9). Generations later, Abraham (as Abram) was called to leave his homeland. He did so carrying the promise of becoming a great nation (12:1–3, 6, 7; 13:14–17; 15:1–7; 17:1–16).

Many years after receiving this promise, Abraham and Sarah miraculously conceived Isaac, who would be heir to his father’s possessions and blessing (Genesis 21:1–7). After Sarah passed away (23:1, 17–20), Abraham was left with a final task: finding Isaac a wife who would continue his bloodline and pass along the promise that God would one day crush Satan through one of his descendants, Jesus (Genesis 3:15).

Since Abraham was a wealthy and respected clan leader (Genesis 12:1, 2, 16; 21:22, 23; 23:1–6; 24:1), it would have been easy for him to broker a lucrative match for his son among the nobility of the local people groups. But recalling the nature of his covenant with God, Abraham instead determined that Isaac’s wife should come from his own relatives. He therefore sent a servant to choose a wife for Isaac, a wife whose family was willing to release her to relocate to Canaan (23:2; 24:1–9).

Finding such a young woman was no small task, for Abraham had been away from Haran in his homeland for more than 60 years (compare Genesis 12:4 with 17:17 and 23:1). There is no record of his having been in contact with his brother during the interim, except for the information received in 22:20–24. Further, there was no guarantee that Abraham’s relatives would allow one of their marriage-eligible daughters, if they even had any, to leave home with a stranger and move hundreds of miles away to marry a man she had never seen or heard of.

1. Answered Prayer

(Genesis 24:12–21)

As today’s lesson begins, the servant has arrived with 10 camels in the land of Abraham’s family (Genesis 24:10). There the servant stops by a well outside the town of Nahor, apparently named after Abraham’s deceased brother (11:27–30; 22:20–24). The servant needs to water his animals, and it is providential that he is there at “the time of the evening … that women go out to draw water” (24:11).

Wells are a major gathering place for women of the time—one of the few places where they can meet regularly with friends from other households. Since women were generally not permitted to interact with men outside their families (see Genesis 24:65), the village well is the only place a traveling stranger might encounter local women. The servant seems to have chosen this location and time (see 24:11) strategically as a good place to seek a sign from God.

1. Sign Requested (vv. 12–14)

12, 13. And he said, O Lord God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water.

 

Marriage is viewed primarily as a business and political transaction in this era. In that light, the servant would seek out the leader of the local clan to initiate negotiations. Earlier, however, Abraham had told the servant that God would guide the proceedings (Genesis 24:7). As the servant begins to pray in that regard, he postures himself as a wealthy traveling merchant.

What Do You Think? Considering the servant’s alertness to an opportunity to fulfill his mission, what steps can our church take to develop alertness for opportunities to fulfill the church’s mission?   Digging Deeper What will be your own contribution to that task?

14a. And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink.

 

At the same time, the servant prays that God will fulfill the covenant promise to Abraham by giving a sign that will reveal which young woman he should choose for Isaac. In so doing, the servant states the criteria of the sign he is seeking. Three aspects of his prayer are notable.

First, he does not assume that the first woman he talks to will be the one God has chosen. Since it will be inappropriate for a woman to initiate conversation, he plans to do so himself. But he realizes that he may need to ask several women before receiving a positive response.

 

14b. And she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: let the same be she that thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac.

 

Second, in order to avoid a “false positive,” the servant’s test involves two elements: the chosen young lady will not only respond to his request by giving him a drink but will go beyond what he asks and offer to water his camels as well. Such a task would normally be relegated to his own servants. The latter condition makes it impossible for the servant to lead prospects toward an answer he might want, since the woman to whom he speaks will have to offer to water the camels on her own initiative.

As a side note, this test will identify the chosen woman as a person of unusual generosity: a single camel can consume up to 30 gallons of water, and the servant has 10 camels (Genesis 24:10). So this aspect of the sign will require many, many draws from the well.

