And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.
Gen 24:58
They called Rebekah and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man?
And she said, I will go
The success of the marriage treaty
I. DUE TO THE MANIFEST INTERPOSITION OF PROVIDENCE (Gen 24:50).
II. ACKNOWLEDGED BY SUITABLE ACTS OF DEVOTION.
1. By acts of worship (Gen 24:52).
2. By faith and ready obedience (Gen 24:55; Gen 24:58).
3. By human benedictions (Gen 24:60).
III. FOLLOWED BY A GRATEFUL SENSE OF RELIEF (Gen 24:54). It is the mark of a pious mind when we esteem the commandments of God more than our necessary food. (T. H. Leale.)
The souls answer to the Divine summons
I. A LESSON TO THOSE WHO CARRY THE SUMMONS OF GOD.
1. Let us saturate our work with prayer.
2. We must also wait upon God for direction.
3. Let us say much in praise of our Master.
II. THE SUMMONS ITSELF. Such a call as came to Rebekah is sent to every soul that hears the Gospel. In yonder azure depths lives the great Father God. He has one Son, His only-begotten and well-beloved. He has resolved to choose from amongst men those who as one Church shall constitute His bride for ever. He sends this call to you, not because you are worthy, or wealthy, or beautiful; but because He has so willed in the counsels of His own heart; and He longs that you shall be willing to detach yourself from all that you hold dear.
III. How To DEAL WITH THIS SUMMONS.
1. We must find room for it.
2. We must bear witness.
3. We must not procrastinate, or confer with flesh and blood. (F. B.Meyer, B. A.)
Rebekah
I. HER HOME LIFE.
1. She was fair, chaste, and modest.
2. She was industrious, courteous, and kind.
3. She was deferential and obedient.
II. HER MARRIAGE.
1. Arranged for by proxy, according to Oriental custom.
2. This match was made in heaven. It was pre-ordained–love at first sight: love all through her life.
III. HER MISTAKES.
1. She consents to pass for Isaacs sister at the court of Gerar.
2. She is partial to Jacob.
3. She teaches Jacob how to deceive.
4. By the use of deception she secures the blessing for her favourite son.
IV. HER SORROW.
1. A divided household–the result of favouritism.
2. Esaus marriage with two Canaanitish women.
3. The separation from Jacob: for she never saw him again after his flight to Mesopotamia.
V. REFLECTIONS.
1. The choice of a wife is an appropriate subject of prayer, and worthy of grave deliberation.
2. Is it right for parents to be partial to their children? (Lewis O. Thompson.)
Lessons
1. Gods favour being manifested in His providences, natural and comfortable refreshings may be used.
2. After refreshings needful, return to duty and just employments is beseeming Gods servants.
3. Sedulity and speed concern faithful servants in their trust committed by their masters to them (Gen 24:54).
4. Natural affection will not easily part with near and dear relations (Gen 24:55)
5. Gods call, if apparent, is reason sufficient to take of the delays of natural desire.
6. Nothing but haste with good speed will content faithful servants entrusted (Gen 24:56).
7. Answers from creatures may help to know Gods mind, and so far we are to be consulted (Gen 24:5, Call the damsel and know, &c.).
8. Childrens consent as well as parents must be had in marriage.
9. God sometimes giveth in answers of His will by moving the hearts of creatures (verse58).
10. Fear of God in any measure will yield to Gods will when so revealed.
11. Nearest relations must part to give way to the union of marriage.
12. Such dismission of relations should be suitable to the conditions of men (Gen 24:59).
13. The fear of God will not send away relations from a family without a blessing.
14. Fruitfulness of the womb is a great blessing from God on His people.
15. Tower and prevalency of the Churchs seed over all enemies is a sweet blessing.
16. All this, even to the vanquishing of the gates of hell, is desirable by Gods people (Gen 24:60).
17. Marriage should not be yielded without a blessing, especially in the Church. And they blessed her and sent her away. (G. Hughes, B. D.)
A love story
I. AN EXCELLENT SERVANT. In the early days of the Jews, when a servant loved his master, he sometimes said to him, I will not leave thee: I will serve thee all my days. The master then placed the man-servant against his door-post, and bored his ear through with an awl, as a token that he should serve him for ever. We are not told whether or not Abrahams servant had passed through this ceremony, but it is certain that he was one of the most faithful of servants. Now, beloved brethren, you have not to undergo any outward ceremony in order to become a servant of God. There are some who believe that partaking of the Lords Supper, and being baptized, are processes by which we become the Lords people. On the contrary, when we become His servants, we then, because we are servants, do the Lords will in these two matters. Then, if you would become a servant of God, the first process must be an inward desire. My child, give Me thine heart, saith the Lord. The Christian is a servant of the Lord, and, as such, gives up himself, body, spirit, and soul, to do the will of his Heavenly Father. He is a consecrated vessel filled with the Spirit of the Almighty.
