BIBLE LESSON

“May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too — let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.’”

— Genesis 24:14 Abraham’s servant prayed for the Lord to choose the wife He wanted for Isaac. His prayer reveals some of the qualities he thought the wife of Abraham’s son should possess. She must be young. Though Abraham was old, his son was young. She must show hospitality to strangers, such as himself. She must see the needs of others, even animals, and be willing to care for their needs without needing to be asked or commanded. She must be able and willing to work hard. The servant knew that carrying a water jar from a spring to aid thirsty camels would require the energy and strength of a healthy young woman. The servant also knew that if he prayed and found a woman with these qualities that God had indeed shown kindness to his servants Abraham and Isaac.

Rebekah exceeded the servant’s expectations. In addition to perfectly answering his prayer, she was beautiful and morally fit to be Isaac’s wife. She was not only strong and eager to serve others, but she quickly gave water to the servant and unselfishly ran to quickly water his camels. She did exactly what she told the servant she would do. Keeping her word, she completed the task as the servant watched her closely. Because God led the servant so perfectly, Rebekah did as he had prayed, and she agreed to go with Abraham’s servant to marry Isaac.