Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.
50. Laban and Bethuel ] The only passage in which, if the text is correct, Bethuel takes a prominent part in the transaction. Even here Laban is mentioned before him. For some reason, Bethuel is in the background: cf. Gen 29:5. Hence Kittel reads “and his house,” bth; Holzinger, “and Milcah”: see Gen 24:53.
from the Lord ] It is recognized that Jehovah, the God of the family, has brought this thing to pass.
speak bad or good ] They have no voice. God has settled the matter. To accept will mean a good marriage for Rebekah, but her separation, at a great distance, from her family. To refuse is to reject a chance for her wealth and happiness, as well as to act in apparent opposition to the signs of Jehovah’s will. “Bad and good,” “yes and no,” are evenly balanced. It is a proverbial phrase, cf. Gen 31:24; Num 24:13; 2Sa 13:22.
Fuente: The Cambridge Bible for Schools and Colleges
Verse 50. Laban and Bethuel] These seem both to be brothers, of whom Laban was the eldest and chief; for the opinion of Josephus appears to be very correct, viz., that Bethuel, the father, had been some time dead. See Clarke on Ge 24:28.
Bad or good] We can neither speak for nor against; it seems to be entirely the work of God, and we cordially submit: consult Rebekah; if she be willing, take her and go. See Clarke on Ge 24:58.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
Laban is put first, either because this Bethuel was not his father, but his younger brother, as Josephus thinks; or because Laban was the chief manager of this business, to whom his father seems to have committed the care of his family, being himself unfit for it through age or infirmity.
The thing proceedeth from the Lord, from Gods counsel and special providence. Hereby it appears they had the knowledge and worship of the true God among them, though they added idols to him. We cannot without opposing God speak or act any thing which may hinder thy design, or thwart thy desire. Compare Gen 31:24,29; 2Sa 13:22.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
50. Then Laban and BethuelansweredThe brothers conduct all the marriage negotiations,their father being probably dead, and without consulting theirsister. Their language seems to indicate they were worshippers of thetrue God.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
Then Laban and Bethuel answered,…. The order of the words in the original is, “then answered Laban and Bethuel”; the word for “answered” is in the singular number, from whence it may be concluded, that Laban gave the answer in the name of Bethuel, he consenting to it, who might be an old man, and left the management of his family affairs to his son, who, Aben Ezra thinks, excelled his father in wisdom and honour; but Jarchi represents him as a wicked and impudent man, who took upon him to speak before his father: but some have thought that this Bethuel was not old Bethuel, the father of Rebekah, but young Bethuel his son, the younger brother of Laban and Rebekah, their father Bethuel being dead, as Josephus says, before observed; and this seems to be countenanced by Ge 24:59, where they are represented as blessing Rebekah, and calling her their sister:
and said, the thing proceedeth from the Lord: that Rebekah should be given to Isaac, as the Targum of Jonathan adds: this matter appears to be according to his will and pleasure, he seems to have appointed it in his decree, and to be bringing it about by his providence; for these men, though they were in part idolaters yet had some good notions of the true God, and of his government of the world, and of his ordering all things in it according to the counsel of his will:
we cannot speak unto thee good or bad; cannot deny the request; the thing was so plain that they had not anything to object to it.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Laban and Bethuel recognised in this the guidance of God, and said, “ From Jehovah (the God of Abraham) the thing proceedeth; we cannot speak unto thee bad or good, ” i.e., cannot add a word, cannot alter anything (Num 24:13; 2Sa 13:22). That Rebekah’s brother Laban should have taken part with her father in deciding, was in accordance with the usual custom (cf. Gen 34:5, Gen 34:11, Gen 34:25; Jdg 21:22; 2Sa 13:22), which may have arisen from the prevalence of polygamy, and the readiness of the father to neglect the children (daughters) of the wife he cared for least.
Fuente: Keil & Delitzsch Commentary on the Old Testament
Verses 50-60:
Verses 50, 51: For the first time in this narrative, Bethuel appears on the scene. It may have been inferred from verses 28 and 29 where Rebekah’s mother and brother are the chief characters in Rebekah’s home that Bethuel was dead. However, this was not the case. The explanation appears to be that firstborn sons received a portion of their father’s authority, and that it was not unusual for them to take an active role in their sisters’ marriages.
