And the damsel ran, and told [them of] her mother’s house these things.
28. her mother’s house ] Her father probably was dead. The “house” is not the building, but the “household,” cf. Gen 18:19.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 28. Her mother’s house] Some have conjectured from this that her father Bethuel was dead; and the person called Bethuel, Ge 24:50, was a younger brother. This is possible, but the mother’s house might be mentioned were even the father alive; for in Asiatic countries the women have apartments entirely separate from those of the men, in which their little children and grown-up daughters reside with them. This was probably the case here, though it is very likely that Bethuel was dead, as the whole business appears to be conducted by Rebekah’s brothers.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Not
of her fathers house; either because her father was now dead, and Bethuel, who is hereafter mentioned, was not Labans father, but his brother so called; or because the women had distinct apartments in the houses, and she went first thither according to her custom.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
28. and told them of her mother’shouse these thingsthe female apartments. This family was in anadvanced stage of pastoral life, dwelling in a settled place and afixed habitation.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the damsel ran,…. Having invited him to come and lodge at her father’s house, that he might not be brought in abruptly, she ran before to acquaint the family of what had passed:
and told [them] of her mother’s house these things; she did not go to her father to inform him of it; some think he was dead, as Josephus g, but the contrary appears from Ge 24:50; rather the reason was, because her mother had an house, a tent, or an apartment to herself, as women in those times and places used to have, see Ge 24:67; and because daughters are generally more free to converse with their mothers and impart things to them than to their fathers, which may be the true reason of Rebekah’s conduct.
g Antiqu. l. 1. c. 16. sect. 2.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
28. And the damsel ran and told them of her mother’s house. It is possible, that the mother of Rebekah occupied a separate house; not that she had a family divided from that of her husband, but for the purpose of keeping her daughters and maidens under her own custody. The expression may, however, be more simply explained to mean, that she came directly to her mother’s chamber; because she could more easily relate the matter to her than to her father. It is also probable, that when Bethuel was informed of the fact, by the relation of his wife, their son Laban was sent by both of them to introduce the stranger. Other explanations are needless.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
(28) The damsel ran, and told (them of) her mothers house.The words inserted in italics are worse than useless. The wife of a sheik has a separate tent (Gen. 24:67), and the result of polygamy is to make each family hold closely together. Naturally, too, the maiden would first show her mother and the women presents of so special a meaning. We even find Laban, the brother, acting as Rebekahs representative; and it is only when the final decision has to be given that Bethuel is allowed to have any voice in the matter (Gen. 24:50).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
28. Her mother’s house The daughter naturally runs to her mother’s tent to tell the news . But not so Rachel . See Gen 29:12.
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘And the young woman ran and told her mother’s house according to these words.’
Aware that something out of the ordinary is taking place Rebekah races home to lay the position before her mother. She describes in detail the words of the steward so that their significance might be considered.
“Her mother” s house.’ This is the women’s quarters. It is her mother’s prerogative to take charge of the situation and present it to the family.
The position would now be laid before Bethuel and the family. It is clear from what follows that Bethuel is somewhat indisposed, probably through illness or disability, for otherwise it would be he who led the way to welcome the stranger. Thus the responsibility is taken by his son Laban, who is Rebekah’s brother.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Gen 24:28. Her mother’s house It seems very probable from this expression, that Bethuel the father was dead, and that the Bethuel mentioned after Laban, Gen 24:50 was a younger brother of Rebekah’s. In Gen 24:53 no mention is made of the father.
