Genesis 24:57 Commentary and Bible Study

The family decide to put it to Rebekah. Their question sounds as if they are ready to reconsider the whole issue. In view of Laban’s later scheming, this may be the case. It may be that the pressure of the evidence from the servant’s account of the Lord’s guidance had forced him to make a decision that he later regretted, and now he is looking for grounds to refuse, such as the girl’s unwillingness to go. On the other hand, it may be that we are to understand the word ‘now’ to be inserted in the question – ‘Will you go with this man now?’. The issue then would not be whether she should go at all, but whether she would go without staying a few days first. The latter seems more likely. Rebekah is not simply told to go or not to go, she is consulted. She is given a very clear opportunity to say no. Matthew Henry says, ‘Note, as children ought not to marry without their parents’ consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own’. Parentally arranged marriage is not the Bible’s model. Marriage is too important an arrangement and one that requires too much voluntary affection between two people for it to be imposed on anyone, even by parents. On the other hand this marriage was obviously arranged by the Lord. We seek the guidance of the Lord in a union with consequences far beyond anything we can see. Rebekah was willing to go and there is nothing to suggest that she did not depart that very day.