Genesis

WE have already considered Abraham’s part in the search of a bride for his son Isaac, but the chapter is so full of interesting and vivid detail that it needs careful attention from the stand point of Abraham’s servant, whose attitude and action illustrate in the highest degree the qualities of true service. We may, therefore, fitly regard him as a model for all who are called upon to work for God. Several characteristics of his service call for attention.

He was at hand ready for work, and upon being told what was required of him met his master’s commands by an evident desire for information (Gen 24:5). His service was an intelligent service, and he wished to know what was to be done under certain contingencies that might present themselves. God always welcomes inquiries from His servants concerning His will (Joh 16:19). On being assured by his master of the Divine guidance he at once pledged himself to Abraham, and took a solemn oath of faithfulness to duty.

With promptitude the servant set out on his important errand, and we can see from the entire narrative that he was fully identified with the object of his quest. His was no mere slavery, for it was an evident delight to him to do his master’s bidding, and to seek for a bride for his son.

The true spirit of the man is seen in his earnest prayer for guidance (Gen 24:12); his task was a difficult one. He was on a very unlikely and unusual errand, and so he prays that the God of his master would give him good success. Not only does he pray for guidance, but for grace (Gen 24:13-14). He seeks to know the road, and then asks for power to walk along it. He requests opportunities, and then grace to use them. There is scarcely anything more touching and beautiful than this prayer, especially in its emphasis upon his master, and his desire that God would show kindness to Abraham.

Happy are those masters who have servant as this, and happy are those servants able to pray in this way for their masters.

III. The Holy Tact (Gen 24:15-33).

It is impossible for us to dwell in exhaustive detail on all the interesting and beautiful touches of this full narrative. We cannot, however, fail to notice his perfect courtesy (Gen 24:17). Manner counts for a very great deal in all Christian work. We may spoil a good cause by our lack of considerateness and courtesy. We observe, too, his patience (Gen 24:21). He will not force matters, for there must be no hurry. The man is filled with a holy watchfulness for every indication of the will of God. The man looked steadfastly on her, holding his peace, to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous or not

The wisdom of the man is equally evident (Gen 24:22). He brings out what would be perfectly known to the young girl as bridal gifts, and offers them first before approaching the subject of his errand, or mentioning the person of his master or his master’s son. We cannot fail to observe his reverence and thankfulness as he realizes that his prayer has been answered, and that God has indeed guided him in the way. Not least of all is the man’s intense earnestness (Gen 24:33). He would not eat or rest until he had told his errand; his master’s cause must come first.

Again we are impressed with the combination of wisdom and faithfulness in all that the servant says and does. He states his position at once with dignity and humility (Gen 24:34). He is loud in the praises of his master, and tells them in brief his history (Gen 24:35-36). He then declares definitely the object of his errand (Gen 24:37-48), and makes the proposal, offering a definite choice to the relatives of the young woman whom he had met at the well (Gen 24:49).

V. Blessed Success (Gen 24:50-67).

There are difficulties in the way, as they point out, but they are willing that Rebekah should go; only they ask him to allow her to remain a few days before the departure. The man, however, is decided; his master’s business requires haste, and he urges upon them the necessity of instant decision. Rebekah at once, and with definiteness, says, "I will go," and thus the journey home was commenced.

Soon the purpose of the servant is accomplished. He introduces Rebekah to Isaac, and the servant retires to tell his aged master what he has done. The servant disappears from view at this point with fitness and appropriateness, but we are sure that he received his well done from Abraham, and entered into the joy of his master in the accomplishment of the task appointed to him.

In addition to the lessons of Christian service already observed in our study of the chapter it is possible, and we believe legitimate, to regard this story as an illustration of still higher truths. The length of the chapter in a book whose spiritual purpose is evident at every stage- seems to compel the thought that the full detail in these sixty-seven verses must have some deeper meaning than appears on the surface. Spiritual commentators have consequently not been slow to find herein the seeds of profound spiritual truths. Doubtless our forefathers went too far in the direction of spiritualizing the Old Testament narratives, but it is equally possible for us to go to the other extreme, and to see nothing of the kind in them. If it be ever borne in mind that such a spiritual use of the narrative is secondary and not primary, that it is application not interpretation, and if moreover we avoid fanciful details and confine ourselves to leading lines of spiritual suggestion, the method in not only legitimate but essentially helpful, let us therefore look at some of these suggestions that are often brought out of this chapter.

1. The purpose of the father.

The father has but one purpose in this chapter, to seek a bride for his son. "A certain king made a marriage feast for his son" (Mat 22:2).

2. The position of the son.

The son is the father’s one thought, and in him all his purposes are to be fulfilled (Gen 24:36). So also is it in regard to the Son of God (Eph 1:20-22).

3. The prospects of the bride.

The bride was thought of before she herself knew it (Gen 24:4), and arrangements were made for her to be offered the position of wife to Isaac. "He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blemish before Him in love"

(Eph 1:4).

4. The proclamation of the servant.

The one object of the servant was the announcement of Abraham’s purpose, which carried with it the revelation concerning the son, and the offer to Rebekah. How wonderfully he proclaimed the vast resources of the father (Gen 24:35), and the glory of the son (Gen 24:36). In like manner the Holy Spirit through the mouths of Christian preachers is continually proclaiming the glory of Christ. Is it not something more than a coincidence that we have such striking words in Joh 16:14; ?Joh 16:155. The power of the message. The success of the servant in attracting Rebekah to go with him is very noteworthy. In like manner, Christ, if He be lifted up, will draw men to Himself. There is nothing so attractive as the preaching of a free and full Gospel (Joh 12:32).

6. The progress of the soul.

The decision of Rebekah and her determination to go is another striking point of the narrative. She believed the servant’s word based upon the evidences of Abraham’s good faith. She ventured everything and went. So is it with the soul that rests upon the Word of God based upon the certainty of those things wherein we have been instructed. Faith ventures and finds itself justified. Faith steps on the seeming void and finds the rock beneath.

7. The prospect of the home.

Rebekah in coming to Canaan finds a husband, her true life, and her permanent home. The soul coming to Christ enters into true fellowship, rejoices even now in eternal life, and knows that in God’s good time there will be the Canaan above, the rest for the people of God.