Genesis 24:3

And I will make thee swear by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth, that thou shalt not take a wife unto my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

And I will make thee swear {H7650} by the LORD {H3068}, the God {H430} of heaven {H8064}, and the God {H430} of the earth {H776}, that thou shalt not take {H3947} a wife {H802} unto my son {H1121} of the daughters {H1323} of the Canaanites {H3669}, among {H7130} whom I dwell {H3427}:

because I want you to swear by ADONAI, God of heaven and God of the earth, that you will not choose a wife for my son from among the women of the Kena'ani, among whom I am living;

and I will have you swear by the LORD, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites among whom I am dwelling,

and I will make thee swear by Jehovah, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that thou wilt not take a wife for my son of the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell:

Commentary

Genesis 24:3 records a pivotal moment in the life of Abraham, as he makes his chief servant swear a solemn oath concerning the choice of a wife for his son, Isaac. This verse underscores Abraham's profound commitment to God's covenant and his desire to preserve the spiritual integrity of his lineage.

Context of Genesis 24:3

At an advanced age, Abraham, recognized as "well stricken in age" in Genesis 24:1, begins to make arrangements for the future of his son, Isaac, the son of promise. His primary concern is securing a wife for Isaac who would be suitable for the heir of God's covenant. This specific verse highlights Abraham's explicit instruction to his most trusted servant, often identified as Eliezer, to avoid selecting a wife from the local Canaanite inhabitants, among whom Abraham dwelt but whose pagan practices were antithetical to the worship of the one true God.

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Oath: Abraham insists that the oath be sworn "by the LORD, the God of heaven, and the God of the earth." This emphasizes God's universal authority and power, acknowledging Him as the supreme ruler over all creation. This concept of God as both the "possessor of heaven and earth" was a foundational aspect of Abraham's faith.
  • Covenant Preservation: Abraham's directive is deeply rooted in his understanding of the covenant God made with him and his descendants. Preventing intermarriage with the Canaanites was crucial for maintaining the distinct identity and spiritual purity of the chosen line, ensuring that the promises regarding a great nation and the blessing of all families of the earth would be fulfilled through Isaac's offspring.
  • Separation from Idolatry: The Canaanites were known for their idolatrous worship and morally corrupt practices. Abraham's instruction foreshadows later Mosaic Law commands against intermarriage with pagan peoples, as seen in Exodus 34:16 and Deuteronomy 7:3, which aimed to prevent the Israelites from being led astray into idol worship.

Linguistic Insights

The term "LORD" in the King James Version translates the Hebrew personal name of God, YHWH (often pronounced Yahweh), which signifies God's self-existence and His covenant-keeping nature. By swearing "by the LORD," Abraham invoked the most sacred and authoritative name of God, indicating the seriousness and binding nature of the oath.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:3 offers timeless principles for believers today. It highlights the importance of seeking God's guidance in significant life decisions, especially marriage, and the need for spiritual compatibility. Just as Abraham sought to preserve the spiritual distinctiveness of his lineage, believers are called to maintain their spiritual integrity, choosing partners who share their faith and commitment to God. This verse also underscores the weight of oaths and promises, reminding us of the importance of integrity and faithfulness in all our commitments, particularly those made before God.

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • 2 Corinthians 6:14

    Be ye not unequally yoked together with unbelievers: for what fellowship hath righteousness with unrighteousness? and what communion hath light with darkness?

  • 2 Corinthians 6:17

    Wherefore come out from among them, and be ye separate, saith the Lord, and touch not the unclean [thing]; and I will receive you,

  • Genesis 26:34

    ¶ And Esau was forty years old when he took to wife Judith the daughter of Beeri the Hittite, and Bashemath the daughter of Elon the Hittite:

  • Genesis 26:35

    Which were a grief of mind unto Isaac and to Rebekah.

  • Genesis 28:8

    And Esau seeing that the daughters of Canaan pleased not Isaac his father;

  • 1 Corinthians 7:39

    ¶ The wife is bound by the law as long as her husband liveth; but if her husband be dead, she is at liberty to be married to whom she will; only in the Lord.

  • Nehemiah 13:25

    And I contended with them, and cursed them, and smote certain of them, and plucked off their hair, and made them swear by God, [saying], Ye shall not give your daughters unto their sons, nor take their daughters unto your sons, or for yourselves.