“And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh:”
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis where Abraham, who is advanced in age, wants to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac. In this verse, Abraham addresses his eldest servant, who is in charge of all his possessions, and asks him to do something significant in order to seal a solemn oath.
The phrase “Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh” might seem unusual or even perplexing to modern readers. However, in the cultural context of the time, it was a customary practice that carried deep significance. Placing one’s hand under another’s thigh was a symbolic act representing the taking of a solemn oath or making a binding agreement.
Abraham, aware of the importance of finding a suitable wife for Isaac from their own people rather than the Canaanites, wants to ensure that the servant carries out his task faithfully and diligently. By asking him to swear an oath, Abraham is emphasizing the seriousness of the servant’s mission and his commitment to fulfill it according to Abraham’s instructions.
This act of placing the hand under the thigh was likely a cultural practice specific to that time and context, and it is not a practice that carries over into modern times or other cultures. It is important to interpret biblical passages within their historical and cultural context to understand their intended meaning.
In the subsequent verses of Genesis 24, Abraham instructs his servant to journey to his homeland and find a wife for Isaac among his relatives. The servant is given specific instructions and guidance regarding how to identify the chosen woman, and he undertakes this task with great determination and reliance on God’s guidance.
Genesis 24:2 serves as a starting point for the narrative, establishing the context and highlighting the significance of the servant’s mission to find a wife for Isaac. It demonstrates Abraham’s commitment to fulfilling God’s promise of a great nation through his descendants and his desire to ensure that Isaac marries someone who shares their faith and heritage.
As we continue reading Genesis 24, we see God’s faithfulness in guiding the servant to Rebekah, who becomes Isaac’s wife and an integral part of the lineage leading to Jesus Christ. This chapter showcases God’s providential hand in orchestrating events and fulfilling His promises.
