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I. THE DOMESTIC COUNCIL.

1. The family of Bethuel. Evening. Work of the day nearly over. The daughter gone to the well. Her long delay. Growing wonder. Rebekah's return. Shows the presents, and relates the story to her mother. Laban, hearing the tale and seeing the jewels, goes out to the well (ver. 29) and invites Eliezer to come into the house (ver. 31).

2. Eastern hospitality. Provision for man and beast.

3. The council.

(1)  Eliezer states his mission (vers. 33-41).

(2)  States how he wished for a sign, and had it fulfilled in Rebekah (vers. 43-47).

(3)  Intimates that God is in this matter (vers. 42-48).

(4)  Bethuel and Laban reply. They see the hand of God (ver. 50), and give their consent (ver. 51).

(5)  Eliezer again acknowledges the good hand of the Lord (ver. 52), and produces more presents.

4. This council conducted with frankness and piety on the one hand, and a due respect for the will of God on the other.

II. THE EARLY DEPARTURE.

1. Eliezer having performed his mission, is anxious to return. Thinks of his master, aged and anxious. Life uncertain.

2. Laban and her mother plead for delay. Suggestive of the lovable character of Rebekah, and her value in the household. Perhaps never more prized than now that she must go. Reminds us of the tenacity with which we cling to dear objects in the moment of separation.

3. Rebekah decides for a prompt departure. Having been a faithful daughter, she would now do her duty in her new relation. Her husband should not hear that she had been an unwilling bride.

4. She bids adieu to home scenes, in company with her nurse; and dowried with the blessing of her family.

III. THE HAPPY MEETING.

1. The home of Abraham. The patriarch following his servants with his prayers. Reliant on God.

2. Isaac waits the issue of this negotiation for his marriage.

3. Goes out into the open country to meditate and pray (see marg. ver. 63). Much in the past and present and future for him to pray and think about.

4. Sees the camels and goes to meet them.

5. The well of the "living one that sees me." Happy would it be for the future life of many if their early meetings were ruled by the thoughts suggested by the name of the well near which Isaac first met Rebekah. Much sin and sorrow might be avoided.

6. Rebekah's modesty, the veil, and cordiality. Alights at once.

7. Isaac's welcome. He conducts Rebekah to the tent that had been his mother's. Learn:

I. The advantage of family union in matters of domestic importance.

II. The duty of consulting parents in affairs of such consequence.

III. To be diligent in business, like Eliezer.

IV. To have times and places for meditation and prayer.

V. To remember "the Living that sees us" in all our intercourse with friends.

(J. C. Gray.)

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KJV: And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.

WEB: They called Rebekah, and said to her, "Will you go with this man?" She said, "I will go."