When Abraham was long into his really old years, he began to think of his family's future under Isaac. He asked his chief servant, the one in charge of all Abraham had, to "swear by the Lord God that you will not get a wife for my son Isaac from the Canaanites with whom I am living, but will "go back to my own country and to my relatives and get a wife for Isaac."
The servant asked, "What if she is unwilling to come? Shall I then take your son there?" Abraham said, "The Lord, the God of Heaven, spoke to me and said, "To your offspring, I will give this land!" If the woman is unwilling to come back with you, then you are released from this oath. Only do not take my son back there."
So, with ten camels loaded with good things from his master, the servant left--and eventually made his way to the town of Nahor. The camels knelt down near the well outside of town. It was evening and the women came to draw water. The servant prayed, "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today and show kindness to my master Abraham. See, I am standing beside this spring, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming to draw water. May it be that when I say, "Please let down your jar that I may have a drink," and she says, "Drink, and I'll water your camels, too"--let her be the one you have chosen for your servant, Isaac. By this, I will know you have shown kindness to my master."
Before he had finished praying, Rebekah came out with her jar on her shoulder. She was Abraham's niece, a daughter of Abraham's brother, Nahor. She was very beautiful and innocent. The servant hurried to meet her, asking for a drink. "Drink, my Lord," she said, and "I will draw water for your camels, too." The servant then watched her closely, hoping the Lord had made his journey successful.
After the camels had finished drinking, the man took out a gold nose ring, very costly, and two gold bracelets while asking, "Whose daughter are you? Please, is there room in your father's house for us to spend the night?"
She answered, "I am Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, the son that Milcah bore to Nahor." And she added, "We have plenty of straw and fodder as well as room for you to spend the night." The man bowed down to worship the Lord in thanksgiving, while the girl ran and told her mother's household about these things.
Now, Rebekah had a brother named Labon, who found it interesting to know a man who was giving gifts like the golden ring, and he heard what Rebekah had said to the old servant. He said jovialy, "Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels."
So the old servant went to the house, and had the camels unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought to the camels and water for him and his men to wash their feet. Then food was set before him, but the old man said, "I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say." And so he told them all of the story, including, "Go to my father's family and to my own clan, and get a wife for my son."
"My Lord led me on the right toad to get the grand-daughter of my master's brother for his son. Now, if you would show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me so I may know which way to turn."
They agreed and the servant brought out gifts for everyone. But when it was time to go, they asked him, "Let the girl remain with us ten days or so; then you may go." But the servant said to them, "Do not detain me, now that the Lord has granted success to my journey. Send me on my way so I may go to my master." Then they said, "Let's call the girl and ask her about it." So they called Rebekah, "Will you go with this man?" they asked. "I will go," she said. So they went on their way.
Now, Isaac was then living in the Negev. He went out to the field one evening to meditate, and as he looked up, he saw camels approaching. Rebekah also looked up just at that time and saw Isaac; and asked, "Who is that man coming to meet us?" "He is my Master," the servant answered. So she took her veil and covered herself properly, as a bride would do.
The servant told Isaac all he had done, and Isaac brought Rebekah into the tent of his mother, Sarah. He married Rebekah and loved her. When Isaac's mother died, Rebekah comforted him.
Nice story, huh?
After reading this, you may have questions, such as: "Was it right for Abraham's servant to ask for such a specific sign?" Our study tells us: The servant was simply asking God to show him a woman with an attitude of service, someone who would go beyond the expected--like watering his camels. The servant knew the importance of having a "right heart."
Also, what do you think was the reason for Laban to rush out to the servant to have him come to the house before Rebekah could invite him in? The bible tells us, "As soon as Laban had seen the nose ring and expensive bracelets, he called to the servant." Was he making nice with a man who carried riches to see if he might attain it for himself in some way? A kind of 'be nice to the rich; maybe they will share' philosophy?"
Then, too, Laban didn't want to release Rebekah right away. Was there an ulterior motive there as well? It could be that the servant had already given them beautiful gifts, so perhaps, Laban hoped for more by keeping Rebekah a while longer.
Is man forever to have ulterior motives? With some men, yes. With other men, no. Each person is God's own. What God gives to each of us is to satisfy our needs and we must be thankful without always desiring more. Pray for ourselves, our friends, and our neighbors that we may learn to be thankful for what we have been given.
May the word MORE be driven from our vocabulary!
Jo INMN
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