What can we learn about hospitality from Rebekah's actions in Genesis 24:46? Setting the Scene Genesis 24 tells of Abraham’s servant seeking a wife for Isaac. By the well at Nahor, the servant prays for a clear sign: the chosen woman will offer him water and then volunteer to water his camels—no small task when ten thirsty animals can drink upward of 200 gallons. Rebekah arrives, and verse 46 records her response. Key Verse “‘She quickly lowered her jar from her shoulder and said, “Drink, and I will water your camels as well.” So I drank, and she watered the camels also.’” (Genesis 24:46) Snapshot of Rebekah’s Hospitality • Quick action—“quickly lowered her jar” • Personal engagement—“Drink” • Voluntary generosity—“I will water your camels as well” • Follow-through—“she watered the camels also” What We Learn Today • Hospitality begins with attentiveness. Rebekah noticed a stranger’s need without being asked (cf. Philippians 2:4). • True welcome moves swiftly. She did not delay; eagerness honors the guest (Romans 12:10-11). • Hospitality is sacrificial. Drawing water for camels demanded time, strength, and repeated trips, yet Rebekah offered freely (2 Samuel 24:24). • It goes beyond the bare minimum. She could have stopped at giving one man a drink, but she met the larger, unspoken need (Matthew 5:41). • Servant-heartedness reveals character. Her actions testified to humility and kindness long before her name was known (Proverbs 31:17, 20). • God often directs His plans through everyday acts of kindness. Rebekah’s simple service became the hinge of covenant history (Ephesians 2:10). Practical Applications • Keep eyes open for needs—at church, work, school, neighborhood. • Respond promptly; procrastinated kindness rarely blesses. • Offer more than requested: a meal instead of a snack, a listening ear plus prayer. • Count the cost, then give gladly—time, resources, energy. • Remember that God may use ordinary gestures to accomplish extraordinary purposes. Scripture Cross-References • Hebrews 13:2—“Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some have welcomed angels without knowing it.” • 1 Peter 4:9—“Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” • Romans 12:13—“Contribute to the needs of the saints and practice hospitality.” • Matthew 10:42—“And if anyone gives even a cup of cold water to one of these little ones… he will never lose his reward.” • Proverbs 11:25—“A generous soul will prosper, and he who refreshes others will himself be refreshed.” Closing Thoughts Rebekah’s quick, generous response illustrates hospitality as active love in motion—meeting needs before they are spoken, gladly absorbing the cost, and opening the door for God’s larger plans. |
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