Boyd’s Bible Dictionary:
(nourish). Position of importance and honor among Hebrews (Gen. 24:59; 35:8; 2 Sam. 4:4).
Concise Bible Dictionary:
Such in Old Testament times were held in esteem, as was Deborah, Rebekah’s nurse (Gen. 35:8). Twice the expression, “nursing fathers,” occurs, and queens are to be “nursing mothers” to Israel in the future (Num. 11:12; Isa. 49:23). Paul said, “We were gentle among you, even as a nurse cherisheth her children” (1 Thess. 2:7).
From Manners and Customs of the Bible:
Genesis 24:59. They sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse.
In an Eastern family the nurse is a very important personage. She is esteemed almost as a parent; and, accompanying the bride to her new home, there remains with her. She becomes the adviser, the assistant, and the friend of the bride. To the nurse, as to a mother, the bride will confide her greatest secrets. Thus Rebekah took with her on her long journey to her future home the nurse who had cared for her since childhood, so that, besides the female servants she took with her (vs. 61), she might have one intimate familiar friend among strangers.
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