Genesis 24:50

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

Then Laban {H3837} and Bethuel {H1328} answered {H6030} and said {H559}, The thing {H1697} proceedeth {H3318} from the LORD {H3068}: we cannot {H3201} speak {H1696} unto thee bad {H7451} or {H176} good {H2896}.

Lavan and B'tu'el replied, "Since this comes from ADONAI, we can't say anything to you either bad or good.

Laban and Bethuel answered, โ€œThis is from the LORD; we have no choice in the matter.

Then Laban and Bethuel answered and said, The thing proceedeth from Jehovah: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good.

Commentary

Genesis 24:50 KJV presents a pivotal moment in the narrative of Isaac's marriage, where Laban and Bethuel, Rebekah's brother and father, acknowledge the divine hand in the servant's mission. Their declaration, "The thing proceedeth from the LORD: we cannot speak unto thee bad or good," signifies their recognition that the events unfolding are not by chance but by God's sovereign design, leaving no room for human objection.

Context

This verse is situated within the lengthy and detailed account of Abraham sending his most trusted servant to his homeland in Mesopotamia to find a wife for his son, Isaac. Abraham's primary concern was to ensure Isaac did not marry a Canaanite woman, but rather one from his own kindred, aligning with God's covenant promises. The servant, upon arriving, prayed specifically for divine guidance, asking God to reveal the chosen woman through a specific sign (Genesis 24:12-14). Rebekah immediately fulfilled the sign, demonstrating God's direct intervention. When the servant explained his mission and the miraculous confirmation to Rebekah's family, Laban and Bethuel's response in verse 50 marks their acceptance of God's clear leading in this arranged marriage.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence and Sovereignty: The central message is that God is actively involved in the affairs of humanity, orchestrating events to fulfill His purposes. Laban and Bethuel's statement is a powerful confession that the entire process, from the servant's journey to Rebekah's willingness, was divinely directed. This highlights God's overarching control, even in seemingly mundane or personal decisions like marriage.
  • Acknowledgement of God's Will: Even though Laban and Bethuel were not direct participants in Abraham's covenant, they recognized the unmistakable hand of the LORD. Their inability to "speak unto thee bad or good" reflects a submission to a higher authority, acknowledging that opposing God's clear will is futile and wrong.
  • Faith and Obedience Leading to Divine Confirmation: Abraham's faith in God's provision (Genesis 22:8) and the servant's diligent obedience to Abraham's command, coupled with his specific prayer, laid the groundwork for God's clear manifestation of His will.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "The thing proceedeth from the LORD" translates the Hebrew ืžึตื™ื”ื•ึธื” ื™ึธืฆึธื ื”ึทื“ึธึผื‘ึธืจ (meYahweh yatsa hadavar), which literally means "from Yahweh went forth the word/thing." The word ื™ึธืฆึธื (yatsa - "proceedeth" or "went forth") emphasizes a clear origin and direct emanation. It signifies that this event did not simply happen to be, but actively originated from God Himself, carrying His authority and divine sanction. This isn't just a coincidence; it's a direct act of God.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:50 offers profound lessons for believers today. It encourages us to seek God's guidance in significant life decisions, especially those with long-term implications like marriage or career paths. Just as the servant prayed for a clear sign, we are encouraged to pray earnestly and look for God's leading, understanding that His will is ultimately good and perfect (Romans 12:2). When God's hand is evident, as it was to Laban and Bethuel, our proper response is humble acceptance and submission, trusting in His sovereign plan even when circumstances are unexpected. This verse reminds us that God is actively involved in our lives, guiding those who commit their ways to Him, and that His purposes cannot be thwarted (Proverbs 16:9).

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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

  • Psalms 118:23 (8 votes)

    This is the LORD'S doing; it [is] marvellous in our eyes.

  • Genesis 31:24 (5 votes)

    And God came to Laban the Syrian in a dream by night, and said unto him, Take heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Genesis 31:29 (4 votes)

    It is in the power of my hand to do you hurt: but the God of your father spake unto me yesternight, saying, Take thou heed that thou speak not to Jacob either good or bad.

  • Mark 12:11 (3 votes)

    This was the Lord's doing, and it is marvellous in our eyes?

  • 2 Samuel 13:22 (3 votes)

    And Absalom spake unto his brother Amnon neither good nor bad: for Absalom hated Amnon, because he had forced his sister Tamar.

  • Genesis 24:28 (2 votes)

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

  • Genesis 24:55 (2 votes)

    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.