What does Rebekah's behavior in Genesis 24:20 teach about hospitality and kindness? Setting the Scene “So she quickly emptied her jar into the trough and ran back to the well to draw more water, and she drew enough for all his camels.” (Genesis 24:20) Rebekah’s Quick Response • “quickly emptied” – no hesitation, no partial effort • “ran back” – eagerness, energy, joyful urgency • “drew enough for all his camels” – thorough, going beyond the minimum (ten camels could drink 20–25 gallons each) Characteristics of Her Hospitality • Generous: gave freely of time and strength, not counting the cost • Proactive: saw the need without being asked, stepped in immediately • Whole-hearted: served until the job was fully done • Other-centered: focused on the traveler and his animals, not on her own schedule or comfort Lessons for Us Today • True hospitality is action, not sentiment; it moves “quickly” and “runs back.” • Kindness meets needs completely, not partially; it draws “enough for all.” • God often guides through ordinary acts of service—Rebekah’s kindness identified her as Isaac’s future wife. • Everyday opportunities can have eternal significance; simple service can advance God’s larger purposes. Supporting Scriptures • Hebrews 13:2 – “Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for by so doing some people have entertained angels without knowing it.” • 1 Peter 4:9 – “Show hospitality to one another without complaining.” • Matthew 25:35 – “For I was hungry and you gave Me food, I was thirsty and you gave Me drink, I was a stranger and you took Me in.” • Proverbs 3:27 – “Do not withhold good from the deserving when it is within your power to act.” • Galatians 6:10 – “Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to everyone, and especially to the family of faith.” Takeaway Rebekah’s swift, exhaustive care models hospitality that is generous, eager, and complete—an invitation to serve others just as boldly whenever God places a need before us. |
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