Genesis 24:

Summary: Abraham commands his servant to find a wife for Isaac who is of the covenant. The servant travels to a certain town. He prays for the Lord to send the person who should marry Isaac, and to have her water his ten camels so that he will recognize her. Rebekah shows up and waters his camels. He tells her his mission. She takes the servant to meet her family. They want her to stay a little while, but the servant says they need to leave. Rebekah agrees with the servant, and they leave. Isaac marries Rebekah.

Personal Reflections: I’m not in the habit of doing this anymore. I realize it’s coming up on a month now since I last posted. My short hiatus turned out rather longer than I had expected it to. That’s what happens when you decide to write 150 pages in two weeks and also have finals going on, then go on a two week vacation without internet access. When you get back you realize just how behind you’ve fallen on your goal. But I promise to repent and refocus.

It seems to me like this chapter gets talked about a lot. It is an amazing story of work and of faith. Rebekah is a hard worker; that much is clear. No one in his right mind would want to water ten thirsty camels. I don’t want to quote a number, but camels drink a lot of water especially if they’ve been going through the desert and are thirsty, which these camels would have been. Nahor isn’t just a short jaunt down the road from where the servant started out.

Also, Rebekah is a great example of faith. If it had been me, I would have wanted to stay at home with my family, at least for a short time. I would want to prepare myself for whatever might be coming. Rebekah had enough faith to go with the servant immediately.

Finally, I think it’s really cute that Rebekah “lighted off the camel” when she saw Isaac. I like that picture of her being so excited to meet Isaac and wanting to prepare herself.
My Old Testament teacher says that he thinks this chapter is a great example of the principles that should guide our courtship and marriage practices and how we should prepare for marriage. Perhaps, if we are already married, we can think of this chapter as a guide to qualities that will make our marriages happier and better.

(The original Post Below)

Summary: Abraham commands that Isaac shall not marry a Canaanite—The Lord guides Abraham’s servant in choosing Rebekah as a wife for Isaac—Rebekah blessed to be the mother of thousands of millions—She marries Isaac.

Personal Reflection: Guzik.

Note: I suppose if I always point you to Guzik you'll stop reading me, but I'll use him as a stop-gap for now. Busy night.