Why did the servant question leaving without the woman in Genesis 24:5? Setting • Abraham, settled in Canaan, charges his chief servant to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham’s extended family in Mesopotamia (Genesis 24:3-4). • The servant will travel some 500 miles with gifts and camels, yet Abraham insists Isaac must not return to Mesopotamia (Genesis 24:6-8). The Servant’s Question “‘Suppose the woman is unwilling to come back with me to this land. Should I then take your son back to the land you came from?’ ” (Genesis 24:5). Reasons Behind the Question • Practical foresight – The servant recognizes a very real possibility: a young woman may hesitate to leave home forever for an unseen husband. – Ancient journeys were dangerous; the servant must plan, “What if?” • Desire for precise obedience – He wants to carry out Abraham’s commission without alteration (compare Genesis 24:9). – Clarifying any gray area now prevents missteps later. • Respect for the woman’s will – Scripture never portrays Rebekah as coerced; later she is asked, “Will you go with this man?” and she answers, “I will go” (Genesis 24:58). – By raising the question, the servant acknowledges her freedom to decide. Why Not Take Isaac There? Covenant Implications • The land promise – God said, “To your offspring I will give this land” (Genesis 12:7; 13:14-17). Isaac must remain where God’s promise rests. – Returning could imply doubt in God’s declared plan. • Separation from idolatry – Mesopotamia still housed Abraham’s kin yet practiced idolatry (Joshua 24:2). – Keeping Isaac in Canaan guards him from mingling with pagan customs (cf. Deuteronomy 7:3-4). • Lineage and mission – God’s redemptive line points toward staying in the promised land, not retreating (Genesis 26:2-5). Faith and Prudence Together • Abraham’s faith: “The LORD will send His angel before you” (Genesis 24:7). • The servant’s prudence: “What if she won’t come?” • Scripture commends both—trust in God’s guidance while planning responsibly (Proverbs 16:9; Nehemiah 2:7-8). Lessons for Today • Clarify assignments—ask questions up front to avoid disobedience later. • Respect others’ God-given liberty; genuine faith never forces. • Hold to God’s calling without compromise; don’t retreat to former territory when the promise lies ahead (Hebrews 10:35-39). • Blend faith with practical planning; both honor the Lord (James 2:22). Thus, the servant’s question was not doubt of God’s power but a careful, obedient, and respectful response to Abraham’s mandate and God’s covenant plan. |
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