Genesis 24:28 Commentary and Bible Study

Rebekah runs to her mother’s house to inform them of this remarkable encounter. She goes there perhaps because she related more easily to her mother than her father, as Calvin suggests, and maybe because this was a matter of hospitality. Her father speaks later and so is still alive, and there is no other Bethuel referred to in the passage, but it is Laban, her brother, rather than Bethuel, who takes the leading role in what happens next. He runs out to the well where the servant is still waiting with the camels. The fact that he runs indicates how seriously he takes the matter. Verse 29 summaries his response, while verse 30 explains his thinking and the influences upon his mind. He listens to everything that his sister tells him about the event and he see that the man means business since he has already given her such precious gifts. Laban is impressed by these gifts. Who is this stranger who has come so far to meet them? Laban appears later in the Genesis record in connection with Jacob, and shows himself to be a devious character, but so far here his dealings are straightforward.Sufficient time passes for a few preparations to be made (vs 31), but bearing in mind that the guest is still waiting outside the city, Laban hurries to fetch him. Rebekah has already offered him hospitality in response to his enquiry, and now prepares for their guest having cleared the matter with her mother. She continues to show a highly commendable attitude, and has an instinct for hospitality. This will be a key responsibility of each new married couple.