 

14c. And thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

 

Third, it is important to note that the servant’s requested sign is tied to a divine commission that he has already received. It is not tied to any personal desire to know God’s plans for the future. By this time, God has told Abraham numerous times that his son by Sarah would carry the promises of the covenant (see Genesis 17:15–19). This charge necessitates that Isaac, Sarah’s only son, must marry a woman of the Lord’s approval.

 

What Do You Think? In what circumstances, if any, should we seek a sign from God today? Why?   Digging Deeper How do texts such as Matthew 4:7; 12:38, 39; 16:1–4; and 24:3 affect your answer, if at all?

1. Sign Granted (vv. 15–21)
2. And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.

 

Even before the servant finishes stating the criteria of the sign he is seeking from God, a young woman appears at the well. The text immediately identifies her as a person meeting Abraham’s standards for his son’s bride (Genesis 24:3–8). First, Rebekah is a relative of Abraham: his grandniece, being the granddaughter of his brother Nahor (see also 22:20–23). She is therefore of the right bloodline, not of a Canaanite tribe (24:3).

 

16. And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.

 

Second, she is an unmarried virgin, eligible to marry and bear legitimate children as heirs to Isaac. As an added bonus, she also happens to be physically attractive, although that is by no means essential for God’s purposes.

 

17. And the servant ran to meet her, and said, Let me, I pray thee, drink a little water of thy pitcher.

 

The servant does not hesitate to approach Rebekah. We may wonder how much the slow pace of the long journey influences the quickness of his step at this point, but the text doesn’t say. We rightly infer that he is focused on applying as quickly as possible the criteria he has established.

 

What Do You Think? What are some times that impel (or should impel) us to move more quickly than others in doing the will of God? Why?   Digging Deeper Considering Hebrews 6:12; 12:1; and 2 John 9, what sins most seem to keep Christians from moving at best speed to do the will of God? What is the evidence for your conclusion?

18. And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

The first test (Genesis 24:14) is immediately passed as Rebekah offers Abraham’s servant a drink from her pitcher. This is significant in view of what the servant, and Abraham, will ask Rebekah to do. Since she will need to leave her home and travel hundreds of miles to join a family she has never met, she will need to feel comfortable with strangers.

 

19, 20. And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking. And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw water, and drew for all his camels.

 

Without prompting, Rebekah proceeds to fulfill the second test by also watering the servant’s camels. At this point, she is unaware of the significance of her actions.

 

21. And the man wondering at her held his peace, to wit whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not.

 

Although—or because—his mission is urgent, the servant is careful not to jump to conclusions. In the first place, he has asked God that the proper candidate would water his camels (Genesis 24:14), and that task is not yet complete. He has 10 of them (24:10), and watering will take quite some time. Further, the servant has had no confirmation that God has agreed to his request for a sign. He is therefore appropriately cautious and seems to wait to see whether Rebekah’s actions are simply coincidental gestures of hospitality.

1. Answered Call

(Genesis 24:61–67)

In the intervening text that is not part of today’s lesson (Genesis 24:22–60), Abraham’s servant concludes that Rebekah is the one he seeks. So he reveals his identity and mission. The leaders of Rebekah’s family agree that she can go.

1. Journey of Faith (vv. 61–65)
2. And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

 

In certain respects, Rebekah’s story parallels that of Abraham. Both are called by God to leave a comfortable life (see Genesis 11:27–12:5); both are given a chance to participate in God’s formation of a people-group; and both are required to migrate to Canaan in order to fulfill their calling.

 

What Do You Think? How will you decide if embarking on a trip to an unknown future is a step of faith or a step of foolishness?   Digging Deeper In what way, if any, do the two episodes in Ruth 1:16–18 and 3:1–6 plus the illustrations in Luke 14:28–33 provide direction for your conclusions?

Because the circumstances of this proposal are unique, it may seem at first glance that Rebekah’s family ultimately leaves the decision to her (Genesis 24:55–58). But such a procedure would be quite out of the ordinary in the ancient world, since women of the time do not participate in making major decisions (compare 24:50, 51). Some propose, therefore, that Rebekah’s decision is actually limited either to leaving with the servant immediately or to leave after spending 10 days with her family (24:55). Her choice to leave immediately illustrates her confidence in God’s plan.

