Genesis 24:62-67

Beer-lahai-roi, where Isaac lived and meditated (Genesis 24:62), was a place where God had previously answered prayer (cf. Genesis 16:14). This suggests that Isaac may have been praying for God’s will to be done in the choice of his wife. Rebekah dismounted out of respect for her intended husband (cf. Joshua 15:18; 1 Samuel 25:23). Her self-veiling hinted at her becoming his bride since it was customary to veil the bride in a marriage ceremony. Normally Israelite women did not wear veils (cf. Genesis 12:14; Genesis 38:14).

"The final remarks (Genesis 24:67) again show that God’s guidance in the mundane areas of life is good for those who put their trust in him. When Isaac took Rebekah as his wife, he loved her and was comforted with her after the death of his mother. In other words, Rebekah had taken the place of Sarah in the line of the descendants of Abraham." [Note: Sailhamer, "Genesis," p. 178.]

The significance of this long story in the larger context of special revelation is fourfold at least.

1. Primarily it demonstrates God’s faithfulness to His promise to provide descendants for Abraham and, therefore, His trustworthiness. Along with this is the assurance that even though Abraham was soon to die God would fulfill His promises in the future.

2. It reveals that God guides people who are seeking His will so they discover it.

3. It illustrates God’s selecting a bride for His Son out of the world through the agency of His Spirit, which the New Testament teaches.

4. It provides a good model, in the servant, of one who responded properly to the work of God. Abraham’s servant prayed before he acted, praised when God answered his prayers, and lived believing that God controls all the affairs of life.

"There are two themes, one more central, one more auxiliary, which are highlighted by the example story [in Genesis 24]: the faithful, prudent and selfless steward acting on behalf of his master as messenger, and the good wife as a gift from the LORD, the theme underlying much of the steward’s action." [Note: Wolfgang M. W. Roth, "The Wooing of Rebekah: A Tradition-Critical Study of Genesis 24," Catholic Biblical Quarterly 34 (1972):181.]