Genesis 24:45

And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the well, and drew [water]: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

And before I had done {H3615} speaking {H1696} in mine heart {H3820}, behold, Rebekah {H7259} came forth {H3318} with her pitcher {H3537} on her shoulder {H7926}; and she went down {H3381} unto the well {H5869}, and drew {H7579} water: and I said {H559} unto her, Let me drink {H8248}, I pray thee.

And even before I had finished speaking to my heart, there came Rivkah, going out with her jug on her shoulder; she went down to the spring and drew water. When I said to her, 'Please let me have a drink,'

And before I had finished praying in my heart, there was Rebekah coming out with her jar on her shoulder, and she went down to the spring and drew water. So I said to her, โ€˜Please give me a drink.โ€™

And before I had done speaking in my heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down unto the fountain, and drew: and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 24:45

Genesis 24:45 is part of a longer narrative detailing Abraham's servant's (traditionally identified as Eliezer) mission to find a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's relatives in Mesopotamia. The servant had journeyed to Nahor's city and, upon arriving at the well, offered a specific prayer to God for guidance. He asked that the woman intended for Isaac would not only offer him water but also generously offer to water his camels, a significant task given the thirst of ten camels. This verse recounts the immediate, miraculous fulfillment of that prayer, even before the servant had finished articulating his request in his heart.

This passage highlights God's active involvement in the lives of His people, particularly in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, which included the promise of many descendants through Isaac.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: The most striking theme is God's direct and immediate intervention. Rebekah's timely arrival and actions perfectly match the servant's specific prayer, demonstrating God's meticulous care and sovereignty in directing events. This serves as a powerful testament to God's ability to guide our steps when we seek Him.
  • Faithfulness in Prayer: The servant's prayer was earnest, specific, and rooted in faith that God would show kindness to his master Abraham. The swift answer underscores the importance and efficacy of faithful prayer. The phrase "before I had done speaking in mine heart" emphasizes the immediacy of God's response to sincere supplication.
  • Rebekah's Character and Hospitality: Though the verse focuses on the servant's perspective, it implicitly highlights Rebekah's commendable character. Her willingness to draw water for a stranger and his thirsty camels, a demanding chore, reveals her generous and hospitable spirit, making her an ideal candidate for Isaac's wife and a woman of notable virtue. Her actions precisely fulfilled the sign requested in the servant's prayer.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "before I had done speaking in mine heart" (ื˜ืจึถื ืึฒื›ึทืœึผึถื” ืœึฐื“ึทื‘ึผึตืจ ื‘ึผึฐืœึดื‘ึผึดื™ - terem akalleh ledabber belibbi) vividly conveys the immediacy of God's response. It implies that the prayer was not just vocalized but deeply felt and uttered from the servant's inner being. The word for "well" here (ืขึทื™ึดืŸ - 'ayin) typically refers to a natural spring or fountain, suggesting a reliable source of water in the desert landscape, which was crucial for survival and travel.

Related Scriptures

  • The servant's initial prayer for guidance and a specific sign is detailed in Genesis 24:12-14.
  • Rebekah's generous act of drawing water for the camels is further described in Genesis 24:19-20.
  • This episode of divine guidance echoes similar instances of God's direct intervention, such as when He answers before we call, as mentioned in Isaiah 65:24.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:45 offers profound encouragement for believers today. It reminds us that:

  1. God Hears and Answers Prayer: We can approach God with specific requests, trusting that He is attentive to our needs and concerns, especially when we seek His will in important decisions.
  2. Trust in God's Timing: God's timing is perfect. He often acts in ways that demonstrate His sovereignty and love, even before we fully articulate our desires.
  3. Look for God's Hand: This narrative encourages us to recognize and acknowledge God's hand in the ordinary circumstances of life. What might seem like coincidence is often divine orchestration.
  4. Character Matters: The story also underscores the value of virtues like hospitality, diligence, and generosity, which God can use to fulfill His purposes.
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Daniel 9:23

    At the beginning of thy supplications the commandment came forth, and I am come to shew [thee]; for thou [art] greatly beloved: therefore understand the matter, and consider the vision.

  • Acts 10:30

    And Cornelius said, Four days ago I was fasting until this hour; and at the ninth hour I prayed in my house, and, behold, a man stood before me in bright clothing,

  • Acts 12:12

    And when he had considered [the thing], he came to the house of Mary the mother of John, whose surname was Mark; where many were gathered together praying.

  • Acts 12:17

    But he, beckoning unto them with the hand to hold their peace, declared unto them how the Lord had brought him out of the prison. And he said, Go shew these things unto James, and to the brethren. And he departed, and went into another place.

  • Isaiah 65:24

    And it shall come to pass, that before they call, I will answer; and while they are yet speaking, I will hear.

  • Matthew 7:7

    ยถ Ask, and it shall be given you; seek, and ye shall find; knock, and it shall be opened unto you:

  • Genesis 24:15

    And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, behold, Rebekah came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, with her pitcher upon her shoulder.
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