Genesis:24

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* Verse 1-9 - The effect of good example , good teaching , and the worship of God in a family , will generally appear in the piety , faithfulness , prudence , and affection of the servants . To live in such families , or to have such servants , both are blessings from God which should be highly valued , and thankfully acknowledged . But no concern in life is of greater importance to ourselves , to others , or to the church of God , than marriage . It therefore ought always to be undertaken with much care and prudence , especially with reference to the will of God , and with prayer for his direction and blessing . Where good parents are not consulted and regarded , the blessing of God cannot be expected . Parents , in disposing of their children , should carefully consult the welfare of their souls , and their furtherance in the way to heaven . Observe the charge Abraham gave to a good servant , one whose conduct , faithfulness , and affection , to him and his family , he had long known . Observe also , that Abraham remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his birth , by the call of his grace ; and therefore doubts not but He will prosper his care , not to bring his son thither again . God will cause that to end in our comfort , in which we sincerely aim at his glory . * Verse 10-28 - Abraham 's servant devoutly acknowledged God . We have leave to be particular in recommending our affairs to the care of Divine providence . He proposes a sign , not that he intended to proceed no further , if not gratified in it ; but it is a prayer that God would provide a good wife for his young master ; and that was a good prayer . She should be simple , industrious , humble , cheerful , serviceable , and hospitable . Whatever may be the fashion , common sense , as well as piety , tells us , these are the proper qualifications for a wife and mother ; for one who is to be a companion to her husband , the manager of domestic concerns , and trusted to form the minds of children . When the steward came to seek a wife for his master , he did not go to places of amusement and sinful pleasure , and pray that he might meet one there , but to the well of water , expecting to find one there employed aright . He prayed that God would please to make his way in this matter plain and clear before him . Our times are in God 's hand ; not only events themselves , but the times of them . We must take heed of being over-bold in urging what God should do , lest the event should weaken our faith , rather than strengthen it . But God owned him by making his way clear . Rebekah , in all respects , answered the characters he sought for in the woman that was to be his master 's wife . When she came to the well , she went down and filled her pitcher , and came up to go home with it . She did not stand to gaze upon the strange man his camels , but minded her business , and would not have been diverted from it but by an opportunity of doing good . She did not curiously or confidently enter into discourse with him , but answered him modestly . Being satisfied that the Lord had heard his prayer , he gave the damsel some ornaments worn in eastern countries ; asking at the same time respecting her kindred . On learning that she was of his master 's relations , he bowed down his head and worshipped , blessing God . His words were addressed to the Lord , but being spoken in the hearing of Rebekah , she could perceive who he was , and whence he came . * Verse 29-53 - The making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah is told very particularly . We are to notice God 's providence in the common events of human life , and in them to exercise prudence and other graces . Laban went to ask Abraham 's servant in , but not till he saw the ear-ring , and bracelet upon his sister 's hands . We know Laban 's character , by his conduct afterwards , and may think that he would not have been so free to entertain him , if he had not hoped to be well rewarded for it . The servant was intent upon his business . Though he was come off a journey , and come to a good house , he would not eat till he had told his errand . The doing our work , and the fulfilling our trusts , either for God or man , should be preferred by us before our food : it was our Saviour 's meat and drink , John strkjv @4:34 . He tells them the charge his master had given him , with the reason of it . He relates what had happened at the well , to further the proposal , plainly showing the finger of God in it . Those events which to us seem the effect of choice , contrivance , or chance , are "appointed out " of God . This hinders not , but rather encourages the use of all proper means . They freely and cheerfully close with the proposal ; and any matter is likely to be comfortable , when it proceeds from the Lord . Abraham 's servant thankfully acknowledges the good success he had met with . He was a humble man , and humble men are not ashamed to own their situation in life , whatever it may be . All our temporal concerns are sweet if intermixed with godliness . * Verse 54-67 - Abraham 's servant , as one that chose his work before his pleasure , was for hastening home . Lingering and loitering no way become a wise and good man who is faithful to his duty . As children ought not to marry without their parents ' consent , so parents ought not to marry them without their own . Rebekah consented , not only to go , but to go at once . The goodness of Rebekah 's character shows there was nothing wrong in her answer , though it be not agreeable to modern customs among us . We may hope that she had such an idea of the religion and godliness in the family she was to go to , as made her willing to forget her own people and her father 's house . Her friends dismiss her with suitable attendants , and with hearty good wishes . They blessed Rebekah . When our relations are entering into a new condition , we ought by prayer to commend them to the blessing and grace of God . Isaac was well employed when he met Rebekah . He went out to take the advantage of a silent evening , and a solitary place , for meditation and prayer ; those divine exercises by which we converse with God and our own hearts . Holy souls love retirement ; it will do us good to be often alone , if rightly employed ; and we are never less alone than when alone . Observe what an affectionate son Isaac was : it was about three years since his mother died , and yet he was not , till now , comforted . See also what an affectionate husband he was to his wife . Dutiful sons promise fair to be affectionate husbands ; he that fills up his first station in life with honour , is likely to do the same in those that follow . **** Matthew Henry 's Commentary ****

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