Genesis Chapter 24: A Bride for Isaac

Repeatedly, I am observing that God uses the faith of his people (even the servants) to do his great works.  This chapter is no exception!  Abraham told one of his servants to go back to his homeland to get a bride for his son Isaac.  This was serious business, so much so that Abraham made the servant swear an oath to get his son a bride from the homeland.  Once the oath was made, the servant set out with camels and various gifts for the bride.

Now the servant prayed to God and asked God to show him who Isaac’s bride would be.  The servant asked for specific signs, detailing even the dialogue that they should have.  Abraham showed his faith in God by his willingness to release the servant of his oath if the woman would not come back with him to Isaac.  Abraham’s servant showed his faith by asking God to show him without a doubt that this woman was the one for Isaac.

Taking the culture into account at this time, this beautiful woman (Rebekah) appeared to be humble, confident, and eager to serve.  The scripture states that Abraham’s servant was waiting at the spring because the women come there in the afternoon to draw water.  I wonder if she was the first one to see Abraham’s servant. The scripture does not appear to say one way or the other.

The servant asked God for a sign, he wanted the appointed woman to offer him a drink and water for his camels also.  Just as soon as he asked for this, a beautiful virgin woman offered him and his camels a drink!  In my opinion, you can see God working through the chapter.  From the initial meeting of Abraham’s servant and Rebekah (the beautiful future wife of Isaac), to the blessings given of the family for her leave, to Rebekah’s agreeing to go into another land to marry.

So Abraham had a beautiful wife (Sarah) and now Isaac as well (Rebekah).  I truly believe that beauty is a gift from God,  and it is a blessing to have a beautiful woman in your life.  I can understand how both Abraham and Isaac must have felt to be married to such beautiful woman, because I have one as well!  It is such a blessing!