Genesis 24:11

KJV

And he made his camels to kneel down without the city by a well of water at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water].

KJV (with Strong's)

And he made {H1288} his camels {H1581} to kneel down {H1288} without {H2351} the city {H5892} by {H413} a well {H875} of water {H4325} at the time {H6256} of the evening {H6153}, even the time {H6256} that women go out {H3318} to draw {H7579} water.

Complete Jewish Bible

Toward evening, when the women go out to draw water, he had the camels kneel down outside the city by the well.

Berean Standard Bible

As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water.

American Standard Version

And he made the camels to kneel down without the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:11 meticulously details the strategic arrival of Abraham's chief servant at a well outside a city in Mesopotamia, a pivotal moment in his divinely appointed mission to secure a wife for Isaac. This verse underscores the servant's diligent planning and reliance on God's guidance, as he deliberately times his arrival for the evening, the customary hour when women would gather to draw water, thereby setting the stage for the providential encounter with Rebekah.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse serves as the immediate precursor to the core narrative of [Genesis chapter 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - The Search for Isaac's Wife"), which is entirely dedicated to the servant's mission. Following Abraham's solemn charge to his servant in [Genesis 24:2-4](/genesis/24-2-4 "Abraham's Charge to His Servant"), this verse marks the servant's arrival at his destination. It strategically positions him at a public gathering place, the well, which is a recurring motif in Genesis for significant encounters and betrothals, as seen in [Genesis 29:1-14](/genesis/29-1-14 "Jacob Meets Rachel at the Well"). The servant's actions in [Genesis 24:11](/genesis/24-11 "The Servant's Strategic Arrival") directly precede his prayer for divine guidance in [Genesis 24:12-14](/genesis/24-12-14 "The Servant's Prayer for a Sign"), demonstrating his faith-filled preparation for the unfolding of God's will.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, wells were indispensable lifelines in arid regions, serving not only as sources of water but also as vital social hubs. Cities were often established near such water sources, and daily life revolved around them. The "time of the evening" was a practical and culturally significant period for women to draw water, as the heat of the day had subsided, making the task more manageable. This daily ritual provided a natural and predictable setting for social interaction, exchange of news, and even the arrangement of marriages, as families would often observe potential matches. The act of "making his camels to kneel down" was a common practice for unloading burdens and allowing the animals to rest, signifying the completion of a long journey and a readiness for the next phase of the mission.

* **Key Themes:** [Genesis 24:11](/genesis/24-11 "The Servant's Strategic Arrival") contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Providence and Guidance**, demonstrating how God orchestrates circumstances and uses human prudence to fulfill His plans, even in seemingly ordinary daily routines. Secondly, it underscores the **Importance of Covenant Continuity**, as the search for Isaac's wife is crucial for the perpetuation of the lineage through which God's promises to Abraham (e.g., [Genesis 12:2-3](/genesis/12-2-3 "God's Promises to Abraham")) would be realized. Thirdly, the setting at the well foreshadows the theme of **Hospitality and Righteousness**, as the servant's subsequent prayer and Rebekah's immediate response will test her character and suitability, a common motif where wells serve as testing grounds for virtue, as seen with Moses in [Exodus 2:16-20](/exodus/2-16-20 "Moses at the Well").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **bârak (Hebrew, _bârak'_):** This primitive root, translated as "made... to kneel down," primarily means "to kneel." By implication, it can also mean to bless (God as adoration, or man as benefit) or, euphemistically, to curse. Here, it literally describes the camels settling down, suggesting rest after a long journey, but also a posture of readiness and expectation for the servant's next steps. It implies a deliberate, controlled action rather than a mere collapse from exhaustion.
* **ʻereb (Hebrew, _ʻereb'_):** Meaning "dusk" or "evening," this word precisely defines the "time of the evening." This was not just a casual observation but a crucial detail, indicating the servant's astute awareness of local customs and the predictable rhythms of daily life. The evening was the preferred time for drawing water due to cooler temperatures, making it the ideal moment for the servant to position himself for an encounter.
* **shâʼab (Hebrew, _shâʼab'_):** This primitive root means "to bale up water" or "to draw water." The phrase "women go out to draw [water]" highlights the specific activity that made the well a social gathering point for women. The servant's timing was predicated on this customary activity, demonstrating his strategic foresight in seeking a suitable candidate for Isaac's wife among those engaged in this essential daily chore.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And he made his camels to kneel down":** This action signifies the end of the journey and the beginning of a new phase. It's a deliberate act of settling, allowing the animals rest and preparing for the servant's next move. It suggests careful planning and a methodical approach to his mission.
* **"without the city by a well of water":** The location is precise and strategic. Being "without the city" suggests a public, accessible place, while the "well of water" identifies it as a vital resource and a natural gathering point. This choice of location is crucial for the servant's plan to observe and interact with the local populace.
* **"at the time of the evening, [even] the time that women go out to draw [water]":** This double temporal marker emphasizes the exactness of the servant's timing. It reveals his understanding of local customs and daily routines. He positions himself at the most opportune moment to encounter women, anticipating that among them, God would reveal the chosen bride for Isaac.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to enhance its narrative impact. **Foreshadowing** is prominent, as the precise timing and location at the well strongly hint at the imminent encounter with Rebekah, setting the stage for the fulfillment of the servant's mission. The **Imagery** of camels kneeling by a well at dusk evokes a sense of peace, anticipation, and the quiet culmination of a long journey, contrasting with the bustling activity that is about to commence. The specific mention of "the time that women go out to draw water" functions as a form of **Cultural Realism**, grounding the narrative in the everyday routines of the ancient Near East and making the servant's strategic positioning entirely plausible and effective. This careful description of time and place underscores the **Providential Timing** at play, suggesting divine orchestration behind the servant's seemingly ordinary actions.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:11 beautifully illustrates the interplay between human diligence and divine sovereignty. The servant's careful planning—his choice of location, his understanding of local customs, and his precise timing—does not negate God's guidance but rather serves as the vessel through which divine providence operates. This narrative underscores the biblical principle that while we are called to be faithful and prudent in our endeavors, it is ultimately God who directs our steps and brings His purposes to fruition. The strategic arrival at the well, a common site for significant encounters in the patriarchal narratives, highlights God's active involvement in the details of His covenant people's lives, particularly in the formation of families essential for the continuation of His redemptive plan.

