Genesis 24:22 Commentary - Dr Peter Masters

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Genesis 24:22

Comments

Abraham’s servant now plucks up courage to ask whose daughter Rebekah is. This is a very important matter, because Abraham has clearly instructed him only to find a wife from his kindred (verse 4), and he has taken an oath to do just that. So far all that he has not asked her any questions about her background or made any attempts to find the right family, but has simply prayed for this very specific sign to be fulfilled. He is relying heavily on the Lord. That sign has been wonderfully and perfectly fulfilled so far, but it must be the case also that she is from Abraham’s family, otherwise the fulfilment of the sign will make no sense. Has God not only caused the woman to do exactly what he prayed would be done, but also brought someone who comes from the right family? In anticipation that God’s answer will be as wonderful as he expects, he now takes out some of the gifts that he has brought to give to her. Rebekah must have been surprised by this move since it was totally disproportionate to the kindness that she had just shown, and she must have realised that there was more to this than she had yet understood.

Application

So far, we see a number of rules for guidance on whom to marry in the record of Genesis 24. We must realise that God’s will is paramount, and we must be aware of the seriousness of the matter. We must pray much, and sincerely, without our minds having been made up, and our sights firmly set. We must not rush, nor allow biological attraction to take the whole matter over, so that we become incapable of reading the other indications of guidance. Obviously we must not engage in too-familiar expressions of love until a courtship is very clearly of the Lord, knowing that to do this is to throw away all sense.

We must care far more about godliness than physical attractiveness, gifts and even earthly prospects. We must see a bond of real friendship forming, based not on such things as emotional sharing techniques or feigned behaviour, but based on the observation of each other in deeds that reflect character.

Calvin nicely says something this justifies baubles but they better live in a tent in the desert also.

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Genesis 24:22 Commentary and Bible Study