Stepping Out on Faith

Some years ago, I was invited to join a former college professor of mine on a trip to survey the feasibility of starting a new mission in Africa. He wanted me to help him evaluate the situation. After my wife and I prayed about it, we decided I should make the trip. The circumstances we found there were positive, and I made a commitment to return.

At the time, my wife and I had just entered new teaching careers. We had been preparing for those careers for years, yet we felt led to go. Saying yes to God’s call meant risking our future and vacating our first new home. And then there was the matter of raising thousands of dollars to support a family of four and to launch the yet-to-be-birthed mission.

And God provided! Others joined us in this journey of faith. Some went with us in the venture and some faithfully supported us with prayer and finances during our time in Africa.

The decision on the part of Rebekah and her family to accept the call to go to a land unknown undoubtedly took more faith than was required of us. She left home to travel with a man she had just met, to marry a man she had never met, and to live the rest of her life in an unfamiliar land and society about which she knew little or nothing. In Africa, we could stay in touch with home through mail, telephone, and ham radio. Today it’s even easier with video streaming, etc. Rebekah wasn’t assured of ever again having contact with her family of origin.

Whatever our situation, the essence of faith is trusting God to care for us in His calling for us. Do you live that truth?

—C. R. B.

62, 63. And Isaac came from the way of the well Lahairoi; for he dwelt in the south country. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at the eventide: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels were coming.

 

The scene switches to the end of Rebekah’s long journey, as she and the servant return to Abraham’s territory. Isaac is 40 years old at this time (Genesis 25:20). Apparently he has accumulated significant livestock herds of his own and is grazing them near the well Lahairoi.

This location is significant to Isaac’s family as the site where God appeared to Hagar, Ishmael’s mother, to tell her to return to Sarah (Genesis 16:7–14). The Hebrew name of the well means “well of the Living One [God] who sees me.” This may explain why Isaac is meditating.

 

64, 65. And Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she lighted off the camel. For she had said unto the servant, What man is this that walketh in the field to meet us? And the servant had said, It is my master: therefore she took a vail, and covered herself.

 

Upon learning that the man approaching the caravan is her betrothed husband, Rebekah covers her face with a vail (veil) as customary for unmarried women at the time.

1. Fulfillment of Hope (vv. 66, 67)

66, 67. And the servant told Isaac all things that he had done. And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

 

The servant’s complete disclosure regarding all things that he had done convinces Isaac that Abraham’s requirements have been met. Isaac’s marriage to a woman of the bloodline of Shem and Noah demonstrates that God’s promise to Abraham to become the father of a great nation is being fulfilled.

 

What Do You Think? Considering the full disclosure from the servant to Isaac, how do we know when that’s a model for us, as opposed to times when we should keep silent?   Digging Deeper What lessons have you learned the hard way in this regard?

The Blessings of a Good Marriage

“And they lived happily ever after.” So goes the clichéd description of a so-called fairy-tale marriage. Many people today don’t believe in such idealistic marriages—or in marriage period. The concept of traditional marriage has fallen on hard times. A high percentage of marriages don’t last, although the good news is that the divorce rate has been decreasing in recent years.

The bad news, however, is that more people are choosing cohabitation rather than marriage. In the process, they are depriving themselves of the opportunity for growth that the challenges of marriage provide.

Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah came about in a way that seems strange to our culture. The romantic idea of “falling in love” seems to have been absent (at least in the way we think it should come about). However, that may be what is wrong with many relationships. If a relationship is based solely on physical desire and the light-headed thrill of “being in love,” the partners may be blind to the fact that the satisfaction of an enduring love is possible.

We read that Isaac loved Rebekah, a woman he had married according to God’s leading. Although they were personally as imperfect as we are, their life together reflected their commitment to the plan of God. And following the death of Isaac’s mother, it was his marriage to Rebekah that brought him comfort. Sometimes God meets more than one need at a time, doesn’t He?

—C. R. B.

