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.

And I bowed down my head {H6915}, and worshipped {H7812} the LORD {H3068}, and blessed {H1288} the LORD {H3068} God {H430} of my master {H113} Abraham {H85}, which had led me {H5148} in the right {H571} way {H1870} to take {H3947} my master's {H113} brother's {H251} daughter {H1323} unto his son {H1121}.

bowed my head, prostrated myself before ADONAI and blessed ADONAI, God of my master Avraham, for having led me in the right way to obtain my master's brother's [grand]daughter for his son.

Then I bowed down and worshiped the LORD; and I blessed the LORD, the God of my master Abraham, who led me on the right road to take the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son.

And I bowed my head, and worshipped Jehovah, and blessed Jehovah, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter for his son.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 24 recounts the pivotal mission of Abraham's most trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer, though not named in the text) to find a suitable wife for Isaac, Abraham's son. Abraham had made the servant swear an oath not to take a Canaanite wife, but rather one from his own kindred in Mesopotamia (Genesis 24:3, Genesis 24:4). Upon arriving at Nahor, the servant prayed for a clear sign from the LORD at the well (Genesis 24:12-14). Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel (Abraham's nephew), immediately appeared and fulfilled the exact conditions of his prayer. This verse captures the servant's profound and immediate response of worship and gratitude upon realizing the undeniable hand of God in leading him directly to the chosen woman for Isaac.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Guidance: The central theme is God's active involvement in human affairs. The servant explicitly acknowledges that the LORD "had led me in the right way." This highlights God's sovereignty in orchestrating circumstances, ensuring the fulfillment of His purposes, especially concerning the lineage through which His covenant promises would be realized (Genesis 12:2-3).
  • Gratitude and Worship: The servant's immediate reaction—bowing down, worshipping, and blessing the LORD—is a powerful display of heartfelt gratitude. He doesn't just acknowledge God's help; he expresses deep reverence and praise for God's faithfulness and direction. This serves as a model for believers to respond with worship when they witness God's clear leading in their lives.
  • Faithfulness to a Mission: The servant's diligence in carrying out Abraham's command, coupled with his reliance on God, underscores the importance of faithfulness in fulfilling duties and trusting God for success. His success in finding Rebekah was a direct result of both his obedient action and God's divine intervention.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "bowed down my head, and worshipped the LORD" uses the Hebrew verb shachah (שָׁחָה), which means to bow down, prostrate oneself, or do obeisance. This is a physical act of reverence and humility, often accompanying prayer or adoration. It signifies a complete submission to the one being worshipped. To "bless the LORD God" (וָאֲבָרֵךְ אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי) means to speak well of Him, to praise Him for His goodness, faithfulness, and the successful outcome of the mission.

Practical Application

This verse offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Trust in God's Guidance: It encourages us to trust in God's ability to lead us, especially in significant life decisions like career, relationships, and major life changes. Just as the servant prayed for clear direction, we too can seek God's guidance, knowing He desires to lead us in "the right way" (Proverbs 3:6).
  • Cultivate a Spirit of Gratitude: The servant's immediate worship teaches us to pause and offer genuine thanks and praise to God when we see His hand at work. Recognizing and acknowledging God's providence fosters a deeper relationship with Him.
  • God's Involvement in Details: This narrative reminds us that God is not distant but intimately involved in the details of our lives, often orchestrating circumstances in ways that are undeniable when we reflect on them.
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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

  • Genesis 24:26

    And the man bowed down his head, and worshipped the LORD.

  • Genesis 24:27

    And he said, Blessed [be] the LORD God of my master Abraham, who hath not left destitute my master of his mercy and his truth: I [being] in the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master's brethren.

  • Psalms 48:14

    For this God [is] our God for ever and ever: he will be our guide [even] unto death.

  • Psalms 32:8

    I will instruct thee and teach thee in the way which thou shalt go: I will guide thee with mine eye.

  • Proverbs 3:5

    Trust in the LORD with all thine heart; and lean not unto thine own understanding.

  • Proverbs 3:6

    In all thy ways acknowledge him, and he shall direct thy paths.

  • Isaiah 48:17

    Thus saith the LORD, thy Redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; I [am] the LORD thy God which teacheth thee to profit, which leadeth thee by the way [that] thou shouldest go.
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