A Bride for Isaac

Abraham, being old and well stricken in age, instructed his eldest servant to swear by the Lord that he would not take a wife for Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites. Instead, the servant was commanded to go to Abraham's country and kindred to find a bride (Genesis 24:1-4). The servant journeyed with ten camels and various goods to the city of Nahor. Upon arrival, he prayed by a well that the woman who offered to give him a drink and also water his camels would be the one appointed for Isaac. Before he had finished speaking, Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel, came out with a pitcher on her shoulder (Genesis 24:10-15).

Rebekah provided water for the servant and then drew water for all his camels until they finished drinking. The servant gave her a golden earring and two bracelets of gold, asking whose daughter she was and if there was room in her father’s house for him to lodge. She identified her lineage and offered him room for the night. The servant then worshipped the Lord for leading him to the house of his master’s brethren. Laban, Rebekah’s brother, saw the jewelry and heard her account, then went to the well to invite the man into the house (Genesis 24:22-31).

Inside the house, the servant refused to eat until he had declared his errand. He recounted Abraham’s wealth and the specific sign at the well. Laban and Bethuel answered that the thing proceeded from the Lord and they could not speak bad or good. They agreed that Rebekah should go and become the wife of Isaac (Genesis 24:33-51). The servant presented further jewels and raiment to Rebekah, and precious things to her brother and mother. The next morning, the servant requested to depart. Although her family asked for a delay, Rebekah stated she would go. Upon reaching the South country, Isaac was meditating in the field at eventide when he saw the camels approaching (Genesis 24:62-63).