Conclusion

1. God’s Choices and Ours

One of the greatest doctrinal debates in history concerns the tension between God’s sovereignty and humanity’s free will. Obviously, God is all-powerful, knows everything, and works all things according to His purposes. At the same time, the Bible provides many examples of people who made a godly difference, or who attempted to subvert God’s plans, through their choices.

In either case, we are bound to hear someone say, “Well, it was God’s will.” But what does that mean? The answer lies in seeing God’s will in terms of three categories. First, there’s God’s purposive will. These are actions God takes unilaterally of His own volition. Deciding to create the earth is an example.

Second is God’s prescriptive will. These are things God wants us to do (He prescribes them), but allows us a choice to obey or not. Third is God’s permissive will. These are things God desires that we do not do, but He permits us free will to disobey; sin falls in this category.

Our lesson today illustrates what happens when God’s desires and our choices align to fulfill His purposes. Centuries before Abraham, God had decreed that He would destroy the work of Satan (Genesis 3:15) and had worked through Seth, Noah, and their descendants to maintain a family line of faithfulness. He then made a covenant with Abraham to create a chosen race and caused Abraham and Sarah to have a child, Isaac, to fulfill this plan. Clearly, God had planned that Rebekah would play a key role in this story long before she had ever heard of Isaac.

What if Rebekah’s family had refused to let her go? Would that have ruined God’s plans? No. God can always find a different way. Even so, today’s story is one of obedience, not of rebellion. It is a story of what can happen when we align our plans with God’s purposes.

1. Prayer

Lord, help us to be alert to what Your purposes are and to Your desires for how we can advance the cause of Christ. Grant that we will step out on faith when called. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.

1. Thought to Remember

“We want big directional signs from God. God just wants us to pay attention.”

Kid’s Corner

God Answers Prayers for Guidance

October 28, 2018

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

 

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

(Genesis 24:12) He said, “O LORD, the God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show lovingkindness to my master Abraham.

Abraham sent his servant to his relatives in Haran to find a wife for his son Isaac. Abraham did not want Isaac to marry a Canaanite or be taken back to Haran to find a wife. Abraham’s servant knew the LORD, so he prayed to the LORD to help him successfully complete the task that Abraham had set before him. The servant recognized that if the LORD helped him find the perfect wife for Isaac that would show the LORD’s kindness to Abraham. The servant prayed a God-centered prayer that interceded for his master.

(Genesis 24:13) “Behold, I am standing by the spring, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water;

The servant prayed in a way that would make it possible for him to know the LORD’s choice of a wife for Isaac. He did not trust in his own understanding to select a wife for his master. Even though he knew the qualities that a good wife should have, he wanted God to reveal the woman he should select. The servant went near a spring that probably ran into and filled a well; then, water would be collected to a depth that would make it easier for people to lower their jars and fill them with water. A shallow spring would make filling jars difficult for the daughters of the village. He saw the daughters of the townspeople coming out to fill their water jars and thus began his prayer to know the LORD’S will.

(Genesis 24:14) now may it be that the girl to whom I say, ‘Please let down your jar so that I may drink,’ and who answers, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels also’—may she be the one whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac; and by this I will know that You have shown lovingkindness to my master.”

The servant’s prayer was practical and detailed, so he would know if or when the LORD had answered him. He wanted a wife for Isaac who would be hospitable to strangers. He wanted a woman who would see a need of others and volunteer to meet that need no matter the extra exertion or time required. The servant had left home with 10 camels carrying gifts, supplies, and riders. The town provided a watering trough for animals, and the servant would not let his camels pollute the town’s water supply by letting them drink from the stream that filled the town’s well. A thirsty camel can drink 25 gallons of water. So, theoretically, the potential wife for Isaac would need to fill her water jar many times and carry 250 gallons of water to the water trough for 10 camels. The servant prayed that by this sign he would know the woman the LORD had chosen and that the LORD had shown his kindness to his master Abraham.

(Genesis 24:15) Before he had finished speaking, behold, Rebekah who was born to Bethuel the son of Milcah, the wife of Abraham’s brother Nahor, came out with her jar on her shoulder.

