Genesis 24

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:50

Laban and Bethuel - These seem both to be brothers, of whom Laban was the eldest and chief; for the opinion of Josephus appears to be very correct, viz., that Bethuel, the father, had been some time dead. See note Genesis 24:28 . Bad or good - We can neither speak for nor against; it seems to be entirely the work of God, and we cordially submit: consult Rebekah; if she be willing, take her and go. See note Genesis 24:58 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:53

Jewels of silver, and jewels of gold - The word כלי keley , which we here translate jewels signifies properly vessels or instruments; and those presented by Eliezer might have been of various kinds. What he had given before, Genesis 24:22 , was in token of respect, what he gave now appears to have been in the way of dowry. Precious things - מגדנת migdanoth . This word is used to express exquisite fruits or delicacies, Deuteronomy 33:13-16 ; precious plants or flowers, Song... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:54

And they did eat and drink - When Eliezer had got a favorable answer, then he and his servants sat down to meat; this he had refused to do till he had told his message, Genesis 24:33 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:55

Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten - The original is very abrupt and obscure, because we are not acquainted with the precise meaning of the form of speech which is here used; עשור או ימים yamim o asor Days or Ten, probably meaning a year or ten months, as the margin reads it, or a week or ten days. This latter is the most likely sense, as there would be no propriety after having given their consent that she should go, in detaining her for a year or ten months. In... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:58

Wilt thou go with this man? - So it appears it was left ultimately to the choice of Rebekah whether she would accept the proposals now made to her, unless we suppose that the question meant, Wilt thou go immediately, or stay with us a month longer? She said, I will go - It fully appears to be the will of God that it should be so, and I consent. This at once determined the whole business. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:59

And her nurse - Whose name, we learn from Genesis 35:8 , was Deborah, and who, as a second mother, was deemed proper to accompany Rebekah. This was a measure dictated by good sense and prudence. Rebekah had other female attendants. See Genesis 24:61 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:60

Be thou the mother of thousands of millions - רבבה לאלפי lealphey rebabah , for thousands ten thousand, or for myriads of thousands, a large family being ever considered, in ancient times, as a proof of the peculiar blessing and favor of God. Similar addresses to a daughter, when she is going from her father's house to live with her husband, are very common among the Hindoos; such as, "Be thou the mother of a son," "Be thou the wife of a king," etc. See Ward. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:62

And Isaac came - Concerning this well see Genesis 16:13 , Genesis 16:14 , etc. As it appears from Genesis 25:11 , that Isaac dwelt at the well Lahai-roi, it has been conjectured that he had now come on a visit to his aged father at Beersheba, where he waited in expectation of his bride. For he dwelt in the south country - The southern part of the land of Canaan. See Genesis 12:9 . read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:63

Isaac went out to meditate - לשוח lasuach , to bend down the body, or the mind, or both. He was probably in deep thought, with his eyes fixed upon the ground. What the subject of his meditation was it is useless to inquire; he was a pious man, and could not be triflingly employed. read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:65

She took a veil - הצעיף hatstsaaif . This is the first time this word occurs, and it is of doubtful signification; but most agree to render it a veil or a cloak. The former is the most likely, as it was generally used by women in the east as a sign of chastity, modesty, and subjection. read more

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:50

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:53

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:54

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:55

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:58

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:59

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:60

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:62

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:63

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:65

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