REFLECTIONS.No sooner had Eliezer spoken in his heart, than God answers; so ready is he to hear our prayers. The maid comes, fills her pitcher, and is returning; but on his accosting her, she readily assists him to water his camels. In these days the qualifications of the fair were humility, courtesy, and diligence: let the degenerate daughters of pride, luxury, and laziness, blush at the comparison. Thus providences remarkably concurred, and on inquiry he finds her a relation of his master, and is invited to the house. Happy they whom God thus brings together, not from the riotous assembly, or the market of public places, but by providential disposition, in answer to fervent prayer. Two things hereupon he does: 1. He makes her a handsome present for her kind assistance. 2. He blesses God for the mercy so graciously shewn him. Prayer and praise are like sound and echo. They who pray shall praise: and no earthly blessing is more matter of praise, than finding such a partner, who, to the amiableness of her person and manners, adds the crowning beauty of religion. This was a fresh mercy to Abraham; and Eliezer, like a good servant, makes his master’s interests his own, and rejoices in God for his sake, that he had found a suitable wife for his son.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother’s house these things. And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well. And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well. And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.
So should ministers constrain their hearers. Luk 14:23 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Gen 24:28 And the damsel ran, and told [them of] her mother’s house these things.
Ver. 28. Of her mother’s house.] For the women had houses apart from the men: and the daughters were most about their mothers’ lodgings.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Gen 24:28-41
28Then the girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things. 29Now Rebekah had a brother whose name was Laban; and Laban ran outside to the man at the spring. 30When he saw the ring and the bracelets on his sister’s wrists, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, “This is what the man said to me,” he went to the man; and behold, he was standing by the camels at the spring. 31And he said, “Come in, blessed of the LORD! Why do you stand outside since I have prepared the house, and a place for the camels?” 32So the man entered the house. Then Laban unloaded the camels, and he gave straw and feed to the camels, and water to wash his feet and the feet of the men who were with him. 33But when food was set before him to eat, he said, “I will not eat until I have told my business.” And he said, “Speak on.” 34So he said, “I am Abraham’s servant. 35The LORD has greatly blessed my master, so that he has become rich; and He has given him flocks and herds, and silver and gold, and servants and maids, and camels and donkeys. 36Now Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master in her old age, and he has given him all that he has. 37My master made me swear, saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live; 38but you shall go to my father’s house and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son.’ 39I said to my master, ‘Suppose the woman does not follow me.’ 40He said to me, ‘The LORD, before whom I have walked, will send His angel with you to make your journey successful, and you will take a wife for my son from my relatives and from my father’s house; 41then you will be free from my oath, when you come to my relatives; and if they do not give her to you, you will be free from my oath.'”
Gen 24:29 “Laban” Rabbinical sources are negative toward Laban, therefore, they interpret Gen 24:30 to say that he only went out to meet the servant when he saw the gold which he had given to his sister. However, Gen 24:30 also mentions the family of Abraham, which is another potential reason for Laban’s interest. Laban is a difficult person to understand in Scripture because in Gen 24:31 he uses the term “YHWH,” but in Gen 31:53 he seems to be an idolater and polytheist and implies that there is another god of Nahor.
Gen 24:32-33 Several expected cultural acts are done for the servant of Abraham by Laban/Laban’s servants.
1. unloaded the camels
2. gave the camels food
3. gave water for the servants who accompanied “the servant” to wash their feet
4. fed all of them
Gen 24:34-41 This repeats the words of Abraham to his servant which are recorded earlier in this chapter.
Gen 24:36 “Now Sarah my master’s wife bore a son to my master in her old age” Apparently this information was given to ease the family’s mind about the age of Isaac. Isaac was the son of Abraham, while Rebekah was the granddaughter of Nahor.