Most probably the Holy Spirit inspired the prayer of the servant, and most probably the Holy Spirit inspired Rebekah to go for water at the precise time she left the house. God begins to answer the prayers of His people before He inspires their specific prayers. The first woman the servant saw fulfilled Abraham’s command to choose a wife from his relatives in Haran, though the servant did not know that fact yet. Abraham’s brother, Nahor, had stayed in Haran when Abraham left for Canaan. Rebekah was the granddaughter Nahor and the grandniece of Abraham.

(Genesis 24:16) The girl was very beautiful, a virgin, and no man had had relations with her; and she went down to the spring and filled her jar and came up.

In addition to qualities of character that the servant had prayed for, the servant saw that Rebekah was beautiful and morally qualified to be Isaac’s wife. As in some cultures, to distinguish married from unmarried women, Rebekah may have been wearing her hair or clothing differently from the way a married woman would wear her hair or clothing, thus indicating externally that she was not married. [For example, the hairstyle of Princess Leia in the Star Wars Trilogy (sometimes called “cinnamon buns” or “the squash blossom whorl” hairstyle) was first worn by unmarried Hopi Indian girls in Arizona.] Rebekah did not waste any time going down to the spring and filling her water jar and coming back up again to do her family tasks.

(Genesis 24:17) Then the servant ran to meet her, and said, “Please let me drink a little water from your jar.”

After seeing that Rebekah’s appearance was pleasing, and she was unmarried, and after she filled her water jar and was returning home, the servant did exactly as he had planned and prayed. He politely asked her for a drink from her water jar.

(Genesis 24:18) She said, “Drink, my lord”; and she quickly lowered her jar to her hand, and gave him a drink.

Rebekah showed her respect for Abraham’s servant and her spirit of hospitality without delay and quickly gave him a drink of water. Later, the servant spoke to her father and asked him to give his daughter to be the wife for Isaac, and he recounted his prayer and how Rebekah had exactly answered his prayer. Her family then acknowledged that what had happened was from the LORD. Though Abraham had left Haran when he went to Canaan, his relations still had some knowledge of the true God, that God answers prayer, and the true God should be obeyed.

(Genesis 24:19) Now when she had finished giving him a drink, she said, “I will draw also for your camels until they have finished drinking.”

As the servant drank, Rebekah probably watched the man as he drank the water from her jar, perhaps to judge if he were an honorable or dishonorable man. After she saw him drink, no doubt the Holy Spirit inspired her exact words to the servant that showed her willingness to do more than the servant asked. By offering to draw water for his camels, she gave the servant two ways to measure her character. First, she freely offered to water the servant’s camels without being asked or asking for compensation. Second, she said she would water them until they had enough to drink. She said she would begin and complete what she had offered to do and was willing to work hard to do what she had promised without charge. She expressed her desire to meet the needs of these thirsty camels, so she would probably have the character and willingness to care for a husband and her family.

(Genesis 24:20) So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough, and ran back to the well to draw, and she drew for all his camels.

Notice: Rebekah “ran” to begin keeping her word, and she kept her word. She did exactly what she said she would do. This character trait would make her a true blessing to Isaac as his wife. The fact that she went to the well indicates that the spring water obviously fed into the well. We are not told how many trips she made to the trough, but enough times to demonstrate that she was not only beautiful, but healthy and strong and willing to work quickly and hard to help others, even strangers in need.

(Genesis 24:21) Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not.

Without needing to be reminded or encouraged to complete her task, Rebekah did what she promised, and the servant watched to see how she did what she did. She was careful and not slack or haphazard in doing her duty. Her offer may have been made from compassion for thirsty camels and the way she watered the camels would reveal how she truly felt about animals. This too would reveal more of her character traits. It became obvious to the servant that the LORD had made his journey successful if Rebekah and the family would agree for her to go with him to marry Isaac, also a stranger to her.

(Genesis 24:61) Then Rebekah arose with her maids, and they mounted the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and departed.

After Rebekah and her family agreed to the servant’s request that they leave quickly and return to Abraham and Isaac (without waiting ten days or so as the family had at first requested), Rebekah and her attendants mounted some of the camels the servant had brought and went with him. The journey through the Fertile Crescent from Haran to Canaan could have been about 500 miles and last many days, so the camels would be needed for tents, food, and other supplies as well as to be ridden (at least ridden by Rebekah and her attendants).

