Genesis 24:33

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Genesis 24:29-53

We have here the making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah. It is related very largely and particularly, even to the minute circumstances, which, we should think, might have been spared, while other things of great moment and mystery (as the story of Melchizedek) are related in few words. Thus God conceals that which is curious from the wise and prudent, reveals to babes that which is common and level to their capacity (Matt. 11:25), and rules and saves the world by the foolishness... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Genesis 24:33

And there was set meat before them to eat ,.... By the order of Bethuel or Laban, or both; or, "afterwards was set" F12 ויישם "post appositum", Drusius, Schmidt. ; that is after care had been taken the camels, then food being provided was set before the men to refresh them: but he said, I will not eat until I have told mine errand ; or, "spoke my words" F13 דברתי דברי "donec loquar sermones meos", V. L. "vel mea verba", Pagninus, Montanus, Piscator. ; delivered the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:33

I will not eat until I have told - In Hindoostan it is not unusual for a Brahmin to enter a house and sit down, and when meat is offered, refuse to eat till he has obtained the object of his errand. Here is a servant who had his master's interest more at heart than his own. He refuses to take even necessary refreshment till he knows whether he is likely to accomplish the object of his journey. Did not our blessed Lord allude to the conduct of Abraham's servant, John 4:34 ; : My meat is to... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Genesis 24:33

Verse 33 33.I will not eat until I have told my errand (9) Moses begins to show by what means the parents of Rebekah were induced to give her in marriage to their nephew. That the servant, when food was set before him, should refuse to eat till he had completed his work is a proof of his diligence and fidelity; and it may with propriety be regarded as one of the benefits which God had vouchsafed to Abraham, that he should have a servant so faithful, and so intent upon his duty. Since, however,... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 24:1-67

The unfolding of the Divine purpose. I. THE EXPANDED BLESSING . The first line of the web of sacred history stretches itself out to Mesopotamia. The aged patriarch, blessed of Jehovah in all things, is fading from our sight. We must look on a new generation and see the blessing expanded. II. THE DIVINE GUIDANCE . The angel shall be sent before Isaac, and he will overrule the events and wills which seem to stand in the way. The marriage of Isaac was a matter of most solemn... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 24:29-60

A bride for the heir.-3. Eliezer and Laban, or proposals for the bride. I. THE HOSPITABLE BROTHER . 1. The eager invitation . "Come in, thou blessed of the Lord!" 2. The kindly reception . II. THE AGED WOOER . 1. Impatient . The nature of his mission urged him to dispatch, as knowing well that his master was old, that Isaac was needful of a bride, that coy maidens are soonest caught by fervent suitors, and that successful wooing brooks no delay. 2. ... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Genesis 24:33

And there was set —appositus est (Vulgate); i . e . if the first word be taken, as in the Keri, as the hophal of שׂוּם ; but if the Kethib be preferred, then וַיַּישֶׂם is the fur. Kal of יָשַׂם , signifying, "and he set;" παρέθηκεν ( LXX .)—meat before him to eat (the crowning act of an Oriental reception): but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. Oriental politeness deferred the interrogation of a guest till after he had supped ('Odyss.' 3.69);... read more

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes' Notes on the Whole Bible - Genesis 24:1-67

- The Marriage of Isaac26. קרד qādad, “bow the head.” השׁתחוה shâchâh, “bow the body.”29. לבן lābān, “Laban, white.”In this circumstantial account of the marriage of Isaac, we have a beautiful picture of ancient manners in the East, the living original of which the present customs of that cradle of mankind are a striking copy.Genesis 24:1-9Abraham binds the chief servant of his house to seek a wife for his son Isaac among his kindred. The first movement in this matrimonial arrangement is... read more

Joseph Benson

Joseph Benson's Commentary of the Old and New Testaments - Genesis 24:33

Genesis 24:33. I will not eat till I have told my errand What a fine picture of diligence and zeal for a master’s service is this! How worthy to be imitated by all servants! Though it was after a long journey, and much fatigue, yet so impatient is he to do his master’s business, that he will not eat till he has proceeded in it. read more

Donald C. Fleming

Bridgeway Bible Commentary - Genesis 24:1-67

A wife for Isaac (24:1-67)Since Isaac would succeed Abraham as heir to the land of Canaan and ancestor of the promised nation, Abraham required two things concerning him. First, he was not to leave Canaan; second, he was not to marry one of the Canaanites, as they were under God’s judgment. Abraham therefore sent his chief servant (possibly Eliezer; see 15:2) on a long journey to Paddan-aram in north-western Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac among Abraham’s relatives there (24:1-9).The... read more

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