Topical Encyclopedia Biblical Context:The account of Abraham providing a wife for his son Isaac is found in Genesis 24. This chapter is a pivotal moment in the Genesis narrative, highlighting themes of faith, divine guidance, and covenantal continuity. Abraham, now advanced in age, seeks to ensure that his son Isaac marries a woman from his own kin rather than from the Canaanites among whom they dwell. Narrative Summary: Abraham, recognizing the importance of securing a suitable wife for Isaac, calls upon his senior servant, who is often identified as Eliezer of Damascus (cf. Genesis 15:2), to undertake this crucial task. Abraham instructs his servant to travel to his homeland and family to find a wife for Isaac, emphasizing the need for the woman to come from his own relatives. He makes the servant swear an oath to fulfill this mission, saying, "You must not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am dwelling" (Genesis 24:3). The servant, concerned about the possibility of the woman not willing to return with him, asks Abraham if he should take Isaac back to the land from which Abraham came. Abraham firmly responds, "Make sure that you do not take my son back there" (Genesis 24:6), reaffirming God's promise to give the land of Canaan to his descendants. He assures the servant that God will send His angel before him to ensure success in finding a wife for Isaac. Journey and Divine Guidance: The servant embarks on the journey to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. Upon arrival, he prays for a sign to identify the right woman for Isaac, asking God to show kindness to his master Abraham. He prays, "May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac" (Genesis 24:14). Before he finishes praying, Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, appears. She fulfills the sign by offering water to the servant and his camels. Recognizing the divine orchestration, the servant gives her gifts and inquires about her family. Learning that she is the granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother, he bows down and worships the LORD, acknowledging His faithfulness. Negotiation and Consent: The servant is welcomed into Rebekah's family home, where he recounts the purpose of his journey and the events that led him to Rebekah. Her brother Laban and her father Bethuel recognize the hand of the LORD in the matter and agree to the marriage proposal. They say, "This is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter" (Genesis 24:50). Rebekah is consulted and consents to go with the servant to marry Isaac. Her family blesses her, saying, "Our sister, may you become the mother of thousands of ten thousands. May your offspring possess the gates of their enemies" (Genesis 24:60). Return and Marriage: Rebekah and her attendants accompany the servant back to Canaan. As they approach, Isaac is in the field meditating. When Rebekah sees Isaac, she dismounts and asks the servant about him. Upon learning his identity, she covers herself with a veil. The servant recounts all that transpired to Isaac. Isaac brings Rebekah into his mother Sarah's tent, and she becomes his wife. The text notes, "So she became his wife, and he loved her. And Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death" (Genesis 24:67). This union not only fulfills Abraham's desire for a suitable wife for Isaac but also continues the Abrahamic covenant through the next generation. Nave's Topical Index Genesis 24:1And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things. Nave's Topical Index Library The People of the New Earth Chapter xxvi Letter cxviii. To Julian. 1 Timothy v. 8 Chapter xvii The Annunciation of Jesus the Messiah, and the Birth of his ... Chapter xlix Godly Fear and Its Goodly Consequence Christian Ballads. Rom. v. 12 Resources How old was Abraham when he died? | GotQuestions.orgWhy did God command Abraham to sacrifice Isaac? | GotQuestions.org How many sons did Abraham have? | GotQuestions.org Abraham: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Abraham is Blessed by Melchizedek Abraham: Age of, at Different Periods Abraham: Ancestors of, Idolatrous Abraham: Deferring to Lot, Chooses Hebron Abraham: He Purchases a Place for Her Burial, and Buries Her in a Cave Abraham: His Questions About the Destruction of the Righteous and Wicked in Sodom Abraham: How Regarded by his Descendants Abraham: Independence of, in Character Abraham: Lives in Gerar; Deceives Abimelech Concerning Sarah, his Wife Abraham: Lives in Ur, But Removes to Haran Abraham: Provides a Wife for Isaac Abraham: Sarah, his Wife, Dies Abraham: Sends Hagar and Ishmael Away Abraham: Trial of his Faith in the offering of Isaac Abraham: Witnesses the Destruction of Sodom Miscegenation: Forbidden by Abraham Related Terms Burnt-offering (205 Occurrences) |
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