(Genesis 24:62) Now Isaac had come from going to Beer-lahai-roi; for he was living in the Negev.

Isaac had come from Beer Lahai Roi, meaning “Well of the Living One that sees me,” which was the place where Hagar met the angel of God who showed her the water well that saved her and her son Ishmael from dying of thirst — the LORD had seen her (Genesis 21:17-19). The Negev or Negeb was an area that would become the southernmost part of Judah. Therefore, Isaac was living in an area that would eventually be occupied by the tribe of Judah and the kingdom of Judah — just as the LORD had promised Abraham.

(Genesis 24:63) Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.

Isaac had been brought up by Abraham in the ways of the LORD, as was Abraham’s servant, and the LORD did what was best for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and Abraham’s servant. Isaac went into the field to be alone with the LORD, to pray, to think on God’s promises, and perhaps to think about if and when his servant would return with the woman who would be his wife. God worked out the perfect timing of the selection of Isaac’s future wife and God also worked out the perfect timing for Isaac to see his future wife for the first time.

(Genesis 24:64) Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from the camel.

Rebekah had probably been looking forward to the end of their long journey with increasing anticipation for she was coming in faith that all Abraham’s servant had said about the LORD’s leading and Isaac were true. She had probably been told that they were nearing where Isaac was living; therefore, she was naturally interested when she saw the man in the field and got down from her camel to talk to Abraham’s servant.

(Genesis 24:65) She said to the servant, “Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?” And the servant said, “He is my master.” Then she took her veil and covered herself.

Isaac would have recognized the servant and his caravan even from a distance. Perhaps he had even prayed that evening that the servant would return soon. So, when he saw his servant and the caravan he began walking toward them with anticipation rather than waiting for the caravan to come to him. The servant told Rebekah that Isaac was the man walking toward them, so she covered her face, which she may have uncovered while talking to the servant or at various times during the journey.

(Genesis 24:66) The servant told Isaac all the things that he had done.

The servant told Isaac exactly what he told Rebekah’s parents about his prayer and the LORD’s answer and the LORD’s leading of Rebekah to him at the well. He probably told him about the gifts that he had given to Rebekah and her family, and their willingness for him to take Rebekah to Isaac without delay. He gave this accounting as a responsible servant and to show Isaac that Rebekah had indeed been chosen for him by the LORD.

(Genesis 24:67) Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent, and he took Rebekah, and she became his wife, and he loved her; thus Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.

According to the customs of the day, which may have been more complex than detailed here, Isaac married Rebekah. The Bible does not describe this marriage ceremony as it will describe in more detail the marriage of Jacob to Leah and Rachel in Haran. As Sarah had cared for Isaac, so Rebekah cared for Isaac and Isaac loved the one the LORD had chosen for him.

 

God Answers Prayers for Guidance

October 28, 2018

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

 

“May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master’” (Genesis 21:6).

Abraham’s servant prayed for the LORD to choose the wife He wanted for Isaac. His prayer reveals some of the qualities he thought the wife of Abraham’s son should possess. She must be young. Though Abraham was old, his son was young. She must show hospitality to strangers, such as himself. She must see the needs of others, even animals, and be willing to care for their needs without needing to be asked or commanded. She must be able and willing to work hard. The servant knew that carrying a water jar from a spring to aid thirsty camels would require the energy and strength of a healthy young woman. The servant also knew that if he prayed and found a woman with these qualities that God had indeed shown kindness to his servants Abraham and Isaac. Rebekah excelled the servant’s expectations. In addition to perfectly answering his prayer, she was beautiful and morally fit to be Isaac’s wife. She was not only strong and eager to serve others, but she quickly gave water to the servant and unselfishly ran to quickly water his camels. She did exactly what she told the servant she would do. Keeping her word, she completed the task as the servant watched her closely. Because God led the servant so perfectly, Rebekah did as he had prayed, and she agreed to go with Abraham’s servant to marry Isaac.

