Topical Bible: Servant: Good of Abraham

◄ Servant: Good of Abraham ►

Jump to: Nave's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

The concept of servanthood in the Bible is multifaceted, encompassing various roles and responsibilities. In the context of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites, the role of a servant is exemplified through loyalty, faithfulness, and divine purpose. Abraham's servants played significant roles in the unfolding of God's covenantal promises.

Eliezer of Damascus

One of the most notable servants of Abraham is Eliezer of Damascus. Although not named explicitly in the account of his mission, he is traditionally identified as the "chief servant" in Genesis 24. Eliezer's role was crucial in securing a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son, thereby ensuring the continuation of the Abrahamic line. Genesis 24:2-4 records Abraham's instructions to his servant: "So Abraham said to the servant, the oldest of his household who was in charge of all that he owned, 'Please place your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling, but will go to my country and my kindred to take a wife for my son Isaac.'"

Eliezer's mission was marked by prayerful dependence on God, as seen in Genesis 24:12 : "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show loving devotion to my master Abraham." His faithfulness and discernment were rewarded when he found Rebekah, who became Isaac's wife, thus fulfilling God's promise to Abraham.

Servants in Abraham's Household

Abraham's household was extensive, including many servants who were integral to his wealth and operations. Genesis 14:14 mentions that Abraham had 318 trained men born in his household, indicating a well-organized and loyal group of servants capable of military action. These servants were not merely laborers but were considered part of Abraham's extended family, sharing in the blessings and responsibilities of the covenant.

The role of servants in Abraham's household also extended to spiritual matters. Genesis 17:12-13 includes them in the covenant of circumcision: "Every male among you shall be circumcised. You are to undergo circumcision, and it will be the sign of the covenant between Me and you. For the generations to come, every male among you who is eight days old must be circumcised, including those born in your household or bought with money from a foreigner—those who are not your offspring."

Moral and Spiritual Implications

The servants of Abraham exemplify the biblical ideal of servanthood, characterized by loyalty, obedience, and a shared commitment to God's purposes. Their inclusion in the covenantal promises underscores the biblical principle that God's blessings extend beyond ethnic and familial lines to encompass all who align themselves with His chosen people.

In the broader biblical narrative, the role of a servant is elevated through the example of Jesus Christ, who is described as the "Servant of the Lord" in Isaiah 42:1. This connection highlights the dignity and honor associated with servanthood in the service of God's redemptive plan.

Abraham's servants, particularly Eliezer, serve as models of faithfulness and divine service, reflecting the broader biblical theme that true greatness is found in serving God and others.

Nave's Topical Index

Genesis 24:1
And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
Nave's Topical Index

Library

Here Followeth the Life of Abraham
... words when Abraham's servant had heard, he fell down to the ground and thanked our
Lord, and anon took forth silver vessels and of gold and good clothes and ...
/.../wells/bible stories and religious classics/here followeth the life of.htm

Abraham --The Father of the Faithful.
... for him, and all brought gifts and good wishes, yet ... lad Ishmael, the son of Hagar,
Sarah's servant, mocked at ... a loaf of bread; for God had told Abraham to do ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iii abrahamthe father of.htm

The Faith of Abraham.
... God met His servant at that stage of spiritual perception which he had already ... the
birth of Isaac in his father's old age, when Abraham was "as good as dead ...
/.../the expositors bible the epistle to the hebrews/chapter xi the faith of.htm

On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xii. 33, "Either Make the Tree ...
... of three men only, said, "I am the God of Abraham, and Isaac ... 7. With good reason
is this world severely scourged; for the world hath ... "And the servant," He saith ...
/.../sermons on selected lessons of the new testament/sermon xxii on the words.htm

The Testament of Abraham. Version I.
... say to him, Thus saith Abraham thy servant, Lord, Lord ... that are done in the world,
both good and bad. Abraham therefore passing over them saw men bearing swords ...
/.../unknown/the testament of abraham/the testament of abraham version.htm

Scenes in the Lives of the Patriarchs.
... Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, were among the richest shepherds of ... of all that is "lovely
and of good report." for the ... This mighty man was a humble servant of God ...
/.../headley/half hours in bible lands volume 2/scenes in the lives of.htm

Isaac the Shepherd Prince.
... Abraham wished for his son Isaac a wife of his own people, who should be both good
and beautiful, and not like the heathen women of Canaan. So the old servant ...
/.../lathbury/childs story of the bible/chapter iv isaac the shepherd.htm

The Story of the Tower of Babel
... measures of fine meal, knead it, and make cakes." Abraham also ran to the herd,
and took a calf that was tender and good, and gave it to the servant, and he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/sherman/the childrens bible/the story of the tower.htm

God not Only Foreknows that Men Will be Good, but Himself Makes ...
... But it was not thus that Abraham believed, but "he ... them to persevere in good, who
makes them good. ... he said, "Who art thou that judgest another man's servant? ...
/.../augustine/anti-pelagian writings/chapter 36 god not only foreknows.htm

Hooker -- the Activity of Faith; Or, Abraham's Imitators
... would use him, but is like a trusty servant that waiteth ... the Word of God, that your
course is good, and go ... sure of it, that you that walk with Abraham shall be ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/hooker the activity of.htm