Genesis 24 is about finding a wife for Isaac. Isaac was 40 years old and single. Abraham, anxious about his son’s marriage, called his faithful servant instructing him to find a wife for Isaac. He charged him to go to his own country and to his own people to find a wife for Isaac.
The servant asked: “What if the young woman I choose refuses to leave home and come here with me? Should I send Isaac there to look for a wife?” (v.5, CEV). To which Abraham replied: “No, don't take my son to that place” (v.6, ERV). Abraham explained that God had given this land to him and his family; home is now in Canaan.
The servant set out with camels and provisions and arrived in the city of Nahor. He sat by a well and asked God for a sign that would point to the woman He had chosen. He said the woman who would give him and the camels water to drink be the one chosen to be Isaac’s wife (v.10-13).
Rebekah, granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came. That sweet lady drew water for him and the camels. Upon learning she was related to his master’s family, he rejoiced and thanked God for making his journey to prosper. Rebekah invited him to her house (v.15-32).
The servant related his errand to Rebekah’s family and the sign that God had showed him (v.33-49). The family agreed that this was from the LORD and they would not reject to it (v.50). He stayed the night and rose up early in the morning intending to return to his master with Rebekah.
Her mother was desirous that her precious daughter stayed for at least 10 days before going to Abraham’s son. We can understand her feelings; she would miss her daughter very much. Mothers are glad their daughter are finally married but at the same time sad to lose them. But the servant insisted he must leave that day (v.54-56).
Well, the final decision maker: Ask Rebekah. They asked her: “Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go” (v.58). They left immediately.
There are two lessons I would want to draw from this account of finding a wife for Isaac.
1. Insist your children marry a faithful Christian.
Abraham made his servant swore that he would not take a wife from among the daughters of the Canaanites for his son Isaac (v.3). He also refused to let Isaac go over to live elsewhere if the woman refused to come to Canaan (v.5, 6).
It is sad to see some of our young men and women, instead of winning their spouses to the Lord, follow them in their religion and denomination. Abraham would not allow that in his son’s marriage.
Parents, keep reminding your children to marry only in the Lord (1 Corinthians 7:39).
2. Be Determine.
The most remarkable words uttered in this passage are from Rebekah: “I will go” (v.58). She was willing to leave all to be with a man she had never met. Her words “I will go” are words of faith, trust, and confidence in God. She was convinced it was God who called her.
Her three little words to her family mean: “Do not hinder me .… I will go now.” Why the urgency? I can think of one good reason: Delay might cause her to change her mind about leaving.
A lot of things could happen if she were to delay her departure.
1. She might become fearful of leaving to an unknown place.
2. Her friends and family members might talk her out of marrying to a place so far away.
3. She might fall in love with someone else.
4. She might change her mind about wanting to marry.
The devil wants us to put away our decision to follow Jesus to another day. The Scripture says: “To day if ye will hear his voice, Harden not your hearts” (Hebrews 3:7b, 8a). Follow Jesus TODAY!
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