And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.
i.e. Understand her mind by her words, not so much concerning the marriage itself, in which she resigned up herself to the disposal of her parents and friends, and to which she had given an implicit consent by her acceptance of those presents which were made to her for that end, as concerning the hastiness of her departure.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
And they said, we will call the damsel,…. Who perhaps through modesty had withdrawn herself to her own apartment, while the man and her friends were discoursing on this subject:
and inquire at her mouth; what she says to it, whether willing to go directly or not; the matter in question was referred to her, and left to her decision.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
57. We will call the damsel. Bethuel, who had before unreservedly given his daughter in marriage, now seems to adhere, with but little constancy, to his purpose. When, however, he had previously offered his daughter, without making any exception, he is to be understood as having done it, only so far as he was able. But now, Moses declares that he did not exercise tyranny over his daughter, so as to thrust her out reluctantly, or to compel her to marry against her will, but left her to her own free choice. Truly, in this matter, the authority of parents ought to be sacred: but a middle course is to be pursued, so that the parties concerned may make their contract spontaneously, and with mutual consent. It is not right to understand that Rebekah in answering so explicitly, showed contempt for the paternal roof, or too anxiously desired a husband; (11) but since she saw that the affair was transacted by the authority of her father, and with the consent of her mother, she also herself acquiesced in it.
(11) “ Vel procax juvencula maritum nimis cupide appeteret.”
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
‘And they said, “We will call the young woman and ask what she has to say.” And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” And she said, “I will go”.’
The first acceptance of the proposal was by Laban and Bethuel as practising and nominal heads of the family. The detailing of arrangements was dealt with by Laban and Rebekah’s mother. But in the end Rebekah has a say. Accepting it at face value this means that she has final refusal, but they would only expect this if she was totally opposed to the idea. The general view would be that she should fall in line with their wishes. It would surprise no one when she agreed.
Fuente: Commentary Series on the Bible by Peter Pett
Gen 24:57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.
Ver. 57. And inquire at her mouth. ] Eve was not dragged, but brought by God to her husband. There must be a mutual consent, or it is not of God.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Reciprocal: Num 36:6 – only to the family
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Gen 24:57. Call the damsel, and inquire As children ought not to marry without their parents consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own. Before the matter is resolved on, ask at the damsels mouth; she is a party concerned, and therefore ought to be principally consulted.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
24:57 And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at {c} her mouth.
(c) This shows that parents do not have the authority to marry their children without the consent of both parties.