Abraham was nearing the end of his life, but two major events remained: the death of his beloved wife, Sarah, and the marriage of his beloved son, Isaac. Sarah died at age 127 and Abraham acquired his own land for the first time—a burial plot.
In haggling over the property, Ephron, the seller, charged an outrageous price and forced Abraham to buy more land than he actually wanted. This purchase of a burial ground, though, was an act of faith. Abraham was in fact laying claim to the land God had promised to give his descendants.
Abraham realized that he would not have descendants if Isaac never married, and he did not want a marriage with the Canaanite women in the region. He solemnly commissioned his servant (perhaps Eliezar mentioned to in chapter 15?) to find a wife from his own people. He clearly instructed Eliezar to find a woman who would be willing to move to Canaan; under no circumstances should Isaac move to another region. Abraham was confident that the God who had promised this land to Isaac’s children would “send his angel before [you] so that you can get a wife from my son from there.” (Gen. 24:7)
The servant, well-laden with presents carried on ten camels set out on the long and arduous journey to Nahor. Abraham had modeled a life of faith before the servant, and Eliezar now proceeded in just the way his master would have done: he prayed a specific prayer. “O Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” He was bold enough to pray that specific things would happen to indicate which young woman was meant to become Isaac’s wife.
How God must have appreciated his faith and daring, because He answered each request exactly as Eliezar had prayed before he had finished praying! And God went even further than Eliezar had asked: Rebekah, the young woman who fulfilled the prayer’s requirements was related to Abraham himself!
When Rebekah ran off to warn her mother to prepare for an overnight guest, Eliezar thanked God for His prompt answer. He knew that this meeting had not happened by chance, but had been orchestrated by the Almighty God “who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master.” (Gen. 24:27)
An interesting character inserts himself into the story at this point, a man we will come to know well later! Moses cleverly gives us a hint of this rascal’s nature when he discloses Laban’s interest in the servant’s wealth. (Gen. 24:30,31)
Once seated around the meal in Rebekah’s home, the servant wasted no time in disclosing the reason for his trip. He testified to Abraham’s faith that God would lead him to a bride for Isaac. He indicated how God had answered his prayer for guidance when He had sent Rebekah to the well.
Laban, Rebekah’s brother, and Bethuel, her father saw God’s hand in this errand as well. They quickly agreed to the marriage, profiting greatly from Abraham’s largesse. Although they weren’t ready for Rebekah to leave the following morning, as the servant had planned, she was ready. She and her servants were on the camels and heading for Canaan by morning.
The romantic side of us can just imagine Rebekah and Isaac’s notice of each other as she reached the field near his home. When Isaac heard the account of the God-ordained meeting with Rebekah, he brought her to his mother’s tent and married her. We are gratified to read that Isaac “loved her and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.” (Gen. 24:47)
I appreciate what this story teaches me about God’s guidance. Eliezar’s approach to the daunting task of finding a wife for Isaac from people he had probably never met is a good model. He prayed on the basis of God’s character, not fearing to be specific in his request, and then resting in his belief that God would lead him. Some parallel verses fit the story and add to my understanding of God’s promises in this regard:
Psalm 32:8: “I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you and watch over you.”
Isaiah 65:24: “Before they call I will answer; while they are still speaking, I will hear.”
My life is not a game of Russian roulette. God has a plan for me, and has promised to reveal it. My part is to seek after Him and to follow.
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