“And the damsel was very fair to look upon, a virgin, neither had any man known her: and she went down to the well, and filled her pitcher, and came up.”
This verse is part of the narrative of Abraham’s servant seeking a wife for Isaac. Abraham had entrusted his servant with the important task of finding a suitable wife for his son from among his own relatives. In Genesis 24, the servant sets out on this mission and arrives at a well in the city of Nahor.
In verse 16, the focus is on a specific young woman whom the servant encounters at the well. The verse describes her as “very fair to look upon,” meaning she was physically attractive. It also emphasizes her virginity by stating that “neither had any man known her,” indicating that she had not been involved in any sexual relationships.
It is important to note that the concept of physical attractiveness mentioned here is not the sole determining factor for choosing a spouse in the Bible. While physical appearance may catch our attention, the Bible consistently emphasizes the importance of character, faith, and virtue when considering a life partner.
In the context of this narrative, the mention of the young woman’s beauty and virginity serves to highlight her potential as a suitable wife for Isaac, who was also a person of significant importance in the biblical narrative. This passage emphasizes the cultural norms and expectations of the time, where virginity was highly valued, and it was desirable for the chosen wife to be a woman of good character and purity.
The narrative in Genesis 24 continues beyond this verse, as the servant engages in conversation with the young woman and discovers that she is indeed from Abraham’s family. The story unfolds with the servant seeking confirmation from God that she is the chosen one for Isaac. Ultimately, the servant returns with the young woman, Rebekah, who becomes Isaac’s wife.
This verse can serve as a reminder for believers to seek godly qualities when considering a life partner. While physical appearance may be a factor, the Bible encourages us to prioritize character, integrity, and shared faith as essential qualities in a spouse. Additionally, this passage also highlights the faithfulness of God in guiding the servant to find a suitable wife for Isaac, demonstrating His involvement in the details of our lives when we seek His guidance.
In conclusion, Genesis 24:16 provides a glimpse into the narrative of the servant seeking a wife for Isaac, emphasizing the physical beauty and virginity of the young woman he encounters. While these attributes were culturally significant at the time, the overall message of the Bible encourages us to prioritize godly character and faith when seeking a life partner.
