Genesis 24:22-27

2008.Mar.01 03:08

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Read Genesis 24:22-27 | Full Chapter

The servant watched Rebekah and saw her actions matched the sign he had requested from Yahweh. Rebekah has finished giving water to the servant and his horses. So, we arrive at a point in the story where conflicts have been resolved (for now), everything is looking lovely, and it’s time for a few reactions (and an additional positive revelation).

After the camels had finished drinking, the man took a gold ring weighing half a shekel, and for her wrists two bracelets weighing 10 shekels of gold.
(Genesis 24:22, Holman)

I’d imagine there’s all sorts of cultural significance to this ritual. Wikipedia does not shed any particular light on it, and thus, my 60 second research period reveals nothing. However, receiving–from someone you’ve just met–significant gold jewelry cannot be ignored. I would guess that at least this act reveals to Rebekah that whatever this guy is about to say, he’s serious about it. It also makes clear that the servant is convinced that she is the woman whom God desires Issac to marry. I might then consider that this act is a statement of confidence in a forthcoming covenant. Mostly because I think the phrase sounds neat.

"Whose daughter are you?" he asked. "Please tell me, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?" She answered him, "I am the daughter of Bethuel son of Milcah, whom she bore to Nahor." She also said to him, "We have plenty of straw and feed, and a place to spend the night."
(Genesis 24:23-25, Holman)

Despite the servant’s confidence that Rebekah is indeed the woman he set out to meet, he has not yet proposed to her marriage with Isaac or even stated that this is the purpose of his travels. Not that I would have expected him to broach that subject yet. Instead, he inquires as to Rebekah’s family and if he may spend the night with them.

Again, Rebekah’s response is to extend hospitality, unlike, to throw in a contrasting example, the folks of Sodom. However, she adds an unintentional bonus. Guess what, servant? God led you to a relative of your master. Yay! Which is kind of the servants reaction.

Then the man bowed down, worshiped the Lord, and said, "Praise the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master's relatives."
(Genesis 24:26-27, Holman)

The servant’s journey is not yet complete. But he knows that Yahweh has already given him great favor. And he worships and thanks Yahweh. When success arrives, as in this case, there’s often so much left to do. But I don’t want to forget to give Yahweh praise for each blessing he gives me…although too often I do forget.