Abraham said to his servant, the oldest of his household, who ruled over all that he owned, “Please place your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I live, but you will go to my country and to my relatives, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” (vv.2-4)
When selecting a wife for Isaac, Abraham wanted a woman who would retrace his own faith journey from Ur to Canaan. He made his chief servant swear that he would not choose a woman from Canaan (v. 3), but instead make the 500-mile journey back to the region Abraham had left about 65 years prior (see 12:4; 17:24; 25:20), and without Isaac. His direction was rooted in God's promise that Isaac would inherit the land of Canaan, so Abraham wasn't about to let him leave. He had witnessed God's miraculous provision enough times to trust Him for every need, even a wife. He had complete confidence that God's angel would ensure the plan's success (v. 7).
Isaac's wife would have to be someone willing to leave her home and family to inherit the land God promised sight unseen. This extreme selectivity showed that Abraham wanted to build a family of faith. Even Abraham's servant Eliezar believed that God would provide, and as he acknowledged God in all his ways, the Lord directed Eliezar's steps. This reinforces the fact that belief in God was never exclusive to Abraham's direct descendants. Eliezar's prayer (vv.10-14) for the Lord's help also shows us that he depended on God for success.
After arriving in the city where Nahor, Abraham's brother, lived, Eliezar devised a test based on character rather than beauty or charm—and it was no small test. The servant had ten camels that had just traveled 500 miles, and one thirsty camel can guzzle up to thirty gallons of water in just ten minutes! So, to water them all would take a special woman as we shall see in Rebekah; one of compassion, hospitality, strength, endurance, with a servants heart. Ten camels needing to drink 30 gallons each probably took her at least 100 trips to the well; drawing, carrying, pouring, refilling the troughs with her 3 gallon clay pot.
We also read that Rebekah was very beautiful to behold. She is one of the few women whom the Bible specifically describes as beautiful. The others are Sarah (Genesis 12:11-14), Rachel (Genesis 29:17), Abigail (1 Samuel 25:3), Bathsheba (2 Samuel 11:2), Tamar (2 Samuel 14:27), Queen Vashti of the Persians (Esther 1:11), Esther (Esther 2:7), and the daughters of Job (Job 42:15).
Eliezar let Rebekah complete the difficult job of providing water to his ten camels. Then from there, the wedding arrangements progressed rapidly. Eliezer gave her gifts and requested hospitality. At her house he introduced himself to the family and told them of his urgent errand before the meal had even begun. Then he negotiated, paid the bride price, and the next morning headed back to Canaan with the bride-to-be.
We have plenty to glean from in this passage conserving faith and trust in God, especially when it comes to selecting a potential spouse. While beauty, charm and attraction do come into play in selecting such a person, it's important to look for someone of faith and character as well. Such a life long decision should not be rushed either. Ask God to guide you in your choice, even if it takes a long journey to find the right person. It will be well worth it in the end.
The Truth: “Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways submit to Him, and He will make your path straight.” (Proverbs 3:5-6)
