Genesis 24:42

KJV

And I came this day unto the well, and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

KJV (with Strong's)

And I came {H935} this day {H3117} unto the well {H5869}, and said {H559}, O LORD {H3068} God {H430} of my master {H113} Abraham {H85}, if now thou do {H3426} prosper {H6743} my way {H1870} which I go {H1980}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"So today, I came to the spring and said, 'ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, if you are causing my trip to succeed in its purpose,

Berean Standard Bible

So when I came to the spring today, I prayed: O LORD, God of my master Abraham, if only You would make my journey a success!

American Standard Version

And I came this day unto the fountain, and said, O Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, if now thou do prosper my way which I go:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:42 captures the pivotal moment of Abraham's servant, Eliezer, recounting his earnest prayer at the well in Nahor. This prayer, offered upon his arrival, sought the Lord's clear guidance and prosperity for his crucial mission: to identify and secure the divinely appointed wife for Isaac, thereby ensuring the continuation of Abraham's covenant line.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is a direct quote from Abraham's servant as he recounts his journey and initial prayer to Rebekah's family (Laban and Bethuel). It follows the detailed instructions Abraham gave him regarding finding a wife for Isaac from among his own kindred, not the Canaanites, and the servant's solemn oath to fulfill this task ([Genesis 24:2-9](/genesis/24-2-9 "Abraham's instructions and the servant's oath")). The immediate preceding verses describe the servant's arrival at the well, his prayer for a sign, and Rebekah's providential appearance and actions, which perfectly matched his petition ([Genesis 24:10-27](/genesis/24-10-27 "The servant's arrival and Rebekah's appearance")). This recounting serves to validate the divine nature of the encounter and persuade Rebekah's family of God's hand in the matter.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Wells were vital gathering places in the ancient Near East, especially for women who drew water for their households and livestock, making them natural locations for significant encounters. The practice of arranged marriages was customary, often involving a trusted family representative (like Eliezer) negotiating on behalf of the groom's family. The emphasis on marrying within one's kindred (Abraham's homeland) was crucial for maintaining family identity, cultural practices, and, in this case, the purity of the covenant line, distinguishing Abraham's descendants from the surrounding Canaanite peoples. The servant's prayer reflects a deep understanding of the covenant God of Abraham and the cultural expectation of divine involvement in such a momentous life decision.
* **Key Themes:** The overarching theme of [Genesis 24](/genesis/24 "Genesis 24 - God's Providence in Finding Isaac a Wife") is **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's meticulous and active involvement in guiding the steps of His people and fulfilling His covenant promises. The servant's prayer highlights the theme of **Faithful Prayer and Seeking God's Will**, demonstrating that even in practical matters, believers should seek God's direction. Furthermore, the narrative emphasizes **Covenant Faithfulness**, as God honors His promises to Abraham by providing a suitable heir and ensuring the lineage through which the ultimate Seed would come. The servant's obedience to Abraham's command, coupled with his reliance on God, also underscores the theme of **Obedience and Trust** in the divine plan, as seen in [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this refers to "the self-Existent or Eternal; Jehovah, Jewish national name of God." The servant's use of "LORD" (Yahweh) signifies an appeal to God's personal, covenantal name, emphasizing His relational and faithful character, particularly in His dealings with Abraham and his descendants. It underscores God's unwavering commitment to His promises.
* **master (Hebrew, _ʼâdôwn'_):** From H113, meaning "sovereign, i.e. controller (human or divine); lord, master, owner." By addressing God as "God of my master Abraham," the servant acknowledges Abraham's special relationship with God and appeals to God's covenant faithfulness established with Abraham. It also subtly conveys the servant's own position of submission and loyalty, mirroring Abraham's own submission to God.
* **prosper (Hebrew, _tsâlach'_):** From H6743, meaning "to push forward, in various senses (literal or figurative, transitive or intransitive); break out, come (mightily), go over, be good, be meet, be profitable, (cause to, effect, make to, send) prosper(-ity, -ous, -ously)." The servant's request to "prosper my way" is not a vague wish for good fortune but a specific plea for divine enablement and guidance to ensure the successful and divinely appointed outcome of his mission. It implies God's active intervention to remove obstacles and direct circumstances toward the desired end.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I came this day unto the well":** This clause establishes the setting and timing of the servant's arrival. It highlights the immediate context of his prayer, emphasizing that his petition was offered promptly upon reaching the critical location where he expected to find the intended bride. The "well" (Hebrew: *ʻayin*, H5869) is not just a water source but a place of encounter and divine revelation in biblical narratives.
* **"and said, O LORD God of my master Abraham":** This phrase reveals the servant's immediate action upon arrival: prayer. His address to "O LORD God of my master Abraham" is profoundly significant. It identifies the specific God he is appealing to—the covenant-keeping, sovereign God who has a personal relationship with Abraham. This invocation grounds his prayer in the established divine promises and Abraham's faith.
* **"if now thou do prosper my way which I go":** This is the core of his petition, expressing his desire for divine intervention and guidance. The phrase "prosper my way" (Hebrew: *tsâlach derek*) indicates a request for God to ensure the success and right direction of his journey and mission. It underscores his complete reliance on God's active involvement to achieve the specific goal of finding Isaac's wife, rather than relying on his own wisdom or effort alone.

