Genesis 24:32-33. He ungirded, &c.— We have here a fine picture of the simplicity and open-hearted hospitality of those times. We have similar passages in Homer, who, perhaps, borrowed his ideas on the subject from this sacred history. See Homer's Sixth Iliad in Pope, ver. 214. and Odyssey, iii. 69. and iv. 60, &c. in the original. read more
"Another striking feature of this story is that after introducing the new characters of Laban and his household, the writer allows the servant again to retell the narrative (Genesis 24:34-39). But as with most repetitions in biblical narrative, the retelling is not a mere repeating. It is rather a reassertion of the central points of the first narrative. . . . As we overhear the servant recount more details, we see that the miracle of God’s provision was even more grand than that suggested in... read more
The Marriage of Isaac and RebekahA charming picture of patriarchal marriage customs. It is very characteristic of the Primitive source.2. Put.. thy hand under my thigh] a form of taking an oath, only mentioned again in Genesis 47:29. ’It is from the thighs that one’s descendants come, so that to take an oath with one hand under the thigh would be equivalent to calling upon these descendants to maintain an oath which has been fulfilled, and to avenge one which has been broken’ (D.). Modern... read more
(33) I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.—Two points in Oriental manners are here brought into view: the first, that hospitality, so necessary in a country where there are no inns, was, and still is, a religion to the Bedouin; the second, that consequently he will concede anything rather than have his hospitality refused. Aware of this feeling, Abraham’s servant will not partake of Laban’s bread and salt until he has told his request. After he had become Laban’s guest, Laban would... read more
Rebekah the Farseeing Genesis 24:0 I. In the case of Sarah the real drama opens with married life. In the case of Rebekah it opens with the proposal of marriage. The offer comes from Isaac. When she sees the servant approaching she has no idea of his errand. But Rebekah has a wonderful talisman against such surprise an astonishing power of putting herself instantaneously in the place of those to whom she is speaking. II. There is a peculiarity about Rebekah's sympathetic insight. It is not... read more
ISAAC’S MARRIAGEGenesis 24:1-67"Favour is deceitful, and beauty is vain; but a woman that feareth the Lord, she shall be praised."- Proverbs 31:30."WHEN a son has attained the age of twenty years, his father, if able, should marry him, and then take his hand and say, I have disciplined thee, and taught thee, and married thee; I now seek refuge with God from thy mischief in the present world and the next." This Mohammedan tradition expresses with tolerable accuracy the idea of the Eastern world,... read more
CHAPTER 24 The Bride Sought for Isaac 1. The commission to the servant (Genesis 24:1-9 ) 2. The obedience and prayer of the servant (Genesis 24:10-14 ) 3. The prayer answered (Genesis 24:15-21 ) 4. The gifts of the servant (Genesis 24:22-26 ) 5. The servant received (Genesis 24:27-33 ) 6. The servant’s message (Genesis 24:34-36 ) 7. The commission and answered prayer stated (Genesis 24:37-49 ) 8. The bride chosen (Genesis 24:50-60 ) 9. The journey to meet Isaac. (Genesis 24:61... read more
24:33 And there was set [meat] before him to eat: but he said, I {q} will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on.(q) The faithfulness that servants owe to their masters, causes them to prefer their masters business before their own needs. read more
ISAAC'S BRIDE FROM HIS FATHER'S FAMILY Only after Sarah has died does Isaac receive a wife. When Israel, after the death of the Lord Jesus, was set aside as the vessel of God's testimony in the world, then God the Father (typified by Abraham) sent the Spirit of God (symbolized by the servant) to obtain a wife for the Lord Jesus, of whom Isaac is a picture. Abraham required his servant to swear by the God of heaven and earth that he would not take a wife for Isaac from the Canaanites, but one... read more
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Coffman Commentaries on the Bible - Genesis 24:33-49
"And there was set food before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand. And he said, Speak on. And he said, I am Abraham's servant. And Jehovah hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and men-servants and maidservants, and camels and asses. And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when he was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath. And my master made me swear, saying,... read more