Genesis: Chapter 24 Summary & Analysis

Abraham is getting old. He tells his oldest servant to swear to him that he will find a wife for Isaac, not among the Canaanites, but from Abraham’s native country. Isaac must not return to that land; the woman must be willing to follow the servant back to the land of the Canaanites. So the servant swears and goes on his way, taking camels laden with gifts.

When the servant arrives in the city of Nahor, his camels drink from a well on the outskirts. The servant prays that God will give him success in this errand, and that God will show him a sign—when he asks a girl for a drink, the one who offers to water his camels as well will be Isaac’s future wife. As the servant finishes praying, Rebekah, Nahor’s granddaughter, approaches. When the servant asks Rebekah for a drink of water, she immediately offers to draw water for his camels as well.

When Rebekah finishes watering the camels, the servant gives her gold jewelry and asks her name. She introduces herself as Bethuel’s daughter and Nahor’s granddaughter; then she invites him to spend the night with her family. The servant gratefully worships God, thankful for his faithfulness toward Abraham. Rebekah runs home and tells everyone about the guest. Her brother, Laban, comes to welcome the servant and listens to his errand. After he hears the servant’s news about Abraham and the details of his conversation with Rebekah, Laban says this is obviously God’s doing.

The servant gives Rebekah and her family more costly gifts. The next day, the servant urges them to send Rebekah to Canaan without delay. When the family asks Rebekah, she agrees to go with the servant and become Isaac’s wife. Rebekah’s family sends her off with a blessing. One day, while Isaac is walking in the field, he sees camels approaching. When Rebekah sees Isaac from a distance, she covers herself with her veil. The servant tells Isaac about his successful errand, and Isaac takes Rebekah as his wife.