Genesis 24
This verse narrates the story of Abraham sending his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. We explore divine guidance, love at first sight, and the quality of kindness in a partner.
Summary
Abraham was getting older, and God blessed him in every way. He called for his servant in charge and asked him to promise to find Isaac, his son, a wife. Abraham did not want his servant to find a wife in Canaanite where they lived, but in Abraham’s home country where his relatives still lived. [Remember that Canaan’s father Ham was cursed by his father Noah. The people in Canaanite were descendants of this bloodline]. The servant was concerned that the girl wouldn’t come back with him, but Abraham assured him that an angel would help him. If the girl won’t come back, the servant would be free of the promise.
The servant traveled to Northwest Mesopotamia with 10 camels carrying beautiful gifts. When they arrived to Nahor’s city (Nahor was Abraham’s grandfather), the servant had the camels kneel by a well. They waited for women to come get water. If a woman stopped to help the servant and his camels, the servant would choose her as a wife for Isaac. Isaac prayed that God would help him fulfill his promise to Abraham.
Rebekah came to the well with her water jar and helped the servant and his camels. She was pretty and a virgin. The servant gave her a gold ring and two bracelets, and he asked about her father. Rebekah answered that her father is Bethuel (Abraham’s brother). The servant was so grateful to God that he was led to Abraham’s relatives, as Abraham had wished.
The servant explained to Rebekah’s family why he was there and asked if he could take Rebekah back with him to marry Isaac. He reassured them that Abraham was a very blessed man with riches, and he gave Rebekah’s family gifts. They all agreed to let Rebekah go, Rebekah herself agreed. When the servant and Rebekah returned home, Rebekah and Isaac saw each other. The servant told Isaac what he had been up to and why Rebekah was there. Isaac took Rebekah into his tent and made her his wife. He loved her very much. Isaac was now comforted after his mother’s death.
Sidebar
The servant is guided by God to Rebekah, who ultimately becomes Isaac’s wife. This story is often seen as an example of divine guidance and providence in finding a life partner. It also emphasizes the importance of faith, prayer, and obedience to God’s will. The servant prayed to God for help when he waited by the well in Mesopotamia, and God delivered.
Another aspect I find interesting in this story is the possibility of love at first sight. Isaac sees Rebekah for the first time; and after hearing the servant’s story, he trusts that Rebekah is the one for him. He takes her into his tent, and the script says that “he loved her.” That was fast!! Was it love at first sight or did the “love” develop over time?
The concept of love at first sight has fascinated people for ages. It’s the idea of an immediate, profound connection with someone upon first meeting. While some believe in its magical and romantic allure, others think that true love requires time, understanding, and shared experiences to develop fully.
I personally do not believe in love at first sight. I agree that you can feel an immediate connection with someone you meet. Sometimes, you just “click” with a person right from the start, and that initial spark can be the foundation for a deeper relationship over time. But there needs to be essential ingredients for building and sustaining meaningful connections.
Respect ensures that both parties feel valued and understood. Communication helps in expressing thoughts and emotions clearly, avoiding misunderstandings. Humor brings lightness to the relationship, making it enjoyable and resilient during tough times.
Let’s not forget kindness, which is such a fundamental yet often overlooked quality. It fosters a sense of safety and warmth in a relationship, encouraging both parties to be their best selves. Kindness can smooth over conflicts, show empathy, and build trust over time. Doesn’t that all sound lovely??
In Genesis 24, the servant found kindness in Rebekah. He waited for the woman that would provide him and his camels with water. That was the sign from God that she was the right person. Perhaps God recognizes that the quality of kindness is essential in a person to make a relationship truly work.
Intention
When finding a partner, don’t focus on superficial qualities. Ensure that the person is kind and respectful, maybe even funny! You need qualities in a partner that will foster a supportive and nurturing relationship.