The language implies that both Bethuel and Laban were worshipers of Jehovah God. However, this may be only partially true. Laban was at least partially an idolater (Ge 31:19, 30-32). Likely he acknowledged Jehovah as merely One of many deities, rather than the One true God. This was a common practice among the nations of ancient times, and is not uncommon today.
The readiness with which Laban and Bethuel agreed to Eleazar’s request may have been prompted by the evident wealth he displayed, more than by any desire for the will of Jehovah to be done.
Verses 52-54: Abraham’s servant was sincere in his worship of Jehovah for Divine leadership. He recognized the Lord’s hand in the entire matter. Then, according to custom, he presented an impressive array of jewels, silver and gold vessels, and clothing to Rebekah, and many precious (migdanoth, from meged) articles of gold and silver to her brother and her mother. The gifts to Rebekah, were betrothal presents: those to Laban and his mother were a form of dowry in compensation for the loss of a sister and daughter. According to custom, these were given with a great deal of ceremony, and in the presence of witnesses. At the conclusion of the engagement proceedings, they partook of the food which had been prepared earlier (see verse 33). Early the next morning, Eleazar requested permission to begin his journey homeward.
Verses 55-60: Rebekah’s brother and mother were reluctant for her to depart so quickly. They urged Eleazar to delay his departure for at least ten days. He persisted in his request to be allowed to leave with Rebekah. At length Laban and his mother agreed to ask Rebekah’s wishes in the matter and to abide by them. Rebekah said simply, “I will go.” So, without further delay, Rebekah’s family sent her on her way, accompanied by her faithful nurse Deborah (Ge 35:8). They pronounced the highest form of blessing possible upon her, that her descendants should be numerous, prosperous and victorious.
Fuente: Garner-Howes Baptist Commentary
50. The thing proceedeth from the Lord. Whereas they are convinced by the discourse of the man, that God was the Author of this marriage, they avow that it would be unlawful for them to offer anything in the way of contradiction. They declare that the thing proceedeth from the Lord; because he had, by the clearest signs, made his will manifest. Hence we perceive, that although the true religion was in part observed among them, and in part infected with vicious errors, yet the fear of God was never so utterly extinguished, but this axiom remained firmly fixed in all their minds, that God must be obeyed. If, then, wretched idolaters, who had almost fallen away from religion, nevertheless so subjected themselves to God, as to acknowledge it to be unlawful for them to swerve from his will, how much more prompt ought our obedience to be? Therefore, as soon as the will of God is made known to us, not only let our tongues be silent, but let all our senses be still; because it is an audacious profanation to admit any thought which is opposed to that will.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
CRITICAL NOTES.
Gen. 24:50. The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto the bad or good.] Heb. The word cometh forth from Jehovah; we are not able to speak unto thee bad or good. That is, we cannot say anything at all against the measure. (Gen. 31:24.)
Gen. 24:59. Her nurse.] The name of this nurse was Deborah. (Gen. 35:8.)
MAIN HOMILETICS OF THE PARAGRAPH.Gen. 24:50-60
THE SUCCESS OF THE MARRIAGE TREATY
I. Due to the manifest interposition of Providence. The impression made upon the mind of the father and brother of Rebekah was, that the hand of God was clearly evident in this matter. They felt as if they could not interfere. They could not utter a word by way of expressing an independent opinion or wish. The thing proceedeth from the Lord: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good (Gen. 24:50.)
II. Acknowledged by suitable acts of devotion. We find we are dealing all along with a history which is continually looking towards God. The actors in it are ready to refer all success to God, and to acknowledge every benefit with pious gratitude.
1. By acts of worship. Abrahams servant worshipped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth (Gen. 24:52.) This is the supreme act of religionprostration before that Being who is holier, greater, and higher than we are. The sense of the Divine goodness in favouring his mission was uppermost in the mind of this man. But it is the assurance of that Goodness which is the confidence and comfort of devotion. Without the conviction of His goodness, His greatness would overpower us and make us afraid.