1. This servant of Abraham was a trusted one. All that his master had was placed in his keeping. Beloved servants of the Lord, what a blessing I what a privilege! what an enjoyment I to possess the fulness of God! Seek it; pray for it; believe it; and God shall pour His fulness into your being. Then, surely your lives, like the angels of heaven, shall be shrines for the indwelling of love. The providence of God sent across my path some years ago a thief who had been in prison above twenty times, and who had been twice in penal servitude. I could find no work for him here, because he was well known, and therefore I sent him across the ocean to America, but his character followed him, and he was returned to England. At length we obtained work for him out of Manchester; and he turned out to be a faithful servant. One day the manager of the works was removing his goods to a new house, and the mistress–who did not know what the man had been–called him, saying, John, this basket contains all our silver; will you please be very careful about it, and carry it to the new house. I said to the man, And what did you do? He replied When I got outside, I looked into the basket and saw the silver shining. I lifted it up, and it felt very heavy. Well, what did you do then? He said, I cried, because I was trusted. Of course, he carried it safely. Brethren, God knows the past sin of our lives, yet He takes us into His service and trusts us with human souls, bidding us to take them to the mansion in heaven.
2. The servant of Abraham was under a special vow. And are not all who are servants of God under a vow to render faithful service? A mother whose son was about to leave her to fight the battles between the Northern and Southern States of America, was called into her bedroom on the morning of his departure. She, weeping upon his neck and kissing him, bade him farewell; and drawing from her finger a ring which she prized exceedingly, she kissed it and placed it upon his finger, saying, Promise me, my son, that you will not touch any intoxicating liquors whilst you are away. And he, looking at the ring, on which was the motto, Never forget, kissed his mother and made the vow. When he joined the army, he manfully resisted the temptations of his comrades; but at length enticed beyond his strength, he went with them to the canteen. Lifting the foaming liquor to his mouth, he saw his mothers ring, and his conscience smote him. He dropped the glass upon the table, and rushing out, he prayed to God to forgive him and to help him to keep his promise. On the evening of that day, when the battle was over, he was found wounded and dying with his mothers ring pressed to his lips. Brethren, you also have made a vow not only to your parent, but to your God. And if the promise made to our earthly parents has such a power for good over us, how much more the promise we have made to our Heavenly Father! Brethren, will you not keep the vow? Will you not re-resolve it?
3. Abrahams servant was a believer. O Lord God of my master Abraham. How sweet it is when the employer can lead the employed to God!
4. Abrahams servant believed in the Lords presence. Beloved, our Saviour is not dead. He is here. All who are the Lords servants have the inward testimony that Jesus Christ is a Saviour nigh at hand.
5. He believed in the Lords guidance. If we acknowledge God in all our ways, He has promised to direct our paths. In Abrahams servants, we have an example of a man who trusted God. Brethren, trust Him also. Wherever you go your Father is with you; your path may be dark; but your Father holds your hand. The chart of every days journey is before your God, and when you stand in the sunshine of heaven you shall then see that His hand did really direct your course. Go on!
6. This servant judged his errand to be more important than himself. He would not partake of food until he had told the mission on which he was sent. Brethren, we should not consider ourselves more important than the work which Christ has given us to do. Let us pray for grace to be enabled with Paul to say, For me to live is–not myself–but Christ. Our purpose is to be conformed to the image of Gods dear Son, and to live in the spirit of His loving life.
7. His heart was in it. In crossing over the Atlantic Ocean once, on the second day of the voyage, an unfortunate fellow was pulled up from the hold–a stowaway. Desiring to go to America, and being too poor to pay his passage, he hid himself on board the ship. But the captain said, You must work out your passage now that you are here. He was set to wash the decks, and do other rough work on the ship, but I noticed the man had no heart in it; he did it because he was compelled. How different with the true sailors! When they ran up the rigging they sang out with delight, and did their work with all their heart. It did one good to hear the hearty song of the man up near the top of the mast, but the hang-dog look of the stowaway caused gloom in the midst of sunshine. NOW, brethren, do your work for Christ with all your heart; put your soul into it; do it with enthusiasm. It is the earnest men only who succeed in temporal things; and it is only Gods earnest ones who bring in a plentiful harvest to the heavenly barn. Servants of God, awake! awake! When you speak to people about their souls, let them see that you mean it.
