Topical Encyclopedia
Eliezer, a prominent figure in the Old Testament, is often recognized as a model of faithful servanthood. He is most notably mentioned as the chief servant of Abraham, the patriarch of the Israelites. Eliezer's account is primarily found in the Book of Genesis, where his loyalty, wisdom, and dedication to his master's household are highlighted.
Background and RoleEliezer of Damascus is first introduced in
Genesis 15:2, where Abraham expresses concern to God about having no heir, stating, "The heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus." This indicates that Eliezer held a significant position within Abraham's household, entrusted with considerable responsibility and authority. As the chief servant, Eliezer managed Abraham's affairs and was deeply involved in the stewardship of his master's wealth and property.
Mission to Find a Wife for IsaacEliezer's most notable act of service is recorded in
Genesis 24, where Abraham entrusts him with a critical mission: to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac. This task underscores the immense trust Abraham placed in Eliezer, as the future of Abraham's lineage depended on the successful completion of this mission.
Eliezer's journey to find a wife for Isaac is marked by his reliance on God and his commitment to fulfilling his master's wishes. Before setting out, Eliezer prays for divine guidance, saying, "O LORD, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham" (
Genesis 24:12). His prayerful approach demonstrates his faith and understanding of the importance of divine intervention in his task.
Upon reaching the city of Nahor, Eliezer devises a test to identify the right woman for Isaac. He asks God for a sign: that the woman who offers water to him and his camels will be the one chosen for Isaac. Rebekah's arrival and her actions fulfill this sign, confirming to Eliezer that she is the appointed wife for Isaac (
Genesis 24:14-19).
Attributes of a Good ServantEliezer's actions throughout this mission exemplify the qualities of a good servant. His loyalty to Abraham is unwavering, as he diligently seeks to carry out his master's instructions. Eliezer's wisdom is evident in his strategic approach to finding a wife for Isaac, and his faithfulness is highlighted by his reliance on God for guidance and success.
Moreover, Eliezer's humility is apparent when he meets Rebekah's family. He recounts the events leading to his journey and gives glory to God for the success of his mission, saying, "Blessed be the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who has not withheld His kindness and faithfulness from my master" (
Genesis 24:27). His acknowledgment of God's role in the mission's success reflects his understanding of his position as a servant under divine authority.
LegacyEliezer's account serves as an enduring example of faithful servanthood in the biblical narrative. His dedication to his master's household, his reliance on God, and his successful completion of a critical task highlight the virtues of loyalty, wisdom, and faithfulness. As a result, Eliezer is remembered as a paragon of good servanthood, embodying the qualities that are esteemed in a servant of God.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Genesis 24:1-67And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age: and the LORD had blessed Abraham in all things.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Library
Chapter xv
... reflected speaks well for the status of servants in Abram's day ... events will take,
informs him that Eliezer will not ... send this Saviour for his own good as well ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xv.htm
Home as a Stewardship.
... Such was Eliezer in the house of Abraham; and such ... little flock; for it is your Father's
good pleasure to ... and shall begin to beat the men-servants and maidens ...
//christianbookshelf.org/philips/the christian home/chapter vi home as a.htm
The Kingdom Given to the Saints at the Resurrection of the Just.
... 6:9. Now, with "their fellow servants," they receive ... taught: while "they that have
done good shall come ... Rabbi Eliezer the great, supposed to have lived just ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the kingdom given to the.htm
Abraham's Four Surrenders
... son. It seemed too good to be true. ... Isaac. He doesn't tell the servants, even
the faithful servant Eliezer, what is to take place. About ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/men of the bible/i abrahams four surrenders.htm
Elucidations.
... good.' In the Mekhilta we read that Rabbi Eliezer of Modin ... (Good works and mercy,
p.528 ... parents; (14) parental love; (15) consideration of servants; (16) respect ...
/.../cyprian/three books of testimonies against the jews/elucidations.htm
In Death and after Death
... or else in reference to the good effects of ... but was very wroth with the careless
servants, and he ... in conclusion, quote the following: "R. Eliezer said, Repent ...
/.../edersheim/sketches of jewish social life/chapter 10 in death and.htm
Letter Lxix. To Oceanus.
... but a lover of hospitality, a lover of good men, sober ... taking wives they live with
their maid-servants and bring ... It is beside a well that Eliezer finds Rebekah. ...
/.../jerome/the principal works of st jerome/letter lxix to oceanus.htm
Chapter xvi
... also, if we consider the chief servant, Eliezer, and the ... The Hebrew idiom "do what
is good in thine eyes ... as making her to live with the servants and perform ...
//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xvi.htm
Chapter xxiv
... In fact, it would seem that Eliezer must have been in ... the servant" "for Abraham had
many servants (AV also ... spirit and does not attribute the good fortune of ...
/...//christianbookshelf.org/leupold/exposition of genesis volume 1/chapter xxiv.htm
Index i. Of Subjects
... 285, 286; declares for Eliezer, ii.69. Batlanim. See Synagogues. ... the drawnet, 596,
597; the watching servants, ii.218, 219; the good Samaritan, 234-239; ...
/.../edersheim/the life and times of jesus the messiah/index i of subjects.htm
Resources
What does it mean to be a servant of Christ? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of the Parable of the Ten Minas? | GotQuestions.orgWho is the Servant of the Lord in the Bible? | GotQuestions.orgServants: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.comBible Concordance •
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