2. By faith and ready obedience. The brother and mother of the damsel naturally plead for a few days delay (Gen. 24:55.) But the servant is so convinced that the hand of God is in this matter that he urges haste. If this was the bride selected by Providence, surely there was no need for any further delay. When the matter is mentioned to Rebekah, she makes up her mind in a moment, and declares her willingness at once to go with the servant (Gen. 24:58.) Her obedience is instant and cheerful. A clear message from heaven leads to sudden changes in conduct. Such was the case with St. Paul. Immediately I conferred not with flesh and blood (Gal. 1:16.)
3. By human benedictions. God had already blessed, and now man must bless (Gen. 24:60.) It is the dignity and privilege of man that he can both act and think after God. Thus there is human forgiveness as well a Divine. The brightest discoveries of the human intellect are but the thoughts that have dwelt from eternity in the mind of God at length revealed to man. These benedictions were given in faith. There was faith in a great future for the family of God (Gen. 24:60.) There would be a witness for God throughout human historya final victory for his people. Let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
III. Followed by a grateful sense of relief. The servant can now eat and drink, for his duty is discharged and God has now shown him that his mission is a success (Gen. 24:54.) There is repose and satisfaction when we are conscious of duty faithfully done; but while the duty is impending, the thought of it swallows up all elseevery idea of personal comfort or safety. It is the mark of a pious mind when we esteem the commandments of God more than our necessary food.
SUGGESTIVE COMMENTS ON THE VERSES
Gen. 24:50. The affect of the appeal which, with such unadorned simplicity, Abrahams servant addressed to the family whose acquaintance he had so strangely made, is not merely an instance of the primitive and confiding hospitality of these times, but a proof of the same Divine interposition in which this whole procedure originated being continued down to its close. The Divine Spirit is very unequivocally at work, giving efficacy to the Divine message, moving and inclining the hearts of those to whom it comes, and making them willing in the day of the Lords power. The brother and fatherthe latter in all probability being now, in his old age, represented to a large extent by his son, who in the whole of this affair seems to act for him as the head of the house,the relatives, in short, of the woman thus strangely courted as the bride of a Prince Royal, whose person and whose kingly heritage are alike unknown,cannot withstand the evidence of a Divine warrant, which the whole transaction bears. They frankly own their conviction. It is the Lord; what can we say or do?(Candlish).
Gods will, when clearly made known.
1. Puts an end to all doubt. There is no longer room for any question. We walk in the light.
2. Determines our duty, which is unquestioning obedience.
3. It should be accepted with resignation. Even when something which is grievous for the present is imposed upon us, it is enough to know that such is Gods will.
This simple belief in the presence and energy of a living God working in human affairs was the soul of the Patriarchal religion.
Here they acknowledge,
1. Jehovahs authority in managing the affairs of men.
2. That the actual progress of this matter was brought about by Him. Though they lived in corrupt times and places, yet they acknowledge God in the ways of His providence. So God did preserve some discoveries of Himself outside His Church.
3. That no opposition should be offered to this providence. We shall not be able to gainsay, evil or good (so the Heb.) In which passage they acknowledge such clear discovery of Gods will in this matter, that they take it as irresistible. Therefore the meaning of this expression is well paraphrased by the lxx., we cannot gainsay thee anything in this matter, either in pretence of evil or good, to urge anything against Gods mind which seemeth to be so dear to us that we are included in it.(Hughes).
Gen. 24:51. So plain an interposition of Providence admits of no refusal on the part of those who revere the Lord. Bethuel now appears as a concurring party. Laban, as the full brother of Rebekah, has a voice in the disposal of her hand; but the father only has the power to ratify the contract.(Murphy.)