II. AN IMPORTANT QUESTION. Rebekah was asked, Will you go with this man? And now I ask you, will you come with us to heaven? God gives every one of us at some period of our lives an opportunity of becoming His servants. It is said that time and tide come to every man once in his life. I feel persuaded that salvations tide has come to your very heart, and that every one of you may enter Christs lifeboat and sail with us to paradise. This is your opportunity. Do not reject it.
III. THE LOVING ANSWER. Will you not say, as did Rebekah to Abrahams servant, I will go. Have you ever thought when you have read this chapter of the meeting? Isaac was walking in the field at eventide, and whilst he meditated, he lifted up his eyes and beheld the camels on their return, and noticed that all of them carried burdens. His heart filled with joy, and he said, She is come. Will you come? Behold the Lamb of God who taketh away the sins of the world I Trust Him. (W. Birch.)
Isaacs marriage
I. THE DOMESTIC COUNCIL.
1. The family of Bethuel. Evening. Work of the day nearly over. The daughter gone to the well. Her long delay. Growing wonder. Rebekahs return. Shows the presents, and relates the story to her mother. Laban, hearing the tale and seeing the jewels, goes out to the well (Gen 24:29) and invites Eliezer to come into the house (Gen 24:31).
2. Eastern hospitality. Provision for man and beast.
3. The council.
(1) Eliezer states his mission (Gen 24:33-41).
(2) States how he wished for a sign, and had it fulfilled in Rebekah (Gen 24:43-47).
(3) Intimates that God is in this matter (Gen 24:42-48).
(4) Bethuel and Laban reply. They see the hand of God (Gen 24:50), and give their consent (Gen 24:51).
(5) Eliezer again acknowledges the good hand of the Lord (verse
52), and produces more presents.
4. This council conducted with frankness and piety on the one hand, and a due respect for the will of God on the other.
II. THE EARLY DEPARTURE.
1. Eliezer having performed his mission, is anxious to return. Thinks of his master, aged and anxious. Life uncertain.
2. Laban and her mother plead for delay. Suggestive of the lovable character of Rebekah, and her value in the household. Perhaps never more prized than now that she must go. Reminds us of the tenacity with which we cling to dear objects in the moment of separation.
3. Rebekah decides for a prompt departure. Having been a faithful daughter, she would now do her duty in her new relation. Her husband should not hear that she had been an unwilling bride.
4. She bids adieu to home scenes, in company with her nurse; and dowried with the blessing of her family.
III. THE HAPPY MEETING.
1. The home of Abraham. The patriarch following his servants with his prayers. Reliant on God.
2. Isaac waits the issue of this negotiation for his marriage.
3. Goes out into the open country to meditate and pray (see marg. Verse 63). Much in the past and present and future for him to pray and think about.
4. Sees the camels and goes to meet them.
5. The well of the living one that sees me. Happy would it be for the future life of many if their early meetings were ruled by the thoughts suggested by the name of the well near which Isaac first met Rebekah. Much sin and sorrow might be avoided.
6. Rebekahs modesty, the veil, and cordiality. Alights at once.
7. Isaacs welcome. He conducts Rebekah to the tent that had been his mothers. Learn:
I. The advantage of family union in matters of domestic importance.
II. The duty of consulting parents in affairs of such consequence.
III. To be diligent in business, like Eliezer.
IV. To have times and places for meditation and prayer.
V. To remember the Living that sees us in all our intercourse with friends. (J. C. Gray.)
The chief thing to know about a suitor
After Mr. Philip Henry, who came to Worthembury a stranger, had been in the country for some time, his attachment to Miss Matthews, afterwards his wife, became manifest; and it was mutual. Among the other objections urged by her friends against the connection was this, that although Mr. Henry was a gentleman and a scholar, and an excellent preacher, he was quite a stranger, and they did not even know where he came from. True, replied Miss Matthews, but I know where he is going, and I should like to go with him. (Bayleys Family Biblical Instructor.)
Fuente: Biblical Illustrator Edited by Joseph S. Exell
Verse 58. Wilt thou go with this man?] So it appears it was left ultimately to the choice of Rebekah whether she would accept the proposals now made to her, unless we suppose that the question meant, Wilt thou go immediately, or stay with us a month longer?
