Genesis 24:29-67 “Rebekah Chooses Isaac”

“Then they called Rebekah and said to her, ‘Will you go with this man?’ And she said, ‘I will go.’”
Genesis 24:58 (NKJV)

It seemed like mission impossible. Abraham sent his servant 500 miles away to find a bride for his son Isaac. This meant persuading a woman to leave everything she knew to go back with a perfect stranger and marry a man she had never met! Only an act of God could make this quest successful.

When the servant arrived at the city where Abraham’s brother lived, he came to a well and prayed that if he asked a woman for a drink, and she said, “Drink, and I will give your camels a drink,” that she would be the one the LORD had chosen for Isaac. Before he finished praying, Rebekah came out and did exactly what the servant had said. So, he gave her gifts and asked where she was from. She replied that she was the daughter of Bethuel, the son of Nahor, who was Abraham’s brother. Then the servant worshiped the LORD for answering his prayer, and Rebekah ran home to tell her mother.

In traditional eastern hospitality (and because he saw all the jewelry on his sister), Rebekah’s brother Laban welcomed the servant, fed the camels, and provided water for all the men to wash their feet. Then he served a meal to everyone, but the servant would not eat until he shared his business. He told of his master Abraham’s wealth and of his son Isaac who was the sole heir. He explained that Abraham made him swear an oath that he would only take a wife for his son from among his own relatives. Then the servant described the incident at the well—his prayer to the LORD and Rebekah’s actions. Finally, he asked them for a decision so that he would know if his mission was successful or not.

“Then Laban and Bethuel replied, ‘The LORD has obviously brought you here, so there is nothing we can say. Here is Rebekah; take her and go. Yes, let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has directed.’”
Genesis 24:50–51 (NLT)

It was obvious to everyone that God’s hand was in this. Do you believe that when God is in something He works in all the people and all the circumstances in His time? Do you believe that God is ordering your steps today to perfect His will in your life?

Rebekah’s brother and father were willing to let her go, but how did Rebekah feel about it? They asked her, and she replied, “Yes, I will go.”

This is a beautiful love story between a man and a woman, but it has a much deeper meaning. Just as Abraham sent out his servant to get a bride for Isaac, so the Father has sent the Holy Spirit into the world to get a bride for Christ. Rebekah was very beautiful to behold, and the church is very beautiful in the eyes of Christ. The servant testified of Isaac’s great wealth, and the Holy Spirit testifies of the wonderful riches in Christ. Rebekah chose to leave everything to marry a man she had never met, and we must choose to forsake all to follow Christ whom we have never seen. Finally, Rebekah came to Isaac’s tent where they were married. Christ will soon come again and take us to His heavenly home where we will live with Him forever.

The Servant has presented the proposal. Have you said, “Yes”?