Gen 24:41 “oath” In the first part of this chapter Abraham asked the servant to take an oath (BDB 46). The form of the word used here in Gen 24:41 also means “curse,” which shows the very emphatic nature of Abraham’s request.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Abrahams Servant Fulfills His Mission
Gen 24:28-49
This worthy man was almost garrulous about his master. Count the number of times in which he contrives to introduce those two words, my master. He put the errand on which he had come before his necessary food, and poured out his story in a stream of crystal utterance, which was the highest eloquence. This identification of his thought and speech with his masters interests is full of teaching for us all. He could talk of nothing else, was only anxious not to fail for Abrahams sake; and took the favorable reply as kindness shown to him whom he represented. George Herbert caught the same spirit when he spoke of the aromatic fragrance of My Master when applied to Jesus. We, too, are called to be ambassadors, as though God did beseech men by us. If we are in the way of Gods will, be sure that the Lord will not only lead, but lead in the right way, and will create for us a sympathetic reception whither we go.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
of: Gen 24:48, Gen 24:55, Gen 24:67, Gen 31:33
her mother’s: Some have conjectured from this, that her father Bethuel was dead; and the person called Bethuel – Gen 24:50, was a younger brother. This is possible; but as Dr. A. Clarke remarks, the mother’s house might be mentioned were even the father alive; for in Asiatic countries, the women have apartments entirely separate from those of the men, in which their little children and grown-up daughters reside with them. This was probably the case here; though, from the whole narrative, it is very probable that Bethuel was dead, as the whole business appears to be conducted by Rebekah’s brothers.
Reciprocal: Gen 29:12 – and she
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Over the Desert Sands
Gen 24:28-67
INTRODUCTORY WORDS
The Lord honored a marriage scene in Cana of Galilee with His presence. Marriage is honorable in all. God has said, “It is not good that the man should be alone.” We need to magnify the sacredness of the marriage bond.
That, however, to which we wish, by way of introduction, to call your attention is the Divine use of the marriage bond as an emblem, endeared and indissoluble, which exists between Christ and the Church.
1. The first marriage in the Garden of Eden.
2. The wooing of Rebekah, and her marriage unto Isaac,
3. The marriage of Samson.
4. The marriage of Hezekiah.
5. New Testament bridal messages. In the New Testament there are many portraitures anticipating the marriage of Christ and His Bride. (1) The Father is described as giving a marriage to His Son. (2) The midnight cry is sounded, “Behold the Bridegroom cometh!” (3) The story of the marriage of the Lamb is set forth in the cry, “Blessed are they who are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.” (4) The Lamb’s Wife is portrayed as arrayed in fine linen, clean and white. (5) The last message of the New Testament and the Bride, give us the call,-“Come hither,” and “I will shew thee the Bride, the Lamb’s Wife.” Then are outlined the marvels of the wonderful City, the Holy Jerusalem descending from God out of Heaven-the City which shall be the eternal abode of the Bride of the Lamb.
I. REBEKAH’S GLAD SURPRISE (Gen 24:28)
1. Rebekah had a great joy in her heart. Our key-text says, “The damsel ran, and told * * her mother’s house these things.” She was in a hurry to tell the good things which her God was bestowing upon her. There are some who run away from God, there are others who run into the arms of God, Some shut God out of their lives, others welcome Him in.
A servant had come from a far country. He had come as the representative of a man who was mighty upon the earth; Rebekah opened her heart and hand to welcome this strange, but wonderful visitor.
The Holy Spirit has come from a far land. He has come as a representative of God. Behold, a greater than Abraham’s servant is here. He is here bringing a message of one greater than Abraham and Isaac. Shall we receive Him?
2. Rebekah’s brother ran out to meet the man, unto the well. Laban was greatly impressed as he saw the earrings and bracelets upon his sister. Thus, when he heard Rebekah’s words as she described what had happened at the well, he hastened out and said unto the servant, “Come in, thou blessed of the Lord; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”
Do we have ears to hear, and eyes to see the movement of the Spirit of God? He, too, is standing without. Will we welcome Him in? Have we a room in our heart prepared for this Holy Guest?
How much do we lose by refusing to welcome this Guest of the Lord! How often in entertaining men have we entertained angel’s unawares. However, in entertaining the Holy Ghost we entertain God.
He, who is a representative of the Lord of Hosts should always find a warm welcome into our homes and hearts. However, if there come unto us one who beareth not this doctrine of truth, we are commanded: “Receive him not into your house, neither bid him God speed: for he that biddeth him God speed is partaker of his evil deeds.”