She said, I will go.] It fully appears to be the will of God that it should be so, and I consent. This at once determined the whole business.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
And they called Rebekah,…. Or ordered her to be called by one of the servants:
and said unto her, wilt thou go with this man? that is, directly; the question was not about her marriage of Isaac, that was agreed upon, and she had doubtless given her consent, and which she tacitly did by accepting of the presents, but about taking the journey immediately:
and she said, I will go; the note of Jarchi is,
“of myself, and even if you are not willing,”
which seems to make her answer rude, as well as resolute; but it must be interpreted consistent with her decent and modest behaviour, and as expressive of her agreeing to go with the man directly, having no manner of objection on her mind to it; but on the contrary found a strong inclination to it, and was determined on it; and perhaps was under a divine impulse, which strongly wrought upon her, and caused her to be so willing to leave her own people, and her father’s house.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
(58) Wilt thou go with this man?A woman in the East has little choice in the matter of her marriage, and here, moreover, everything was so plainly providential, that Rebekah, like her father and brother (Gen. 24:50), would have felt it wrong to make difficulties, and she expresses her readiness to go at once, though she will never see her relatives again. Of course there would be some little delay for preparation, but none for leave-taking.
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
58. Wilt thou go This question was not whether she would accept Isaac in marriage; that had been already settled by those who, according to Oriental customs, had that power, and Rebekah, doubtless, was convinced as well as her parents and brother, that God’s hand was in it . But this question meant, Wilt thou go with this man now, or wait a longer time between the espousal and the marriage?
Fuente: Whedon’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
Gen 24:58 And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.
Ver. 58. I will go. ] Christ’s Hephzibah is no less willing to go with him: he toucheth her heart, and maketh her so. Isa 56:6 He commanded his lovingkindness; Psa 42:8 q.d., Go, Mercy, and seize on them; go, Lovingkindness, and make them take you. Hence it is, that they are a freehearted people; Psa 110:3 they wait for his law; Isa 42:4 they love to be his people. Isa 56:6 The Macedonians were A volunteers; 2Co 8:3 they had their own free choice.
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Psa 45:10, Psa 45:11, Luk 1:38
Reciprocal: Gen 2:24 – leave Gen 24:5 – Peradventure Num 36:6 – only to the family 2Co 11:2 – I have
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
FORGET THINE OWN PEOPLE!
And they called Rebekah, and said unto her, Wilt thou go with this man? And she said, I will go.
Gen 24:58
Many Christians believe the great end and aim of life is that they may obtain salvation. But God never created us merely that we might be saved. Had that been His object. He would have answered His purpose best by placing us beyond the reach of moral evil. God calls us to prepare for the bridal union of eternity. In one sense we are united to Christ now, because His Spirit dwells in us. But by the long discipline of life our will is subjugated and brought into conformity with the Divine will, so that Gods will and mans will become identified; and out of the two there is made one in the bridal union of eternity.
I. What is the first condition of discipleship if we are called to be the Bride of the Lamb? We are called to leave all and follow Christ. Rebekah knew nothing of Isaac, except what Eliezer told her; she had to judge of his position and wealth by the stewards testimony. It seemed a great deal to ask, that she should leave home and friends and give herself over to a stranger. Yet she went, and she never regretted her choice.
II. A great deal had to be given up by Rebekah, and a great deal will have to be given up by us. She had to leave her nearest and dearest friends; we may have to make no less real a sacrifice.
III. As Eliezer encouraged Rebekah by giving her the jewels from Isaac, so God encourages us by the promises in His word.
IV. No time was lost in starting. Laban suggested a delay of ten days, but Eliezer said, Hinder me not, seeing the Lord hath prospered my way. Rebekah was no stranger to womans weakness, but she would not risk delay, and when the question is put, the answer is decisive, I will go.
Canon Hay Aitken.
Illustration
Decision of character is essential to all noble life. There are innumerable failures and innumerable evils attendant upon its absence. They who lack moral strength are open to all manner of evil inducements and temptations. The fierce conflicts of the flesh can only be maintained through resoluteness. To hesitate is to be lost. Will you go to the scene of appointed duty? is a Divine question often asked. Will you go to the sacred assembly of the good? Will you join yourself to Gods people? Will you be a Christian, indeed, one who can be depended upon to hold up and to defend the sacred banner, and to maintain resolute fidelity even unto death? If you hesitateif you are half-hearted; if you feel afraid, you cannot be His faithful soldier and servant; you cannot win the crown of life. Decisionearnest, thorough, completeis the essential condition of victory.