A dear brother recently asked what might be gleaned for “our learning” (Rom. 15:44For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope. (Romans 15:4)) from this verse found in the beautiful story of Rebekah, the bride of Isaac. We feel that there is much practical instruction contained in it instruction particularly suitable for the “perilous times” in which we live—times when “the love of many shall wax cold.”
The servant was observing a normal custom of the people of Ur of the Chaldees when he placed the “earring” (probably a nose jewel) and the two “gold bracelets” on Rebekah. Such gifts were an acceptable expression of thanks for kindnesses or services rendered to another.
But more importantly, this verse shows the value that God places on His children displaying a thankful spirit not only thankfulness to Him for all the grace and blessing He has bestowed (though that is the foundation of it), but a thankful spirit as the normal tenor of life in those called Christians.
All too often, sad to say, believers often forget to say “thank you” to others who have served them in some way. Of course, being thankful does not mean always giving a gift (as the servant gave to Rebekah). A heartfelt “thank you” so pleasing to our Father is the moral equivalent of the earring and bracelets that Rebekah received.
I was quite a young boy when I learned the following poem: There are five little words I’d have you to know; They are “pardon me,” “thank you” and “please.” Oh, use them quite often wherever you go; There are few words more useful than these.
Good advice for all and well worth putting into practice!
We see many examples of thankfulness throughout the Word of God. Elisha gave a wonderful thank-you to the Shunammite (2 Kings 4:11-1711And it fell on a day, that he came thither, and he turned into the chamber, and lay there. 12And he said to Gehazi his servant, Call this Shunammite. And when he had called her, she stood before him. 13And he said unto him, Say now unto her, Behold, thou hast been careful for us with all this care; what is to be done for thee? wouldest thou be spoken for to the king, or to the captain of the host? And she answered, I dwell among mine own people. 14And he said, What then is to be done for her? And Gehazi answered, Verily she hath no child, and her husband is old. 15And he said, Call her. And when he had called her, she stood in the door. 16And he said, About this season, according to the time of life, thou shalt embrace a son. And she said, Nay, my lord, thou man of God, do not lie unto thine handmaid. 17And the woman conceived, and bare a son at that season that Elisha had said unto her, according to the time of life. (2 Kings 4:11‑17)). The beloved Apostle Paul thanked those who helped him, had a thankful spirit, and thanked God for all things, while teaching us to do the same (Rom. 16:44Who have for my life laid down their own necks: unto whom not only I give thanks, but also all the churches of the Gentiles. (Romans 16:4); 2 Cor. 1:1111Ye also helping together by prayer for us, that for the gift bestowed upon us by the means of many persons thanks may be given by many on our behalf. (2 Corinthians 1:11); Eph. 5:44Neither filthiness, nor foolish talking, nor jesting, which are not convenient: but rather giving of thanks. (Ephesians 5:4); 1 Thess. 5:1818In every thing give thanks: for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus concerning you. (1 Thessalonians 5:18)).
Another lesson contained in our verse is found in the material of which the gifts given to Rebekah were made: gold (which speaks of purity). There was nothing unseemly in such a gift or in the way it was given. It was an appropriate expression of thanks, both for the giver and the receiver.
The gift was not calculated to gain something from Rebekah. It did not pressure her to compromise her purity or her family honor. The flesh is ever ready to take advantage of every situation even of the way in which a thank-you is expressed. Let us see that “gold” always characterizes our thank-yous.
The servant did not, however, give the gift to her until the “camels had done drinking.” This taught Rebekah a valuable lesson about the God of Abraham one who was loving and generous, but who also valued faithfulness. Thank-yous are an important part of our testimony for the Lord Jesus.
Later, when the servant sought to claim Rebekah as a bride for Isaac, he presented to her “silver... gold... raiment, and... precious things” (vs. 53). When she was serving, her head (earrings) and her hands (bracelets) were involved and rewarded. But when the servant would win her as a bride for his master’s son, he must engage the affections of her heart. These gifts were not given as a reward for service or a bribe to buy her love, for real love can never be bought. (See 2 Samuel 15:66And on this manner did Absalom to all Israel that came to the king for judgment: so Absalom stole the hearts of the men of Israel. (2 Samuel 15:6).) It must be won.
These gifts speak of the glorious Person (gold) and work (silver) of the One to whom we are to become united as His beloved bride. Our lives ought to be characterized (raiment) by what is pleasing to Him. Though He has redeemed us with His own precious blood, He does not buy our affection. He, who is worthy of all, seeks to win our love, while He faithfully rewards our service.
As we daily thank Him for all His goodness and ways with us, let us also learn to be thankful to all men. Let’s ask: If saying “thank you” was a crime, would there be enough evidence to convict me?
Ed.