Summary of Genesis 24:1-14:
Abraham is now getting older, and it’s time for Isaac to take a wife. He makes his servant promise to get him a wife from his relatives and not one from the Canaanites. Isaac is not to return. Abraham says that God will send his angel before the servant so that he can find a wife. He swears by placing his hand under Abraham’s thigh.
The servant took 10 camels and many gifts and set out to Aram Naharaim (Northwest Mesopotamia) to Nahor. He stopped at a well. The servant asks God for a sign of the one to be Isaac’s wife by asking that whoever offers him and his camels a drink be the one.
BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 15, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-14
3) Abraham was concerned about finding a wife for Isaac that followed the One, True God. He did not want a pagan wife for him.
4a) Abraham is getting a wife for his son so that the line can continue, and one that will keep the faith.
b) Personal Question. My answer: My husband and kids. Unsure what might change.
5a) The servant asks God for a sign of the one to be Isaac’s wife by asking that whoever offers him and his camels a drink be the one.
b) Personal Question. My answer: We should always pray before major decisions are made.
Conclusions BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 15, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-14
I love how Abraham takes iniative to ensure his son has a wife so that God’s promises can be met in terms or having a nation come from Abraham. I love the servant too, especially how he ensures the chosen one for Isaac waters his camels as well. Shows what a big heart she would have.
End Notes BSF Study Questions Genesis: Lesson 15, Day 2: Genesis 24:1-14
Fun fact: This is the longest chapter in the book of Genesis. Fitting that it’s on Isaac finding a wife like Jesus found us.
We’ve met Eliezer before in Genesis (Genesis 15:2). The servant in charge of the household was special indeed in ancient times. They were often extremely close to their masters, more like family than anything else.
Swearing under the thigh indicated the seriousness of the oath.
Abraham feared his death was near (Sarah has been dead 3 years and Abraham is now 140 years old), so he made sure all of his instructions were clear. His priority now was carrying on the family line. Since there were in the middle of the desert with no one around except pagans who were still few and far between, it was hard to find a wife.
The Journey back to Ur from whence Abraham came was a long one (many months in ancient times where camels were used for travel). it as about 900 miles. You can assume that each camel carried supplies and the gifts the servant was to give the bride’s family.
Isaac was not to leave the Promised Land.
Nahor in the Bible:
- The grandfather of Abraham (Genesis 11:24-26)
- The brother of Abraham (Genesis 11:26-29)
Here, it’s referring to the city of Nahor.
Note that Eliezer did not ask God for a woman of beauty. It was more important her heart. Watering 10 camels would take at least an hour of laborous work becuase you would have to draw up galllon after gallon. Note that he also asked God for a sign that was possible. Too many of us ask for miraculous signs that is not possible and then we’re disappointed when the sign doesn’t come. This sign was most definitely possible, and God answered.