#### Literary Devices
The verse primarily employs **Direct Address** in the servant's appeal to "O LORD God of my master Abraham," immediately establishing the theological framework of his mission and his reliance on divine power. It also utilizes **Petition**, as the servant explicitly asks God to "prosper my way," demonstrating a clear and specific request for divine intervention. The narrative structure itself, where the servant recounts his prayer, serves as a form of **Narrative Repetition**, reinforcing the divine orchestration of events and validating the providential outcome to Rebekah's family. This repetition also emphasizes the servant's faithfulness and God's responsiveness.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Eliezer's prayer in Genesis 24:42 serves as a profound testament to the principle of seeking divine guidance in all of life's significant undertakings, particularly those with covenantal implications. His immediate and specific appeal to the "LORD God of my master Abraham" demonstrates a deep understanding of God's covenant faithfulness and His active involvement in the lives of those who trust Him. This narrative powerfully illustrates that God is not a distant deity but one who hears and responds to the earnest prayers of His servants, orchestrating circumstances to fulfill His purposes. It encourages believers to approach God with confidence, knowing that He desires to direct their paths and ensure the prosperity of their righteous endeavors according to His will.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the LORD with all your heart")
* [Psalm 37:23-24](/psalm/37-23-24 "The steps of a good man are ordered by the LORD")
* [Philippians 4:6-7](/philippians/4-6-7 "Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God.")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Eliezer's prayer offers a timeless model for seeking God's will in our own lives. It teaches us to approach God with specific needs, acknowledging His sovereignty and covenant faithfulness. Just as Eliezer recognized the "God of my master Abraham," we are called to pray to the God who has revealed Himself in Christ, trusting in His character and promises. This passage challenges us to move beyond vague petitions, instead articulating our desires and seeking clear direction, particularly in significant decisions like career, relationships, or ministry. Furthermore, it reminds us that prayer is not a substitute for action but a foundational element that empowers and directs our diligent efforts. When we commit our "way" to the Lord, seeking His prosperity and guidance, we can have confidence that He is intimately involved in the details of our journey, orchestrating events for our good and His glory.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what specific areas of your life do you need to more intentionally seek God's direction, following Eliezer's example of specific prayer?**
* **How does recognizing God as the "LORD God of my master Abraham" (or, for us, the God of our Lord Jesus Christ) deepen your confidence in His willingness to guide you?**
* **What does it mean for God to "prosper your way" in your current circumstances, and how does your prayer reflect this desire?**

### FAQ
**How does Eliezer's prayer model seeking divine guidance?**

Answer: Eliezer's prayer in [Genesis 24:42](/genesis/24-42 "Abraham's servant's prayer") is a profound model for seeking divine guidance through specific, faith-filled petition. Upon arriving at the well, he immediately addresses the "LORD God of my master Abraham," grounding his request in God's covenant faithfulness. He then explicitly asks God to "prosper my way," indicating a desire for clear divine intervention and direction in his critical mission to find Isaac's wife. This demonstrates a complete reliance on God's active involvement in daily affairs and significant life decisions, seeking a clear sign of His will rather than proceeding on human wisdom or effort alone. His prayer was not a general wish but a direct appeal for God's hand to be evident in the outcome.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The meticulous divine providence demonstrated in guiding Abraham's servant to find a bride for Isaac powerfully foreshadows God's ultimate plan to secure a bride for His greater Son, Jesus Christ. Just as Eliezer was sent on a mission to find a suitable partner for the heir, the Holy Spirit, the "Helper" sent by Christ, is at work in the world to call, gather, and prepare the Church, the spiritual bride of Christ, from among all nations ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Christ Himself perfectly walked in God's will, and His "way" was ultimately prospered through His obedient life, atoning death, and glorious resurrection ([Philippians 2:8-11](/philippians/2-8-11 "Christ's humility and exaltation")), securing eternal life and a glorious future for His chosen bride ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ loved the church and gave himself up for her")). This narrative thus points to the meticulous care with which God orchestrates redemptive history, culminating in the eternal union of Christ and His Church, a union prepared and perfected by divine decree and the Spirit's work.

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

Nehemiah 1:11

O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king's cupbearer.

Romans 1:10

Making request, if by any means now at length I might have a prosperous journey by the will of God to come unto you.

Genesis 24:12

And he said, O LORD God of my master Abraham, I pray thee, send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham.

Genesis 24:14

And let it come to pass, that the damsel to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also: [let the same be] she [that] thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and thereby shall I know that thou hast shewed kindness unto my master.

Psalms 90:17

And let the beauty of the LORD our God be upon us: and establish thou the work of our hands upon us; yea, the work of our hands establish thou it.

Ezra 8:21

¶ Then I proclaimed a fast there, at the river of Ahava, that we might afflict ourselves before our God, to seek of him a right way for us, and for our little ones, and for all our substance.

Psalms 37:5

Commit thy way unto the LORD; trust also in him; and he shall bring [it] to pass.