The whole conduct of this affair is calculated to surprise an European reader. A servant is sent on a distant journey, with full powers to select a wife, and conclude a marriage for his masters son. The servant addresses himself to the ladys father and brother, and they agree to his proposals without consulting Rebekah. The agent makes valuable presents to the lady and her relations, and carries her away, and Isaac and Rebekah meet as man and wife without having ever seen each other before; but all this is most precisely analagous to uses which still prevail in the East, with some small diversity in different nations. We will state the process of a marriage of a young couple in Persia, which seems, on the whole, to present a very close parallel to this patriarchal procedure. When a young man becomes marriageable, his parents begin to look about among their kindred and acquaintance for a suitable partner for him, frequently assisting their inquiries or leaving the matter entirely to a confidential servantgenerally the young mans old nursewho goes about from house to house, and having found a suitable object, endeavours to create a mutual prepossession, by speaking to each of the other. Very often, however, the whole matter is concluded without any reference to the parties most immediately interested. When the parents have found a suitable female, they proceed to the house of her father, and make their overtures to him; and if they are acceptable, he denotes his acquiescence by ordering sweetmeats to be brought. A few days after, another meeting is held at the same place, and then it is finally settled what the parents of the young man are to give in his behalf to the bride.(Bush.)
Gen. 24:52. With this simple, but interesting account, the whole family is overcome; one sentiment bows every mind. Rebekah says nothing; but her heart is full. It is an affair in which little or nothing is left for creatures to decide. Such was the happy result of this truly religious courtship; and the good man, who saw God in all things, still keeps up his character. Hearing their words, he bowed himself to the earth, and worshipped God! How sweet would all our temporal concerns be rendered if they were thus intermixed with godliness!(Fuller.)
This act of worship implies
1. Faith. He was convinced that there was a living God working throughout all this affair, and that events were so shaped as clearly to indicate what the will of the Lord was.
2. Gratitude. He felt that he had received favour from the Lord for himself and for his master. It is the good God that we worship, and gratitude should be the uppermost feeling in our mind towards Him.
3. Reverence. He bowed himself to the earth as worshipping the Highest. It is this feeling of reverence for the one great God which ennobles such histories as these recorded in the Bible.
Gen. 24:53. The main things being settled, he, according to the customs of those times, presents the bride elect with jewels of silver, jewels of gold, and raiment suited to the occasion; and further to conciliate the esteem of the family he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things. Presents when given from sincere affection are very proper, and productive of good effects. It is by a mutual interchange of kind offices that love is often kindled, and always kept alive. Our Saviour accepted the presents which were offered Him, not only of food, but raiment, and even the anointing of His feet. Where love exists it is natural and grateful to express it in acts of kindness.(Fuller.)
She is treated as the great King, the Churchs Bridegroom, treats everyone whom He espouses to Himself;as He will treat thee, whoever thou art, to whom the message of His mercy comes. He invites thee, by His ambassadors pleading with thee,by His providence waiting for thee,by His word dwelling in thee,by His Spirit striving with thee,He invites thee to become His. From the very first He enforces His invitation by substantial tokens of His earnestness in seeking thee. Thou hast ample proof given to thee of His love in the cross He bore for thee, in the Gospel He sends to thee, in the blessed peace, and free pardon, and full renewal He holds out to thee. Even the opening of His treaty of espousals with thee is not without many a sweet and precious gift of grace, such as may well suffice to give thee confidence in closing with His overtures, and casting thyself into His arms. For whatever ministry or immediate embassy he may employ, He is nearer to thee by far than was the suitor for Rebekahs love to the damsel whom by proxy he wooed. He who wooes thee knows thee by name. He is not going in search of the objects of His regard at a venture. Nor does He send His messengers to grope in the dark. This, so far as they themselves are concerned, may be the condition of their embassy. But the Lord knoweth them that are His. And to thee, O meek and contrite soul! to thee He comes,through human instrumentality perhaps, but with unerring wisdom and kindness,demanding thee as His own. The instant thou consentest to be His, He causes all the treasures of His wisdom and knowledge,all the riches of His grace and glory,to be opened up to thee. Of all that is His there is nothing that He will withold, or refuse to share with thee.(Candlish.)
Gen. 24:54-55. When our duty is done, we can best enjoy ease and refreshment.
