Genesis 24:9

So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.

Study Bible

So the servant placed his hand under the thigh of his master Abraham
In ancient Near Eastern culture, placing one's hand under the thigh was a solemn and serious gesture, often associated with making a binding oath. This act symbolized submission and the gravity of the promise being made. The thigh, being close to the reproductive organs, may also symbolize the continuation of Abraham's lineage, which is central to the covenant promises God made to him. This gesture is unique and is also seen in Genesis 47:29, where Jacob makes Joseph swear an oath. It underscores the importance of the task at hand, which is finding a suitable wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant through Abraham's descendants.

and swore an oath to him concerning this matter.
Oaths in biblical times were taken very seriously and were often made invoking God's name, binding the individual to fulfill their promise. The servant's oath to Abraham highlights the importance of the mission to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham's own kin, rather than from the Canaanites, which aligns with God's plan for a distinct and holy people. This act of swearing an oath also reflects the servant's loyalty and faithfulness to Abraham, as well as the trust Abraham places in him. The matter at hand is crucial for the fulfillment of God's promises to Abraham, as Isaac's marriage is a step towards the numerous descendants promised by God. This event foreshadows the faithfulness required of God's people and the importance of obedience to divine guidance, which is a recurring theme throughout Scripture.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham
The patriarch of the Israelites, who is seeking a wife for his son Isaac from his own relatives rather than from the Canaanites.

2. The Servant
Likely Eliezer of Damascus, Abraham's trusted servant, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac.

3. Oath Ceremony
The act of placing a hand under the thigh was a serious and solemn way to swear an oath in ancient Near Eastern culture, signifying a deep commitment.

4. Isaac
Abraham's son, for whom the servant is to find a wife, ensuring the continuation of God's covenant promise.

5. Canaan
The land where Abraham and his family reside, but from which Abraham does not want Isaac's wife to come.

Teaching Points

The Importance of Faithful Service
The servant's role highlights the importance of being faithful and trustworthy in our responsibilities, especially in matters of spiritual significance.

The Seriousness of Oaths
The cultural practice of oath-taking underlines the gravity of our promises and commitments, urging us to be people of integrity.

God's Sovereignty in Relationships
Abraham's insistence on a wife from his own people reflects a trust in God's plan and sovereignty over family and relationships.

Cultural Context and Biblical Practices
Understanding the cultural context of biblical events can deepen our appreciation and application of Scripture in our lives.

Seeking God's Guidance
The servant's mission encourages us to seek God's guidance in our decisions, especially those affecting future generations.

Bible Study Questions

1. What does the act of placing a hand under the thigh signify in the context of ancient Near Eastern culture, and how can this understanding impact our view of commitments today?

2. How does the servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac demonstrate the importance of aligning our choices with God's covenant promises?

3. In what ways can we apply the servant's faithfulness and dedication to our own roles and responsibilities in life?

4. How does Abraham's decision to find a wife for Isaac from his own people reflect a trust in God's plan, and how can we apply this trust in our own family decisions?

5. Considering Jesus' teaching on oaths in Matthew 5, how should we approach making promises and commitments in our daily lives?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 15:2-3
Eliezer is mentioned as Abraham's servant, highlighting his longstanding trust and role in Abraham's household.

Genesis 17:1-8
God's covenant with Abraham, emphasizing the importance of Isaac's lineage and the need for a suitable wife.

Hebrews 11:8-19
Abraham's faith is commended, showing the importance of his actions and decisions, including finding a wife for Isaac.

Matthew 5:33-37
Jesus' teaching on oaths, which can be related to the seriousness of the oath taken by the servant.