 

Thinking Further

God Answers Prayers for Guidance

October 28, 2018

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

Name ______________________

 

1. What did the servant pray for God to do for himself and for his master?

 

2. From the servant’s prayer, what are some of the qualities that he wanted Isaac’s wife to possess?

 

3. What are some of the additional personal qualities that Rebekah showed she possessed?

 

4. What are some things that illustrate the spiritual life of Abraham’s family?

 

5. How do you think Isaac knew that his servant had chosen the right wife for him?

 

Questions for Discussion and Thinking Further

1. What did the servant pray for God to do for himself and for his master? He prayed that he would be successful in fulfilling the task his master gave him, and for the LORD to show kindness to his master Abraham.
2. From the servant’s prayer, what are some of the qualities that he wanted Isaac’s wife to possess? He prayed that she would show hospitality to strangers and be willing to help strangers when asked, that she would see the needs of others, even animals, and offer to help them without being asked or commanded, that she would be young, healthy, kind, and hardworking to water his camels.
3. What are some of the additional personal qualities that Rebekah showed she possessed? She was very beautiful and morally qualified to be Isaac’s wife. She was quick to do what the servant asked and the camel’s needed, so she was quick to be of service.
4. What are some things that illustrate the spiritual life of Abraham’s family? Abraham’s servant knew how to pray to the LORD for help to succeed in doing what his master asked. He knew the LORD was kind and prayed for Abraham to receive the kindness of the LORD. He trusted the LORD to help him do his master’s will, and the LORD answered his prayer. Isaac went out into the field to meditate in the evening, probably following the Holy Spirit’s leading to meet his servant and wife. He accepted what his servant told him about how the LORD had led him to find Rebekah for his wife.
5. How do you think Isaac knew that his servant had chosen the right wife for him? The servant told Isaac all he had prayed and done, including the LORD’s answer to his prayer and Rebekah’s willingness to come and be his wife.

Word Search

God Answers Prayers for Guidance

October 28, 2018

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

Name __________________________

 

Y Z X H F P V B Q S K J I F M

I G I C B J S W R C A M E L S

A P Q S A P L E U H T E B D V

Z B L J R K B V I Y A N R L Y

C P R I T E H U N D R E D I D

T O N A K N L R T V T C S M P

Q G D A H P Y F X S R A J R T

Y P H J D A G P A T A O A D Y

H G A Y B J M M G C S Y H R T

L S R E T H G U A D E U D A X

F R E T A W C B L D N K S I N

K I N D N E S S Q D A V F E V

D R S E R V A N T W R I J D J

S A G X U X R B L V X O Q V P

Y N T N E V Y Z M D E W L R Y

 

Prayed

LORD

Master

Abraham

Kindness

Spring

Daughters

Water

Servant

Camels

Rebekah

Isaac

Bethuel

Milkah

Nahor

 

 

True and False Test

God Answers Prayers for Guidance

October 28, 2018

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

Name___________________________

 

Circle the true or false answers. Correct the false statements by restating them.

1. The name of Abraham’s servant was Bethuel. True or False

 

2. Daughters of the townspeople drew water. True or False

 

3. Abraham’s servant prayed a very detailed prayer to learn who God would choose as a wife for Isaac. True or False

 

4. Rebekah went to the well with a chip on her shoulder. True or False

 

5. Rebekah was a beautiful virgin. True or False

 

6. Rebekah quickly gave Abraham’s servant a drink of water. True or False

 

7. Abraham’s servant asked Rebekah to water his camels. True or False

 

8. Rebekah quickly drew water for all the servant’s camels. True or False

 

9. The LORD made the servant’s journey successful. True or False

 

10. Isaac when to his field to check on his sheep. True or False

 

True and False Test Answers

Genesis 24:12-21, 61-67

1. False
2. True
3. True
4. False
5. True
6. True
7. False
8. True
9. True

10.False

 

Prayer

Lord, help us to be alert to what Your purposes are and to Your desires for how we can advance the cause of Christ. Grant that we will step out on faith when called. We pray this in Jesus’ name. Amen.