Topical Encyclopedia
Eliezer, the servant of Abraham, is a notable figure in the Old Testament, particularly in the context of prayer. His account is primarily found in
Genesis 24, where he is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. Eliezer's approach to this mission provides a profound example of prayerful dependence on God, demonstrating faith, obedience, and the seeking of divine guidance.
Context and BackgroundEliezer, though not named in
Genesis 24, is traditionally identified as the "oldest servant" in Abraham's household, as mentioned in
Genesis 15:2. He is entrusted with a significant responsibility: to find a suitable wife for Isaac from Abraham's relatives in Mesopotamia, rather than from the Canaanites among whom they lived. This task underscores the importance of maintaining the covenant lineage and adhering to God's promises.
Eliezer's PrayerUpon reaching the city of Nahor, Eliezer prays for God's guidance in identifying the right woman for Isaac. His prayer is recorded in
Genesis 24:12-14 :
"Then he prayed, 'O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Here I am, standing beside the spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water. 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 too"—let her be the one You have chosen for Your servant Isaac. By this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.'"
Eliezer's prayer is characterized by several key elements:
1.
Acknowledgment of God's Sovereignty: Eliezer begins by addressing the LORD as the God of his master Abraham, recognizing the divine authority and covenant relationship that exists.
2.
Request for Success and Kindness: He asks for success in his mission and for God to show kindness to Abraham, indicating his understanding of the mission's importance and his reliance on God's favor.
3.
Specificity in Petition: Eliezer's prayer is remarkably specific, asking for a particular sign to identify the right woman. This specificity demonstrates his faith in God's ability to provide clear guidance.
4.
Dependence on Divine Choice: By asking for a sign, Eliezer seeks confirmation of God's choice, showing his desire to align with God's will rather than relying solely on human judgment.
God's Immediate ResponseRemarkably, before Eliezer finishes praying, Rebekah appears and fulfills the exact conditions of his prayer (
Genesis 24:15-20). This immediate answer highlights God's attentiveness and willingness to guide those who seek Him earnestly. Eliezer's response to this divine intervention is one of worship and gratitude, as he bows down and praises the LORD (
Genesis 24:26-27).
Significance in Biblical TheologyEliezer's prayer is a model of faith and reliance on God, illustrating the power of prayer in seeking divine guidance. It underscores the belief that God is actively involved in the lives of His people and is responsive to their prayers. This narrative also emphasizes the importance of aligning one's desires with God's will, trusting that He will provide the best outcome.
In the broader biblical context, Eliezer's prayerful approach serves as an example for believers to seek God's direction in their own lives, particularly in matters of great significance. It encourages a posture of humility, faith, and obedience, trusting in God's providence and timing.
Nave's Topical Index
Genesis 24:12And he said O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray you, send me good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham.
Nave's Topical Index
Library
Elucidations.
... Rabbi Eliezer said, "Thy will be done in heaven, and peace of heart be unto those
who fear Thee on earth."' The same tract gives another prayer: The needs of ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/elucidations.htm
Book 12 Footnotes
... BV ch.36., and with the places of the Proseuchre, or of prayer, which were ... 7. We
may further observe from the Recognitions of Clement, that Eliezer, of Damascus ...
/.../josephus/the antiquities of the jews/book 12 footnotes.htm
Chapter xv
... also clearly foresees the course events will take, informs him that Eliezer will
not ... We find Gideon's prayer analogous (Jud 6:17 ff.), or the question of the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xv.htm
Appendix 2 Extracts from the Babylon Talmud
... How does Rabbi Eliezer indicate them? ... it is, so that, when the woman speaks with
her husband and the babe sucks its mother, he may rise up and say the prayer. ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/appendix 2 extracts from the.htm
The Synagogue at Nazareth - Synagogue-Worship and Arrangements.
... Nay, some Rabbis went so far as to recommend a brief summary of the eighteen Eulogies,
while yet another (R. Eliezer) repudiated all fixed forms of prayer. ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/chapter x the synagogue at.htm
The Day of Atonement
... kings unto God." Every Christian is a priest to offer sacrifice of prayer and praise ...
antitype of Aaron, no son of thine stood with thee; no Eliezer, no Phineas ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 2 1856/the day of atonement.htm
Expositions of Holy Scripture
... GERSHOM AND ELIEZER. THE IDEAL STATESMAN [Footnote: Preached on occasion of Mr.
Gladstone's death.]. ... THE MEDIATOR'S THREEFOLD PRAYER. GOD PROCLAIMING HIS OWN NAME ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/
Contents
... JEHOVAH NISSI (Exodus 17:15). GERSHOM AND ELIEZER (Exodus 18:3, 4). ... THE SWIFT DECAY
OF LOVE (Exodus 32:15-26). THE MEDIATOR'S THREEFOLD PRAYER (Exodus 33:12-23). ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture k/contents 2.htm
Chapter xvi
... Then, also, if we consider the chief servant, Eliezer, and the excellent faith he
later ... one who may have given evidence of such a disposition by prayer to the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvi.htm
Appendix xii. The Baptism of Proselytes
... There was, indeed a difference between Rabbis Joshua and Eliezer, the former
maintaining that ... R.21) that the Angel of prayer weaves crowns for God out of the ...
/.../the life and times of jesus the messiah/appendix xii the baptism of.htm
Resources
What is fervent prayer (James 5:16)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is listening prayer? Are listening prayers biblical? | GotQuestions.orgIs there evidence that God answers prayer? | GotQuestions.orgPrayer: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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