Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and goe, and let her be thy masters sonnes wife, as the LORD hath spoken. Genesis 24:51 (KJV)
This verse is part of the narrative in Genesis 24, which tells the story of how Abraham’s servant found a wife for Isaac. In this chapter Abraham instructs his servant to go to his homeland and find a wife for his son Isaac from among his relatives, rather than from the Canaanites among whom they lived. The servant sets out on his journey and prays to God for guidance and a sign.
As the servant arrives in Nahor, he encounters Rebekah, who shows him great kindness and generosity by providing water for him and his camels. The servant recognizes that God has answered his prayer and led him to the right woman.
After recounting the events of his journey, the servant concludes his speech in Genesis 24:49: “And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.” He then makes a proposal to Rebekah’s family, a request that is recorded in Genesis 24:55‑56 (in many translations the exact wording differs from the quotation above). Laban and Bethuel answer in Genesis 24:50‑51: “Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the LORD hath spoken.”
Divine Guidance: Throughout this chapter we see the importance of seeking God’s guidance and relying on His providence. Abraham’s servant acknowledges that his success in finding a suitable wife for Isaac is a result of God’s intervention and answered prayers. It serves as a reminder to trust in God’s leading in our own lives and seek His guidance in our decision‑making processes.
Obedience to God’s Word: The servant’s statement, “as the LORD hath spoken,” highlights his commitment to following God’s instructions. Abraham gave his servant specific instructions, and the servant faithfully carried them out. This underscores the importance of obedience to God’s Word, both in the specific instructions given to us and in the broader principles and teachings found in Scripture.
God’s Faithfulness: The fulfillment of God’s promise to Abraham and the success of the servant’s mission demonstrate God’s faithfulness in orchestrating events according to His plan. God promised Abraham that He would make his descendants into a great nation, and part of that plan involved Isaac having a wife from Abraham’s own family. The servant’s words affirm God’s faithfulness in bringing about the intended outcome.
Family and Marriage: The passage also highlights the significance of family and marriage. In the cultural context of that time the servant seeks permission from Rebekah’s family to take her as Isaac’s wife. This demonstrates respect for the family structure and the importance of familial relationships. It also highlights marriage as a covenantal relationship, rooted in God’s design for companionship and procreation.
Overall, Genesis 24:51 emphasizes the themes of divine guidance, obedience to God’s Word, God’s faithfulness, and the significance of family and marriage. It reminds us of the importance of seeking God’s leading in our lives, following His instructions, and recognizing His faithfulness in fulfilling His promises.