Very natural is the remonstrance which the brother, and especially the mother of the bride, addressed to the impatient servant of Abraham. And whether they asked for a respite of ten days, or, as some say, of ten months, or even years, before the mother bids her daughter her last adieuit is a touch of genuine tenderness such as we would not willingly lose in this narrative. For it is a narrative which proves its own truth by its being so thoroughly, and all throughout, true to nature.(Candlish.)
Gen. 24:56-58. Nor is it a trifling evidence of the chosen virgins faith, that she is enabled to withstand the pleading for delay which has nothing but instinctive fondness to support it, in deference to the solemn appeal of one so unequivocally under the direction of heaven as the messenger to whom her friends have already consented to surrender her. She has taken the decisive step when, in the dark as some might think, she has resolved to peril all upon the truth of the singular embassy that has come to seek her. And now, when it is left to herself to say how soon the step shall become irrevocable, her reply is prompt. She balances the fond reluctance of her family to part with hera reluctance which, however grateful to her feelings, has no force at all as an argument addressed to her faithagainst the clear appeal which the holy man who has called her makes to the God whose very favour urges him to haste. And she cannot hesitate for a moment. Having made up her mind to a very painful sacrifice and a very serious risk, she feels that to doubt or to deliberate any longer would be to be lost. Now, with her, is the accepted time; now is the day of salvation. What is to be done had best be done quickly. Let there be no halting between two opinions; no hesitancyno yielding to the impulse that would gain time and prompt dangerous delay. Having put her hand to the plough, she will not draw back. She hears a voice powerfully speaking to her, and saying, Go forward.(Candlish.)
The Church promptly obeys the call of her Lord, and listens to no other voice. She is persuaded that in Him alone all her joy and prosperity are to be found.
This does not seem to be a question as to Rebekahs consent to the marriage. The contract was lawfully concluded by the parent. It was understood to be right and proper. Besides, it could easily be seen that in this case Rebekahs heart had been won by the proposal. She acted plainly from a high principle of faith in the proposal as directed so manifestly by God. A prudent wife is from the Lord. (Pro. 19:14.)(Jacobus.)
Gen. 24:59. How beautiful! The old maid-servant of the house, who had cared for her and brought her up, must go with her. This is a custom still to be found in that land. The nurses name was Deborah. (Ch. Gen. 35:8.) She died before her mistress, and in the service of the family. The one who, even more than the mother, knew all about her and could best do for her, and meet her wants, she was to her a choice memorial of home.(Jacobus.)
It was a beautiful characteristic of ancient manners thus to care for faithful servants in their old age. This is one of those lessons of kindness which the Gospel should only the more impress upon us.
How often have scenes like this led my mind to the patriarchal age! The daughter is about, for the first time, to leave the paternal roof; the servants are all in confusion; each refers to things long gone byeach wishes to do something to attract the attention of his young mistress. One says, Ah! do not forget him who nursed you when an infant; another, How often did I bring you the beautiful lotus from the distant tank. Did I not always conceal your faults? The mother comes to take leave; she weeps, and tenderly embraces her, saying, My daughter, I shall see you no more: forget not your mother. The brother enfolds his sister in his arms, and promises soon to come and see her. The father is absorbed in thought, and is only aroused by the sobs of the party. He then affectionately embraces his daughter, and tells her not to fear. The female domestics must each smell of the poor girl, and the men touch her feet. As Rebekah had her nurse to accompany her, so at this day the aya (the nurse), who has from infancy brought up the bride, goes with her to the new scene. She is her adviser, her assistant, and friend; and to her she will tell all her hopes and all her fears.(Roberts.)
Gen. 24:60. Thus the history of Abraham is repeated in Rebekah. Like him, she went forth in faith; and the family invoke upon her the blessings promised to him (Gen. 23:17).
From the numerous instances which are recorded in the Scriptures of those who were aged or holy giving their blessing, may be seen the importance which was attached to such benedictions. Has a son or daughter to leave a father, an aged friend, or a priest, a blessing is always given. To be the mother of a numerous progeny is considered a great honour. Hence parents often say to their daughters, Be thou the mother of thousands. Beggars also, when relieved, say to the mistress of the house, Ah, madam, millions will come from you!(Roberts.)
