Genesis 24:57

KJV

And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

KJV (with Strong's)

And they said {H559}, We will call {H7121} the damsel {H5291}, and enquire {H7592} at her mouth {H6310}.

Complete Jewish Bible

They said, "We will call the girl and see what she says."

Berean Standard Bible

So they said, “We will call the girl and ask her opinion.”

American Standard Version

And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
[Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") captures a pivotal moment in the narrative of Isaac and Rebekah, where Rebekah's family, specifically Laban and Bethuel, decide to consult her directly regarding her immediate departure to become Isaac's wife. This verse highlights the significance of individual consent within a divinely orchestrated plan, even amidst the ancient custom of arranged marriages.

### CONTEXT
This verse occurs after Abraham's eldest servant, having been sent to Mesopotamia to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham's own kin, has successfully identified Rebekah through divine guidance at the well ([Genesis 24:15](/genesis/24-15 "Rebekah's arrival at the well")). The servant's mission was explicitly guided by Abraham's instructions ([Genesis 24:4](/genesis/24-4 "Abraham's instructions to his servant")). After the servant revealed his purpose and Rebekah's family acknowledged the Lord's hand in the matter ([Genesis 24:50](/genesis/24-50 "Laban and Bethuel acknowledge God's will")), the servant expressed his urgency to return to Abraham without delay ([Genesis 24:56](/genesis/24-56 "The servant's urgency to depart")). Initially, Rebekah's family wished for her to remain with them for a few more days, but this verse marks their crucial decision to involve Rebekah herself in the final choice regarding her immediate departure.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
[Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") records the family's joint decision: "And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth." This brief statement carries profound weight, signaling a moment of individual agency within a patriarchal society and a divinely guided narrative. The phrase "enquire at her mouth" is a direct translation of the Hebrew *sha'al be-fiha* (שָׁאַל בְּפִיהָ), which literally means "to ask from her mouth" or "to consult her mouth." This emphasizes the directness of the communication and the expectation of a personal, verbal response from Rebekah herself, rather than an assumption or a decision made solely by her male relatives.

This verse illuminates several key aspects:
* **Consent and Free Will:** Despite the prevalent custom of arranged marriages in the ancient Near East, the family's decision to "enquire at her mouth" demonstrates a significant respect for Rebekah's individual will in a life-altering decision. This act of seeking her personal consent is remarkable for the cultural context, underscoring that even in divinely ordained plans, human will and choice are honored.
* **Divine Orchestration:** The entire chapter is a testament to God's providential guidance. Even in this seemingly human decision-making process, God's hand ensures that Rebekah is a willing participant in His grand plan for Abraham's lineage. The family's willingness to ask her is not an interruption of divine will but an integral part of its unfolding, ensuring her willing embrace of her destiny.
* **Respect for the Individual:** The act of consulting Rebekah directly reflects a degree of autonomy granted to women in certain significant circumstances, which is noteworthy for the cultural context of the time. It suggests that while societal norms existed, there was room for individual consideration in matters of profound personal consequence.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
* **Divine Providence and Human Agency:** The narrative beautifully illustrates the interplay between God's sovereign plan and human free will. God orchestrates events, but individuals are still given the freedom to choose and consent, making their participation meaningful.
* **Value of Consent:** Even in ancient contexts, the importance of personal consent in life-altering decisions, especially marriage, is highlighted. This principle transcends cultural norms and points to a deeper theological truth about the dignity of the individual.
* **God's Respect for Individuals:** The divine plan for Isaac's marriage unfolds not through coercion but through a series of willing choices, from Abraham's servant's prayer ([Genesis 24:12](/genesis/24-12 "The servant's prayer for guidance")) to Rebekah's family's acknowledgment of God's hand ([Genesis 24:50](/genesis/24-50 "Laban and Bethuel acknowledge God's will")), and finally, Rebekah's own consent. This reflects God's character as one who invites participation rather than demanding blind obedience.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
The decision to consult Rebekah in [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") offers timeless principles for contemporary life. It reminds us of the profound importance of respecting individual choice, particularly in major life decisions such as marriage, career, or significant commitments. Rather than imposing our will or assuming consent, we are called to engage in open and direct communication, ensuring that all parties involved have a voice and are able to offer their willing participation. This principle extends to how we seek God's guidance, trusting that His providence will lead us, but also recognizing that He honors our choices within His overarching plan.

### FAQ
**Why was Rebekah's consent so important in an arranged marriage culture?**

Answer: While arranged marriages were common, [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") highlights a unique emphasis on Rebekah's personal consent because her departure was immediate and final, symbolizing a complete severance from her family of origin. Her willing participation was crucial for the success of the union and for the fulfillment of God's covenantal promises through Isaac. It also underscores a divine principle that even within a pre-determined plan, individual will and choice are honored.

**Does this verse suggest women had more autonomy in ancient times than commonly thought?**

Answer: [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") suggests that while patriarchal structures were dominant, there were specific circumstances where women's voices and consent held significant weight, particularly in matters directly affecting their person and future. This instance does not negate the broader societal context but rather presents a noteworthy example of individual agency within it, potentially influenced by the divine hand guiding the entire narrative.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
The narrative of Abraham's servant seeking a bride for Isaac, culminating in Rebekah's willing consent in [Genesis 24:57](/genesis/24-57 "The family's decision to consult Rebekah") and [Genesis 24:58](/genesis/24-58 "Rebekah's immediate consent"), serves as a beautiful type of Christ and His Church. Just as the servant was dispatched by the father to find a bride for the son, the Holy Spirit (or divine providence) is at work in the world, calling out and preparing a bride (the Church) for Jesus Christ. Rebekah's willing departure from her homeland to join Isaac, whom she had not yet seen, mirrors the Church's faith-filled response to Christ's call, leaving behind the world to unite with Him. Her consent underscores the voluntary nature of salvation and the covenant relationship between Christ and His people, a relationship founded on mutual love and willing commitment.

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.