Gen. 24:33-53
“AND there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.” v. 33. The faithful servant would not satisfy his hunger until he had proclaimed his message.
As all that follows cannot be quoted in this limited space, it is suggested that the reader review this entire chapter. It is a happy portion to meditate on. Eliezer began by sang, “I am Abraham’s servant,” and then proceeded to review before this family a complete picture of his master, extolling his position, his wealth, and the many blessings wherewith the Lord had blessed him. He told further of Sarah and of Isaac, saying of him: “Unto him hath he given all that he hath.” As the story progressed, he told of the father’s desire to secure a wife for his son and of his charge to Eliezer. Finally he recounted how that very day he had come to the well, that he had prayed to God, and God had answered his prayer right up to that very moment.
Would it not have been a privilege to look into that room, to hear the story so enthusiastically told, and to watch the expressions of each member of the family as they listened spell-bound? But, above all, the response of Rebekah would have been of primary interest to us, as it must have been to Eliezer. His story must have set her heart on fire, and given her visions of a man in a distant country who would be looking forward to the servant’s return with a bride for himself. How the words, “unto him hath he given all that he hath” must have rung in her ears as she thus learned that all the father’s honors and wealth were also his son’s, and knowing that these too would be hers to share with him, if such would be her choice.
Eliezer concluded his story with: “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.” v. 49. As was the custom of the day, both her father and her brother Laban answered him saying: “The thing preedeth 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.” vv. 50, 51.
The servant, hearing these words, again bowed himself to the earth in thankful worship to the Lord. He then brought forth jewels of silver and gold, as well as raiment, and presented them to Rebekah. He also gave precious things to her brother and to her mother. Now that the betrothal had been announced, it was fitting that the one who was to be the bride should be adorned and clothed with that which was representative of such an heir.
The believer can rejoice in his adornment as well. “I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for He hath... covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.” Isa. 61:10. Again, “let it be the hidden man of the heart, in that which is not corruptible, even the ornament of a meek and quiet spirit.” 1 Pet. 3:4.
ML-03/20/1966