Chapter 24:
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Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Revelation Exodus
Genesis 24
Concise Complete
Abraham's care for Isaac's marriage. (1-9) The journey
of Abraham's servant to Mesopotamia, His meeting with Rebekah. (10-28) Rebekah
and her relatives consent to her marriage. (29-53) The happy meeting and
marriage of Isaac and rebekah. (54-67)
Verses 1-9 The
effect of good example, good teaching, and the worship of God in a family, will
generally appear in the piety, faithfulness, prudence, and affection of the
servants. To live in such families, or to have such servants, both are blessings
from God which should be highly valued, and thankfully acknowledged. But no
concern in life is of greater importance to ourselves, to others, or to the
church of God, than marriage. It therefore ought always to be undertaken with
much care and prudence, especially with reference to the will of God, and with
prayer for his direction and blessing. Where good parents are not consulted and
regarded, the blessing of God cannot be expected. Parents, in disposing of their
children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their
furtherance in the way to heaven. Observe the charge Abraham gave to a good
servant, one whose conduct, faithfulness, and affection, to him and his family,
he had long known. Observe also, that Abraham remembers that God had wonderfully
brought him out of the land of his birth, by the call of his grace; and
therefore doubts not but He will prosper his care, not to bring his son thither
again. God will cause that to end in our comfort, in which we sincerely aim at
his glory.
Verses 10-28
Abraham's servant devoutly acknowledged God. We have leave to be particular in
recommending our affairs to the care of Divine providence. He proposes a sign,
not that he intended to proceed no further, if not gratified in it; but it is a
prayer that God would provide a good wife for his young master; and that was a
good prayer. She should be simple, industrious, humble, cheerful, serviceable,
and hospitable. Whatever may be the fashion, common sense, as well as piety,
tells us, these are the proper qualifications for a wife and mother; for one who
is to be a companion to her husband, the manager of domestic concerns, and
trusted to form the minds of children. When the steward came to seek a wife for
his master, he did not go to places of amusement and sinful pleasure, and pray
that he might meet one there, but to the well of water, expecting to find one
there employed aright. He prayed that God would please to make his way in this
matter plain and clear before him. Our times are in God's hand; not only events
themselves, but the times of them. We must take heed of being over-bold in
urging what God should do, lest the event should weaken our faith, rather than
strengthen it. But God owned him by making his way clear. Rebekah, in all
respects, answered the characters he sought for in the woman that was to be his
master's wife. When she came to the well, she went down and filled her pitcher,
and came up to go home with it. She did not stand to gaze upon the strange man
his camels, but minded her business, and would not have been diverted from it
but by an opportunity of doing good. She did not curiously or confidently enter
into discourse with him, but answered him modestly. Being satisfied that the
Lord had heard his prayer, he gave the damsel some ornaments worn in eastern
countries; asking at the same time respecting her kindred. On learning that she
was of his master's relations, he bowed down his head and worshipped, blessing
God. His words were addressed to the Lord, but being spoken in the hearing of
Rebekah, she could perceive who he was, and whence he came.
Verses 29-53
The making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah is told very
particularly. We are to notice God's providence in the common events of human
life, and in them to exercise prudence and other graces. Laban went to ask
Abraham's servant in, but not till he saw the ear-ring, and bracelet upon his
sister's hands. We know Laban's character, by his conduct afterwards, and may
think that he would not have been so free to entertain him, if he had not hoped
to be well rewarded for it. The servant was intent upon his business. Though he
was come off a journey, and come to a good house, he would not eat till he had
told his errand. The doing our work, and the fulfilling our trusts, either for
God or man, should be preferred by us before our food: it was our Saviour's meat
and drink,
john 4:34. He
tells them the charge his master had given him, with the reason of it. He
relates what had happened at the well, to further the proposal, plainly showing
the finger of God in it. Those events which to us seem the effect of choice,
contrivance, or chance, are "appointed out" of God. This hinders not, but rather
encourages the use of all proper means. They freely and cheerfully close with
the proposal; and any matter is likely to be comfortable, when it proceeds from
the Lord. Abraham's servant thankfully acknowledges the good success he had met
with. He was a humble man, and humble men are not ashamed to own their situation
in life, whatever it may be. All our temporal concerns are sweet if intermixed
with godliness.
Verses 54-67
Abraham's servant, as one that chose his work before his pleasure, was for
hastening home. Lingering and loitering no way become a wise and good man who is
faithful to his duty. As children ought not to marry without their parents'
consent, so parents ought not to marry them without their own. Rebekah
consented, not only to go, but to go at once. The goodness of Rebekah's
character shows there was nothing wrong in her answer, though it be not
agreeable to modern customs among us. We may hope that she had such an idea of
the religion and godliness in the family she was to go to, as made her willing
to forget her own people and her father's house. Her friends dismiss her with
suitable attendants, and with hearty good wishes. They blessed Rebekah. When our
relations are entering into a new condition, we ought by prayer to commend them
to the blessing and grace of God. Isaac was well employed when he met Rebekah.
He went out to take the advantage of a silent evening, and a solitary place, for
meditation and prayer; those divine exercises by which we converse with God and
our own hearts. Holy souls love retirement; it will do us good to be often
alone, if rightly employed; and we are never less alone than when alone. Observe
what an affectionate son Isaac was: it was about three years since his mother
died, and yet he was not, till now, comforted. See also what an affectionate
husband he was to his wife. Dutiful sons promise fair to be affectionate
husbands; he that fills up his first station in life with honour, is likely to
do the same in those that follow.
Chapter 24:
| Calvin
| Darby
| Geneva
| Gill
| Jamieson Faussett Brown
| Matthew Henry
| Matthew Henry Concise
| Wesley
| Index
| Bible Gateway |
Introduction 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 15 16 17 18 19 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 27 28 29 30 31 32 33 34 35 36 37 38 39 40 41 42 43 44 45 46 47 48 49 50 Revelation Exodus
Genesis
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