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(50) Laban and Bethuel.See Note on Gen. 24:28. Even when thus tardily mentioned, the father is placed after the brother; and of this we need look for no further explanation than that by polygamy the father was estranged from his own children, while each separate family held very closely together. Thus when Dinah was wronged, it was two of her mothers sons, Simeon and Levi, who avenged her (Gen. 34:13-25); and so it was Absalom who avenged Tamar (2Sa. 13:22). Still, Bethuels consent was finally necessary; but as soon as it was given all active arrangements were left to the mother and Laban (Gen. 24:53-55), and Bethuel is mentioned no more.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
50. Proceedeth from the Lord They cannot doubt the special providence of Abraham’s God, and they dare not interfere to favour or oppose .
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
‘Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, “The thing proceeds from Yahweh. We cannot speak to you good or bad.”
This is the decisive turning point. The decision is made. Laban acknowledges that Yahweh has clearly taken control and that he cannot therefore go against Him. The steward has put his case well. The writer wants us to know that even those who do not worship Yahweh have to admit His power. But there can be no doubt that they are also swayed by awareness of who Abraham is and his evident wealth.
“We cannot speak to you good or bad.” In this context this means ‘cannot say anything’. Sometimes however it specifically refers to a moral decision.
The mention of Laban first, when we would have expected Bethuel, is interesting. It is quite clear that he is heading proceedings. This suggests that Bethuel was in no condition to do so. He is included in the response out of courtesy and because the decision is officially his as head of the house, but he is clearly in no position to make it. It presumably indicates that he was suffering from some debilitating illness, possibly being in a near vegetative state.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Rebekah Consents to Become Isaac’s Bride
v. 50. Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the Lord; we cannot speak unto thee bad or good. v. 51. Behold, Rebekah is before thee; take her and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the Lord hath spoken. v. 52. And it came to pass that, when Abraham’s servant heard their words, he worshiped the Lord, bowing himself to the earth. v. 53. And the servant brought forth jewels of silver and jewels of gold and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah. v. 54. And they did eat and drink, he and the men that were with him, and tarried all night. v. 55. And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go. v. 56. And he said unto them, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way; send me away that I may go to my master. v. 57. And they said, we will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth. v. 58. And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go. v. 59. And they sent away Rebekah, their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men. v. 60. And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, thou art our sister, be thou the mother of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.
Fuente: The Popular Commentary on the Bible by Kretzmann
Gen 24:50. Speak unto thee bad or good We cannot contradict thee in any thing respecting this matter. It is a Hebrew phrase.
REFLECTIONS.1. In consequence of what had passed at the well, Laban, Rebekah’s brother, comes and gives Eliezer the kindest reception. From Laban’s character, given in the subsequent chapters, it is to be feared that the bracelets paved the way; for a man’s gift maketh room for him, Pro 18:16. The cattle are first put up and fed. Note; On a journey remember your beast before you eat yourself. And then the board is spread to entertain the stranger. But, before he eats, he opens his commission at large; whose servant he was; the design of his coming; the riches of his matter; the settlement of all upon his son; his care to have him marry among his own kindred, and not among the daughters of Canaan; his prayer; the providential answer to it in the meeting of Rebekah; then begs them to consider and determine concerning the issue of his journey. I know not whether most to admire the ingenuousness of the representation of his master’s affairs, or the fidelity which made him prefer his master’s business to his own refreshment: both admirable, and worthy of imitation. Note; In religious courtship, plain-dealing is the best wooing.
2. We have the brothers’ consent to the proposal. They saw God’s hand in the affair; and therefore as Abraham’s fortune made it advantageous, God’s Providence also bespoke their compliance.
3. Here is the behaviour of Eliezer on the occasion. He thanked God for the speedy answer he had received. Note; As we go on receiving, we should go on adoring. We shall, with all our praise to God, be left far behind. And to confirm the match, as well as evidence his master’s opulence, he makes noble presents to the intended bride, as also to her mother and brothers. Note; The bride, the Lamb’s wife, must be brought to him, not in the ornaments with which nature hath endowed her, but in the jewels with which he himself hath decked her.
