God answered Eleazar’s prayer even before he could finish his
closing words. Rebekah, the granddaughter of Nahor, appeared to draw water from
the well. The description of her in verse 16, tells us that she was not only a
beautiful woman but also a very proper one, a virgin, who was not flirtatious.
Her identity was not known to the servant of Abraham. Immediately he went into
action, requesting for a drink from her jar. Without hesitation she lowered her
jar and offered him the drink. Not only that, she even offered to water all his
camels. So she went back and forth from the well and the water trough, filling
them till all the ten camels were watered. Meanwhile Eleazar just observed and silently
assessed her to see if God would grant him success.
It appears that Rebekah was the first girl to arrive at the well,
hence the servant of Abraham did not have too many choices to content with.
This is an indication of how closely God worked with the servant and how
quickly God affirmed who Isaac’s wife was to be. As we reflect on the
conditions set by Abraham’s servant, we must conclude that they were so high
that not many girls would have acceded. So it could not be co-incidence that
Rebekah should respond to him. God was
certainly behind his success.
Eleazar waited till Rebekah had finished watering his camels
before he presented her with three precious pieces of jewellery, more for her
willingness to help than the bridal gifts, as he had not seen her parents.
Besides he did not know her background as yet. He then asked for her father’s
name and inquired if there was room in her house for him, and probably his
entourage and the camels. She then told him her father was Bethuel, the
grandson of Nahor. Immediately Eleazar knew that God had done the connection
and Isaac would soon have his bride. So he worshiped the Lord for His favour upon
Abraham his master. He was so overwhelmed that he just bowed down and worshiped
God on the spot. The word for bow is literally to prostrate before God. Like
him we should respond gratefully to God for all he has done for us. Let us not
give muted response to God for His goodness.
Rebekah was excited to show the gifts she was given by the servant
of Abraham. She was of course impressed with his devotion to God and to his
mater, Abraham. So with uncontained joy she hurried home to show her mother.
Here we see Laban as the spokesman for the family. He was probably a covetous
man for the first things he noticed were the pieces of jewellery given to her
sister, Rebekah. On hearing what she said, Laban quickly invited them to lodge
in their house and food to eat. But Eleazar preferred to finish his mission
before he ate. So he sat down and told the long story of his mission, beginning
from how God had blessed Abraham, his master. Verses 34 – 48 recount for us all
that had transpired. So he now asked Laban
for Rebekah’s hand for Isaac, his young master.
This story is about divine guidance. It is what we must seek in
our life too. Divine guidance always begins with prayer, earnestness and the
word. It requires that we be closely connected to God as Eleazar did. Then we
need to be attentive to God’s response. He can answer through people,
circumstances and even events. Obedience also plays a part. God can show but
the response is ours. Of course we need God’s guidance, because apart from
doing His will nothing truly matters. Let’s seek His guidance for our life.
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