I. Abraham's Example of Dedication (24:1-9)
At this point, Abraham is 140 years old (see 25:20 and 21:5). God has blessed him spiritually and materially, but he wants to be sure that the right bride is chosen for Isaac. Of course, we see here a picture of the Heavenly Father choosing a bride (the church) for His Son (Christ). How did Abraham know that God would provide the right woman for his son? He trusted the promises of God! Isaac was God's possession. Abraham had laid him on the altar years before, and he knew that God would supply the need. Otherwise, the promised seed could never be born.
The woman must come from within the family of God; she must not be one of the heathen women. No doubt there were many beautiful and talented Canaanite women who would have gladly married Isaac and shared his wealth, but this was against God's will. In vv. 6 and 8, Abraham emphasizes this fact; and we need to emphasize it today. "Only in the Lord" is the admonition of 1 Cor. 7:39-40 (see also 2 Cor. 6:14-18). It is tragic when parents push their children to marry "into society" and out of the blessing of the Lord! Abraham would rather his son remain single than go back to Ur for a wife, or take a wife from the Canaanite nations.
II. The Servant's Example of Devotion (24:10-49)
In a spiritual sense, the servant is a picture of the Holy Spirit whose work is to bring the lost to Christ and thus make up His bride. The servant's name is not given, for the ministry of the Spirit is to point to Christ and glorify Him. Note how often the servant mentioned his master and his master's son. He lived to please his master, for the word "master" is found twenty-two times in this chapter. The Spirit has been sent to represent Christ and do the Savior's will here on earth. The servant carried with him a portion of his master's wealth (vv. 10, 22, 30, 53), just as the Holy Spirit today "is a deposit guaranteeing our inheritance" (Eph. 1:14, NIV), sharing with us but a small portion of the great wealth we shall one day enjoy in glory.
In addition, the servant is an example for us as we seek to serve the Lord. As already mentioned, the servant thought only of his master and his master's will. In fact, he was so anxious to finish his task that he cared nothing for food (v. 33; John 4:31-34). Too often we put physical things ahead of the spiritual. The servant received his orders from his master and did not change them one bit. He believed in prayer (see Isa. 65:24) and knew how to wait on the Lord. There is no place for rash impatience in the service of Christ.
The servant knew how to trust in the leading of the Lord: "I being in the way (of willing obedience), the Lord led me" (v. 27). See the claim of John 7:17. Once he knew what God's will was, he did not delay, but hastened to perform his task (v. 17). The hospitality of the home was delightful, but he had a job to do for his master and everything else could wait. Note too that the servant reported to his master when he returned home (v. 66), just as we must give an account when we see Christ. It is interesting to conjecture if the servant taught the bride as they journeyed, and revealed the bridegroom to her. "He shall glorify Me," said Christ concerning the Holy Spirit (John 16:14).
III. Rebekah's Example of Decision (24:50-67)
Again, we see a picture of Christ and His church. Rebekah was a pure virgin, just as the church will be when the marriage in heaven takes place (Rev. 19:7-8). Note that Rebekah identified with the flock, just as the church is both the bride of Christ and the flock (John 10:7-18).
Rebekah had to make an important decision: would she stay home with her family and continue to be a servant, or would she by faith believe the words of the servant and go to be with Isaac, a man she had never seen? Certainly there were obstacles in the way: her brother wanted her to stay awhile (v. 55); the trip would be long and difficult; Isaac was a pilgrim without a settled home; and she would have to leave her loved ones.
The world often advises the sinner to wait, just as Laban advised his sister. (Note, however, that when it came to getting material things, Laban could be in a hurry, vv. 28-31. We wonder if he invited the servant home out of courtesy or covetousness!) Sinners generally are not in a hurry about the salvation of their souls. Up to this point, Rebekah had been hastening (vv. 18-20, 28), but now they wanted her to slow down. "Seek the Lord while He may be found (Isa. 55:6, NIV).
We cannot help but admire her decision: "I will go." This act of faith ("Whom having not seen you love..." 1 Peter 1:8, NKJV) changed her life. She was changed from being a servant to being a bride, from the loneliness of the world to the joy of love and companionship, from her poverty into Isaac's wealth. Did she see all of Isaac's wealth? Of course not! That would be impossible! Did she know all about him? No. But what she saw and heard convinced her that she must go. Similarly, with lost sinners today, the Spirit speaks and shows them the things of Christ, sufficient for them to make a right decision.
We left Isaac (as far as the record is concerned) on Mt. Moriah, for 22:19 mentions Abraham alone. Isaac is a picture of our Lord who went to Calvary to die for us, then returned to heaven to wait for His bride. In chapter 24, the servant (the Holy Spirit) went forth to seek the bride. Then, when the bride approached, Isaac appeared to receive her. What a scene, it may take place today! Just as it was "eventide" when they met, so it will be dark in this world when
Christ returns for His bride.
Rebekah's faith was rewarded. Her name was recorded in God's Word; she shared Isaac's love and wealth, and she became an important part of God's plan. Had she refused to go, she would have died an unknown woman. "He who does the will of God abides forever" (1 John 2:17, NKJV).
2007-06-26 16:41:17
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answer #1
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answered by Anonymous
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In Genesis chapter 24, we read about another expression of divine loving-kindness, or loyal love. The account relates that Abraham commissioned his servant to travel to the country of Abraham’s relatives to find a wife for his son Isaac. (Verses 2-4) The mission was difficult, but the servant was assured that Jehovah’s angel would guide him. (Verse 7) Eventually the servant reached a well outside “the city of Nahor” (either Haran or a nearby place) just when the women were approaching to draw water. (Verses 10, 11) When he saw the women coming closer, he knew that the crucial moment of his mission had arrived. But how could he ever single out the right woman?
Aware that he needed divine help, Abraham’s servant prayed: “Jehovah the God of my master Abraham, cause it to happen, please, before me this day and perform loving-kindness with my master Abraham.” (Verse 12) How would Jehovah express his loving-kindness? The servant asked for a specific sign by which he could identify the young woman of God’s choosing. (Verses 13, 14) One woman did exactly what he had asked of Jehovah. Why, it was as if she had overheard his prayer! (Verses 15-20) Astounded, the servant “was gazing at her in wonder.” Still, some vital facts needed to be determined. Was this good-looking woman one of Abraham’s relatives? And was she still unmarried? So the servant remained “silent to know whether Jehovah had made his trip successful or not.”—Verses 16, 21.
Shortly thereafter, the young woman identified herself as “the daughter of Bethuel the son of Milcah, whom she bore to [Abraham’s brother] Nahor.” (Genesis 11:26; 24:24) At that moment the servant realized that Jehovah had answered his prayer. Overwhelmed, he bowed down and said: “Blessed be Jehovah the God of my master Abraham, who has not left his loving-kindness and his trustworthiness toward my master. I being on the way, Jehovah has led me to the house of the brothers of my master.” (Verse 27) By providing guidance, God showed loving-kindness to the servant’s master, Abraham.
2007-06-27 00:41:02
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answer #2
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answered by amorromantico02 5
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