Genesis 24:28

And the damsel ran, and told [them of] her mother's house these things.

And the damsel {H5291} ran {H7323}, and told {H5046} them of her mother's {H517} house {H1004} these things {H1697}.

The girl ran off and told her mother's household what had happened.

The girl ran and told her mother’s household about these things.

And the damsel ran, and told her mother’s house according to these words.

Commentary

Genesis 24:28 describes Rebekah's immediate and enthusiastic response after her encounter with Abraham's servant at the well. Having just received valuable gifts and an inquiry about lodging, she rushes home to share the extraordinary news with her family, setting the stage for the pivotal discussions regarding her future with Isaac.

Context

This verse is a crucial moment in the elaborate narrative of Abraham's servant, Eliezer, seeking a wife for Isaac. Abraham, desiring a bride for his son from his own kin, sent his most trusted servant to Mesopotamia. After a prayer for divine guidance at a well, Rebekah appeared, fulfilling the servant's specific request by offering water not only to him but also to all his camels (Genesis 24:19). Overwhelmed by this clear sign, the servant presented her with a gold earring and two bracelets. Rebekah's swift departure to "her mother's house" (a common way to refer to the family dwelling) signifies the ancient Near Eastern custom where major life decisions, especially marriage, involved the entire family unit.

Key Themes

  • Promptness and Enthusiasm: Rebekah's action of "ran" (Hebrew: wattaratz) conveys urgency and excitement. She doesn't hesitate but eagerly shares the significant encounter, indicative of her spirited character and the unusual nature of the event.
  • Divine Providence: The entire chapter is a testament to God's meticulous orchestration. Rebekah's immediate report to her family directly facilitates the next steps in God's plan for Isaac and the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant.
  • Family Involvement: The swift report to her mother's house underscores the communal nature of important decisions in ancient society. Marriage was not merely an individual choice but a family affair, requiring parental and familial consent.
  • Hospitality: Rebekah's initial act of hospitality at the well is now reciprocated by the family's potential invitation for the servant to lodge with them, a foundational virtue in the ancient world.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew verb for "ran" (וַתָּרָץ - wattaratz) vividly describes Rebekah's energetic and eager movement. This isn't a casual stroll but a dash, reflecting her astonishment and desire to share the incredible events. The term "damsel" (נַעֲרָה - na'arah) refers to a young woman or maiden, emphasizing her youth and unmarried status, making her encounter with a stranger and her subsequent report all the more striking.

Practical Application

Rebekah's example in Genesis 24:28 offers several insights for believers today:

  • Share Good News: Just as Rebekah eagerly shared the unfolding events, we are encouraged to share instances of God's faithfulness and guidance in our lives with those closest to us.
  • Respond with Enthusiasm: When we perceive God's hand at work, whether in personal matters or in the broader community, our response should be marked by eagerness and promptness, not hesitation.
  • Recognize God's Guidance: This verse, within the larger narrative, reminds us that God is actively involved in the details of our lives, even in seemingly ordinary encounters, guiding us according to His perfect will (Proverbs 3:5-6).
  • Value Family Input: While individual faith is paramount, the narrative highlights the importance of family counsel and involvement in significant life decisions, fostering unity and support.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:48

    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.

  • Genesis 24:55

    And her brother and her mother said, Let the damsel abide with us [a few] days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

  • Genesis 31:33

    And Laban went into Jacob's tent, and into Leah's tent, and into the two maidservants' tents; but he found [them] not. Then went he out of Leah's tent, and entered into Rachel's tent.

  • Genesis 24:67

    And Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah's tent, and took Rebekah, and she became his wife; and he loved her: and Isaac was comforted after his mother's [death].
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