II. THE ENTRANCE OF THE SERVANT (Gen 24:32)
1. Abraham’s servant was given an entrance. Our text says, “And the man came into the house.” The camels were ungirded and provided with straw and provender. He was given water to wash his feet, and the men who were with him were also welcomed.
Milcah and Laban joined with Rebekah in the hospitality of their home. We can almost hear our Lord saying to that household: “Inasmuch as ye have done it unto one of the least of these My brethren, ye have done it unto Me.” When this man from the far country, who had charge of all Abraham’s goods was received, Abraham and Isaac were received in him. When the Holy Spirit is welcomed into our home and heart, how much the more is God the Father and God the Son, welcomed in Him.
2. There was set meat before him to eat. As Abraham’s servant sat down at a table filled with good things, he said, “I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.” Laban replied, “Speak on.” The man from the far country said, “I am Abraham’s servant. And the Lord hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great.” After this, the servant told of Abraham’s possessions; of Sarah, Abraham’s wife; and of Isaac, Abraham’s son.
To us, this ail-surpassingly beautiful narration seems to speak of how the Holy Spirit has come forth from the Father. He speaks to us, not of Himself, but of the Father and of the Son. Christ said, “He shall receive of Mine, and shall shew it unto you.” He also said, “He shall glorify Me.” This same Spirit should dominate us in all things. We preach Christ, and not ourselves. We are heralders of Another.
3. Putting first things, first. The servant of Abraham said, “I will not eat, until.” Here is a lesson much needed by all of us. We are too prone to think first of ourselves, and care of our body, the supply of our needs. We will not work on an empty stomach. We will not serve unless the pay check is in sight. We will work for Gad after we, ourselves, have been fully cared for, God give us, rather, this spirit of the faithful servant of Abraham.
III. THE QUEST OF THE SERVANT (Gen 24:37-38)
1. There was no delay in pressing the claims of Isaac. Abraham’s servant did not delay in telling his business. He acted under the injunction-“The king’s business requireth haste.” He had no time for parleying, and no heart for delay. The Spirit of God moves on this same basis. We can hear Him as He says, “Behold, now is the accepted time; behold, now is the day of salvation.”
If there is any delay, it will be found upon the part of the sinner. How many have voiced the wailing cry, “O the years of sinning wasted, could I but recall them now.” Many great disasters have come because of duty deferred, of warning neglected. If we have anything to do, let us do it now.
2. There was no covering up of facts as the claim was pressed. Whatever else may be said of Abraham’s servant, he told the truth, told it frankly, told it fully. If there were to be any failure in his obtaining his quest, it would not be because he had held back any part of his message.
The servant of Abraham told of how he had sworn unto his master that he would not take a wife unto Isaac of the daughters of the Canaanites. He told how he would be free from his oath, if the woman would not follow with him. He went on to tell of everything that had happened at the well-of his prayer, of Rebekah’s coming forth, of her offering him to drink, and of her drawing the water for his camels.
He showed how all of this was an answer to prayer, an answer which came to pass before he had done speaking. He told of his asking Rebekah of her parentage, of his giving her the jewels; of his bowing his head as he worshiped the Lord, who had led him in the right way to take a wife for Isaac.
All of this carries a marvelous message to us. The Spirit of God brought no fancied fable unto us, when He told us of the Father and of the Son. His Words are Truth, illuminating Truth, conservative Truth, Truth without error.
Many things have been spoken by the Spirit of God, as He reveals the wonders of the Father and the Son. These words have entered into the past, they have outlined the present, and they have revealed the future of our Lord and His glory. Not one good thing spoken shall fail. The Spirit of God can foretell the coming nuptials of the Son, the glory of the New Jerusalem, and all of those marvelous events which lie in the thousand years and in the ages to come, with the same accuracy with which He could relate events of yesterday.