* [Proverbs 16:9](/proverbs/16-9 "Proverbs 16:9 - The Lord Directs Our Steps")
* [Psalm 37:23](/psalms/37-23 "Psalm 37:23 - The Steps of a Good Man are Ordered by the Lord")
* [Romans 8:28](/romans/8-28 "Romans 8:28 - God Works All Things for Good")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Genesis 24:11 offers profound insights for believers navigating important life decisions. It encourages us to emulate the servant's blend of diligent preparation and unwavering trust in God's sovereign timing. Rather than passively waiting, we are called to be proactive, thoughtful, and strategic in our efforts, utilizing our wisdom and understanding of circumstances. Yet, our planning must always be surrendered to divine providence, recognizing that God often works through the ordinary rhythms of life and our sensible actions to bring about His extraordinary purposes. This verse reminds us that our careful preparation becomes a channel for God's perfect timing, guiding us to the opportune moments and people He has prepared, just as He led Rebekah to the well at the appointed hour. It challenges us to pray earnestly, plan wisely, and then trust faithfully for God to open the right doors and orchestrate the connections necessary for His will to be done in our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How can I balance diligent planning and preparation with complete trust in God's timing in my own life decisions?**
* **In what "ordinary" or routine circumstances might God be preparing an "extraordinary" encounter or opportunity for me?**
* **What steps can I take to be more attuned to God's subtle guidance in the seemingly mundane details of my daily life?**

### FAQ
**Why was the well a crucial location for the servant's mission?**

Answer: The well was crucial because it served as the primary social and practical hub for women in ancient Near Eastern communities, especially during the customary evening hours when they would gather to draw water. This made it the most logical and strategic location for Abraham's servant to position himself to observe, pray for divine guidance, and ultimately encounter a suitable woman for Isaac. It was a predictable point of contact where daily necessities intertwined with community interaction, providing the perfect setting for God to orchestrate the meeting with Rebekah, as seen in [Genesis 24:15-16](/genesis/24-15-16 "Rebekah Arrives at the Well").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While [Genesis 24:11](/genesis/24-11 "The Servant's Arrival and Christ") does not directly prophesy Christ, the broader narrative of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac, the beloved son of promise, functions as a rich typological foreshadowing of God's redemptive plan through Jesus Christ. Isaac, the son for whom a bride is diligently sought, serves as a type of Christ, the beloved Son of God, who is to inherit all things. The unnamed servant, dispatched by the father (Abraham) and guided by divine providence, beautifully prefigures the work of the Holy Spirit, who is sent by the Father to seek and prepare the Church—the bride of Christ—from among the nations. Just as the servant ensured the bride was from Abraham's own kin, the Holy Spirit draws those who are spiritually "of Christ" (cf. [Galatians 3:29](/galatians/3-29 "Galatians 3:29 - Heirs According to the Promise")) into His family, preparing them for union with the Son (cf. [Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Ephesians 5:25-27 - Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). The servant's diligent journey and strategic arrival at the well to find a bride for Isaac thus mirror the Holy Spirit's ongoing work of gathering and sanctifying the Church, preparing her to be presented pure and spotless to her heavenly Bridegroom (cf. [Revelation 19:7-9](/revelation/19-7-9 "Revelation 19:7-9 - The Marriage Supper of the Lamb")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

1 Samuel 9:11

¶ [And] as they went up the hill to the city, they found young maidens going out to draw water, and said unto them, Is the seer here?

John 4:7

There cometh a woman of Samaria to draw water: Jesus saith unto her, Give me to drink.

Exodus 2:16

¶ Now the priest of Midian had seven daughters: and they came and drew [water], and filled the troughs to water their father's flock.

Genesis 33:13

And he said unto him, My lord knoweth that the children [are] tender, and the flocks and herds with young [are] with me: and if men should overdrive them one day, all the flock will die.

Genesis 33:14

Let my lord, I pray thee, pass over before his servant: and I will lead on softly, according as the cattle that goeth before me and the children be able to endure, until I come unto my lord unto Seir.

Genesis 24:13

Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

Genesis 24:20

And she hasted, and emptied her pitcher into the trough, and ran again unto the well to draw [water], and drew for all his camels.