Fuente: Commentary on the Holy Bible by Thomas Coke
Gen 24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.
Ver. 50. Laban and Bethuel. ] Laban, the young master, was the great doer in this affair.
We cannot speak unto thee bad or good.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
NASB (UPDATED) TEXT: Gen 24:50-51
50Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “The matter comes from the LORD; so we cannot speak to you bad or good. 51Here is Rebekah before you, take her and go, and let her be the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has spoken.”
Gen 24:50 “then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, ‘The matter comes from the LORD, so we cannot speak to you bad or good'” It is unusual that Laban, the brother, is listed before Bethuel, the father. We have learned from the Nuzi Tablets that a brother often took the lead in marriage negotiations. The last phrase of this verse has been greatly misunderstood by many commentators. It seems to be a Hebrew idiom for “YHWH has spoken, what then can we say?” (cf. Gen 24:51 c).
It is surprising that Bethuel is mentioned in Gen 24:50, but not in Gen 24:53; Gen 24:55. Many assume he must have died during this time frame. Maybe Laban’s response in Gen 24:50 is characterized as from himself and Bethuel without the father being present. It is possible that brothers negotiated the marriage of sisters.
Gen 24:51 There are several commands in response to the servant’s recounting the reason he had come and his request for an immediate answer (Gen 24:49).
1. “take her,” BDB 542, KB 534, Qal IMPERATIVE
2. “go,” BDB 229, KB 246, Qal IMPERATIVE
3. “let her be the wife,” BDB 224, KB 243, Qal JUSSIVE
Notice, Rebekah is not asked about her actions in Gen 24:28, but she is asked in Gen 24:57-58, which seems to be a polite gesture since the dowry price is paid in Gen 24:53. Remember the Bible only summarizes for us what was said and what happened, but we believe the Spirit guided these summaries.
Fuente: You Can Understand the Bible: Study Guide Commentary Series by Bob Utley
Rebekah Marries Isaac
Gen 24:50-67
Rebekahs relatives recognized the hand of God in what had taken place, and could not demur. The maiden herself was not asked, according to Oriental custom, but in her readiness on the following morning to start forthwith, it was clear that her heart had been already won. This favorable reply prostrated Eliezer to the earth with thankfulness. Would that we were always as eager to praise as to pray. The precious gifts with which the whole family were enriched, remind us of those gifts and graces with which the Holy Spirit, the Divine Wooer, enriches the soul that accepts His invitation to yield itself to the Divine Master, Christ. When her friends suggested delay, Rebekah would not hear of it. With his jewels on her person, the young girl longed to see the bridegroom himself. Her I will go settled the matter. The foretastes of our heavenly inheritance whet our appetite to see and be with him, whom, not having seen, we love.
Fuente: F.B. Meyer’s Through the Bible Commentary
Laban: These seem both to be brothers, of whom Laban was the eldest and chief. The opinion of Josephus appears to be very correct, that Bethuel, the father, had been dead some time. Gen 24:15, Gen 24:28, Gen 24:53, Gen 24:55, Gen 24:60
The thing: Psa 118:23, Mat 21:42, Mar 12:11
we: Gen 31:24, Gen 31:29, 2Sa 13:22, Act 11:17
Reciprocal: Gen 24:59 – their Gen 28:2 – Laban 1Ki 18:21 – answered Act 5:39 – if
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 24:50. The thing proceedeth from the Lord He, in his providence, evidently favoured it, and therefore they properly concluded that it was his will; which is the only safe rule of conduct in all cases. And in those which are of peculiar importance, as the proper choice of a partner in marriage certainly is, we should use every prudent means to know Gods will, especially the means used by Abrahams servant, fervent prayer, and observing the openings of providence. A marriage is then likely to be comfortable, when it appears to proceed from the Lord.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, {b} The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.
(b) As soon as they perceived that it was God’s ordinance they yielded.