“And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hasted, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis 24, where Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for his son Isaac. The servant arrives at a well in Nahor and prays to God for a sign to guide him in choosing the right woman. As he finishes his prayer, Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, comes to the well with her pitcher.
In this particular verse, Rebekah offers the servant a drink when she sees him. Her response is not only hospitable but also an act of kindness and generosity towards a stranger. Let’s explore some key points and themes that we can draw from this verse.
Hospitality: Hospitality is a prevalent theme in the Bible, particularly in the Old Testament. Rebekah’s willingness to offer a drink to the stranger demonstrates her hospitality and kindness. This act of hospitality reflects the cultural values of the time and reveals Rebekah’s character as someone who is caring and considerate.
Servanthood: The servant sent by Abraham was on a mission to find a suitable wife for Isaac. In this verse, Rebekah’s act of serving the servant by giving him a drink is significant. It highlights the concept of servanthood and humility. Rebekah’s willingness to serve the stranger demonstrates her humility and willingness to help others. It also foreshadows her future role as a servant and wife to Isaac.
Divine Guidance: Prior to this encounter, the servant had prayed to God for guidance. The timing of Rebekah’s arrival and her willingness to provide water to the servant can be seen as an answer to his prayer. It highlights the providence and guidance of God in fulfilling His purposes. This story shows how God works behind the scenes to orchestrate events and bring about His plans.
Faithfulness: This verse also reveals the faithfulness of Rebekah in carrying out her duties. She promptly hasted to offer the servant a drink, indicating her commitment to fulfilling her responsibilities. Her actions demonstrate her faithfulness not only to her family but also to the stranger who arrives at the well.
Overall, Genesis 24:18 teaches us important lessons about hospitality, servanthood, divine guidance, and faithfulness. Rebekah’s act of kindness and her willingness to serve the servant reflect virtues that are highly valued in the biblical narrative. As we study this verse, we can reflect on how we can emulate these qualities in our own lives and relationships with others.
