The Virtues of Rebekah

 •  3 min. read  •  grade level: 8
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When the servant came to the side of the well near the city of Nahor, with his camels, he made them kneel down. Then he prayed and asked the Lord to guide him in his choice. He had certain things in his mind which he would look for in the young woman whom he was to choose, and he asked the Lord to direct him. Any Christian young man who reads his Bible carefully will learn to expect courtesy (1 Peter 3:7-87Likewise, ye husbands, dwell with them according to knowledge, giving honor unto the wife, as unto the weaker vessel, and as being heirs together of the grace of life; that your prayers be not hindered. 8Finally, be ye all of one mind, having compassion one of another, love as brethren, be pitiful, be courteous: (1 Peter 3:7‑8)), kindness and industry (Prov. 31:10-3110Who can find a virtuous woman? for her price is far above rubies. 11The heart of her husband doth safely trust in her, so that he shall have no need of spoil. 12She will do him good and not evil all the days of her life. 13She seeketh wool, and flax, and worketh willingly with her hands. 14She is like the merchants' ships; she bringeth her food from afar. 15She riseth also while it is yet night, and giveth meat to her household, and a portion to her maidens. 16She considereth a field, and buyeth it: with the fruit of her hands she planteth a vineyard. 17She girdeth her loins with strength, and strengtheneth her arms. 18She perceiveth that her merchandise is good: her candle goeth not out by night. 19She layeth her hands to the spindle, and her hands hold the distaff. 20She stretcheth out her hand to the poor; yea, she reacheth forth her hands to the needy. 21She is not afraid of the snow for her household: for all her household are clothed with scarlet. 22She maketh herself coverings of tapestry; her clothing is silk and purple. 23Her husband is known in the gates, when he sitteth among the elders of the land. 24She maketh fine linen, and selleth it; and delivereth girdles unto the merchant. 25Strength and honor are her clothing; and she shall rejoice in time to come. 26She openeth her mouth with wisdom; and in her tongue is the law of kindness. 27She looketh well to the ways of her household, and eateth not the bread of idleness. 28Her children arise up, and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praiseth her. 29Many daughters have done virtuously, but thou excellest them all. 30Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. 31Give her of the fruit of her hands; and let her own works praise her in the gates. (Proverbs 31:10‑31)) from a godly girl. If such things are lacking he may well question how she could be the right one. The servant, therefore, asked the Lord to guide him to the girl having these characteristics. It is also important to see where he looked for her. It was not on the busy street of the city but by the side of the well. This makes us think of a place where the Word of God is read and spoken of. The Lord Jesus said, “The water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life” (John 4:1414But whosoever drinketh of the water that I shall give him shall never thirst; but the water that I shall give him shall be in him a well of water springing up into everlasting life. (John 4:14)). You cannot expect to find the right girl in the wrong place. You will find her in the path of obedience, typified here by the water of the well (Eph. 5:2626That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, (Ephesians 5:26)).
Moreover the servant asked that he might not only know the right one by her courtesy, kindness and industry, but by the fact that she refreshed him, and also that by watering his camels she helped him on his journey as a true helpmeet. Some girls are no spiritual help to the young man who takes them out. They drag him down instead of helping him, and hinder him on his spiritual journey. Dear young believer, if you meet the right girl you will find she will refresh your soul in the Lord, and if she does not do this from the very start, then be careful.
While the servant was praying and asking the Lord’s guidance, Rebekah came out to the well. He then courteously approached her and asked for a drink of water from her pitcher. She respectfully gave him a drink and offered to draw water for his ten camels. What a task this was, to draw water for ten camels but she did it quickly and willingly! The servant could only wonder and hold his peace as she did so. His prayer had been more than answered. He had not asked for good looks, for beauty is only skin deep, but he had sought the beauty that abides as the Scripture says “Favor (gracefulness) is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised” (Prov. 31:3030Favor is deceitful, and beauty is vain: but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised. (Proverbs 31:30)). But now the servant had found the beauty that abides, in a damsel who was “very fair to look upon.” How the Lord delights to exceed His promises, and to do for us more than we ask or think!
A Word on Courtships, G. H. Hayhoe