Seeking Confirmation

Abraham’s servant was thrilled and thanking God for bringing him to the right place.  When he asked about whether her family would be able to give him lodging she had said she was sure they would, and went to get permission as Genesis 24:28-31 describes.  “And the damsel ran, and told them of her mother's house these things.  And Rebekah had a brother, and his name was Laban: and Laban ran out unto the man, unto the well.  And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister's hands, and when he heard the words of Rebekah his sister, saying, Thus spake the man unto me; that he came unto the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.  And he said, Come in, thou blessed of the LORD; wherefore standest thou without? for I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.” 

Her brother, Laban was amazed at how much he had given Rebekah for watering his camels.  How much would he be willing to pay for a night’s lodging for himself and his men?  Laban was determined to take advantage of the opportunity for such a profit, and made a special effort to make the servant feel welcome. 

Abraham’s servant did not want there to be any misunderstanding about why he was there and insisted on explaining his mission even before they ate, in Genesis 24:32-49.  “And the man came into the house: and he ungirded his camels, and gave straw and provender for the camels, and water to wash his feet, and the men's feet that were with him.  And there was set meat before him to eat: but he said, I will not eat, until I have told mine errand.

And he said, Speak on.

And he said, I am Abraham's servant.  And the LORD hath blessed my master greatly; and he is become great: and he hath given him flocks, and herds, and silver, and gold, and menservants, and maidservants, and camels, and asses.  And Sarah my master's wife bare a son to my master when she was old: and unto him hath he given all that he hath.  And my master made me swear, saying, Thou shalt not take a wife to my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I dwell: But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

And I said unto my master, Peradventure the woman will not follow me.  And he said unto me, The LORD, before whom I walk, will send his angel with thee, and prosper thy way; and thou shalt take a wife for my son of my kindred, and of my father's house: Then shalt thou be clear from this my oath, when thou comest to my kindred; and if they give not thee one, thou shalt be clear from my oath.  And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go: Behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that when the virgin cometh forth to draw water, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water of thy pitcher to drink; And she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: let the same be the woman whom the LORD hath appointed out for my master's son.

And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew water: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.  And she made haste, and let down her pitcher from her shoulder, and said, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: so I drank, and she made the camels drink also.  And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou?  And she said, The daughter of Bethuel, Nahor's son, whom Milcah bare unto him: and I put the earring upon her face, and the bracelets upon her hands.

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD, and blessed the LORD God of my master Abraham, which had led me in the right way to take my master's brother's daughter unto his son.  And now if ye will deal kindly and truly with my master, tell me: and if not, tell me; that I may turn to the right hand, or to the left.”

The servant believed that God had clearly shown him Rebekah was the proper woman for Isaac.   He also recognized that we can misinterpret signs and jump to false conclusions.  While it was unlikely a girl would volunteer to water his camels, it was not impossible, so the sign could not be taken as absolute.  When decisions are based completely on signs, Satan can use false signs or natural events to mislead us.  Other people were involved and he needed to know whether they believed it was God’s will and were willing to work with him or not.  If they were not it was probable that he was misinterpreting the signs and jumping to a false conclusion.

Rebekah’s father and brother were convinced this was the will of God and agreed that Rebekah hould marry Isaac, according to Genesis 24:50-53.  “Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.  Behold, Rebekah is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master's son's wife, as the LORD hath spoken.

And it came to pass, that, when Abraham's servant heard their words, he worshipped the LORD, bowing himself to the earth.   And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave them to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.”  Their response confirmed the servant’s conclusion that Rebekah was the right woman, and he celebrated God’s having blessed his errand by giving each of those involved various gifts as a token of appreciation after the decision had been made.  The decision was based solely on the information and was not affected by the gifts.