IV. THE CONSENT (Gen 24:50-51; Gen 24:58)
1. The consent of the parents. Such was the custom in the olden days. The appeal was made first to the parents; in the case of Rebekah to her mother and brother. They, in answer to the detailed appeal of Abraham’s servant, said, “The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go.”
Let the message sink deep-we need to know the will of the Lord in matrimonial affairs. When we discover that will, we need to proceed without questionings. We need parents who will help and not hinder their children in obeying the Lord in making their choice of life partners. Suppose Rebekah’s mother and brother had stood in her way and hindered her going to Isaac, what incalculable loss would have followed? She would have been robbed of that choice heritage of being “mother” to our Lord, according to the flesh; and of entering, by marriage, into the direct line of descent from Adam unto Christ.
God pity those parents who stand in the way of their children’s spiritual acquisitions. What a harvest of disappointments they must reap!
2. The assent of Rebekah. It was not enough for Rebekah’s mother and brother to give their consent. Rebekah had to be considered. Thus it was that Bethuel and Laban said, “We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.”
When Rebekah had entered, they said, “Wilt thou go with this man?” And she said, “I will go.” Thus, was the great decision made, not alone by mother and brother, but the damsel herself.
After all this, is our chief concern-wilt thou go with Christ? Wot is father, or mother, or brother, or sister willing; but, am I willing? Wilt thou leave all, home, country, friends-all, to follow Christ?
May I count the cost? Certainly. There will be much to yield, much to leave. Count the gain? Certainly. There will be all to gain, all to find. We may leave father, mother, houses, lands; but we will gain all of these, and Christ.
V. ACROSS THE DESERT SANDS (Gen 24:61)
1. Rebekah arose and followed the man. Here is a statement in the Bible that is absolutely vital to the Christian’s life and walk. If we would go to the marriage nuptials of the Lamb of God, we must promptly arise, and go with the Spirit en route. God has sent Him to lead us along the way. He will lead us on. The chief question is this: Are we ready to leave all and go? Then, as we go, Will we follow hard after the Spirit? Alas, how many “there are who are taking the reins of their Christian life into their own hands! The standard of their walk is their own conceptions, their own think sos. They want to be bride to the Lord, but they refuse His Heavenly escort. They choose to travel by the bypaths that please the flesh.
So many young people profess to be Christ’s, and yet they walk after the flesh, and not after the Spirit. They follow after the things of this world. With their lips they profess love for Christ, but with their lives they follow Baalim.
2. The man guided Rebekah on the way. It was he to whom she left the details of the journey. She was traveling a new path, an untried journey. Is this not always so? How can a man direct his own steps? The Christian life traverses a road where we have not been before. There are dangers lurking by the way, of which we are ignorant. There are foes which we must meet; foes which are greater and stronger than we. The whole proposition is whether we will accept the Paraclete of God-the One whom He has sent to walk with us by the way? How happy we should be to accept this Heavenly Guide; how carefully we should listen to His voice; how willingly we should follow in His steps!
3. The theme of conversation. As the caravan made its way across the desert sands en route to Canaan, the theme of conversation must have centered in Isaac. It was not the sphinx, or the catacombs, or the great pyramid, that became the chief theme of conversation. It was not the hot winds or the sand-filled eyes that became the talk of the journey. It was Isaac, and Abraham who held Rebekah’s heart and words. Every day, as Rebekah and Abraham’s servant journeyed side by side, Rebekah heard more and more of Isaac. As she listened she learned to love Isaac more and more. Her heart was in constant preparation for that happy meeting which came at the journey’s end.
Is not all of this true with us? The Spirit takes of the thing’s of Christ and shows them unto us. As He glorifies Christ to us, we daily know Him the better, and love Him the more. All of this is in preparation for the meeting in the skies.
