Genesis 24:29-61
Summary for Gen 24:29-31: 24:29-31 a Laban ... ran: He was not going to miss the chance to marry his sister off and receive more gifts. Laban’s response to the servant’s wealth foreshadows his avaricious character (see 24:54-56 b and study note; 29:21-27 c; 30:27-36 d; 31:1-13 e).Summary for Gen 24:33-48: 24:33-48 f The servant was not diverted from his mission; he insisted on telling his story before he would eat. He recounted his mission and acknowledged God’s providence in directing him to Rebekah before attending to his personal needs. The servant wanted everyone to know that this was God’s work, not a chance or humanly arranged meeting.
24:48 g The way that God directed this event from behind the scenes is different than in most of Genesis, but it is true to how the life of faith normally works. Faith, expressed in personal prayer and obedience, looks for evidence of God’s working. Believers usually have to make wise choices and remain faithful to the covenant, trusting that God will guide them through the circumstances of life to accomplish his will.
Summary for Gen 24:50-51: 24:50-51 h Following his testimony about God’s guidance, the servant secured the family’s blessing and permission to take Rebekah to his master’s son Isaac.
24:53 i The servant gave expensive gifts to Rebekah, her mother, and her brother to conclude the arrangements.
Summary for Gen 24:54-56: 24:54-56 j It was hard for Rebekah’s family to let her go so suddenly, and Laban may have hoped to gain more wealth. However, the servant had sworn an oath and would not rest until it was completed. There was no reason for him to stay.
Summary for Gen 24:57-58: 24:57-58 k Rebekah’s decision to leave immediately to be with her new husband settled the impasse. Rebekah submitted to the Lord’s obvious leading. Young women were normally eager to marry (not to marry was a catastrophe), and later accounts of Laban suggest why Rebekah preferred to leave (cp. 31:14-15 l). Rebekah displayed faithful love to the servant, Abraham’s family, and Isaac by going to be Isaac’s wife.
24:60 m At Rebekah’s departure, her family invoked the blessing that she would be a mother of many millions and that her descendants would conquer ... their enemies. Rebekah’s marriage to Isaac was part of God’s plan to bless all humankind (12:1-3 n).
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