VI. THE MEETING (Gen 24:62-66)
1. Isaac came by the way of the well Lahai-roi. It is not difficult to imagine why Isaac came to the well of Lahai-roi-the well of “meeting.” His heart was longing for Rebekah, even as her’s was longing for Isaac.
We who are journeying across the desert sands are ever thinking of the time when we shall see Him face to face. We are longing, waiting, looking, yearning for Him. We love the very thought of His Appearing.
Isaac also looked and longed for Rebekah. And so does pur blessed Lord sit at the Father’s right hand, “expecting.” He wants to come for us, far more than we want Him to come.
Rebekah came to Isaac; Isaac came to Rebekah. That will be the course of events when Christ returns. We are to go forth to Him, be rapt up into the air; He is to come forth from Heaven to the air to meet us. The atmosphere above will be our “Well of Lahai-roi” our place of “meeting.”
2. Rebekah lifted up her eyes and saw Isaac. What thrills of joy must have been her’s as she realized that prophecy was about to become history. Of all that the servant had told her of Abraham and Isaac not a word was to fail. Thus will Christ’s Advent and the Rapture of saints fulfil all that the Spirit hath spoken. There shall not fail one good thing.
Bless God for the consummation of hope, when the meeting takes place. We shall see Him, whom we have loved the while, and for whom we have longed.
3. The servant recounted all that had happened to Isaac. The story of the journey and the home at Haran, the prayer by the well, the coming of Rebekah, the welcome of Laban, and Bethuel, the quick response of Rebekah, and her willingness to go; the farewell words of the mother and brother, the long journey across the sands-all were told.
4. The marriage. The last verse of the chapter tells us that Isaac took Rebekah, and she became his wife. The words are not now detailed, as were the words of the courtship and journey. The scene was too sacred to describe.
The marriage in the skies will not be open to the eyes of a gazing world. It will be consummated behind closed doors, even the veil of the skies. However, “Blessed are they which are called unto the Marriage Supper of the Lamb.”
AN ILLUSTRATION
READY TO SAIL
Rebekah was not ashamed to announce her confession. She said, “I will go.”
All of us should count ourselves as pilgrims to the wedding in the skies.
“‘A Christian should be always as a ship that hath taken in its lading, and is prepared and furnished with all manner of tackling, ready to set sail, only expecting the good wind to carry him out of the haven.’ Would to God it were always so with us. We are fully stored and equipped in Christ Jesus, and yet we do not always enjoy the holy quiet which ought to spring out of so Divine a fact. All is well. Why do we not feel that it is so? Why do we fear to depart? There remains nothing for us but to obey the call, let loose the cable, and float into the Heavenly Haven; but we act as if it were not so, and often dread the time for commencing the last voyage. It is more important to be prepared to live aright than to be in an ecstasy at the thought of death; but, still, while we are ready for service, it is sweet also to be ready for Glory. The thought of death should never put us in a flurry. It should be everyday work to die: indeed, we should be always dead with Christ. Where this is realized death is dead, and as children are not afraid of a dead lion, so we also are not disturbed at the prospect of departing out of this world unto the Father.”
Fuente: Neighbour’s Wells of Living Water
Wedding Arrangements Rebekah ran home to tell of the man she had met and gifts he had given. She also planned to finalize plans for him to stay with her family. Laban, her brother, ran to bring the servant from the well to their house. The camels were fed, the servant’s feet washed and food placed before him. Then, he began to tell the story of Abraham’s plan for his son Isaac’s wedding. He included a brief report his prayer and God’s answer.
Bethuel and Laban knew this was the Lord’s doing, so they agreed to let Rebekah marry Isaac. After the servant had again thanked God, he gave jewelry of silver and gold to Rebekah, along with clothing. He also gave gifts to the rest of the family. The next morning, the servant wanted to leave for Hebron. Laban and his mother asked him to stay ten days. However, the servant said he wanted to return to his master because such a success had been achieved. They called Rebekah to ask her and she consented to go ( Gen 24:28-58 ).