Genesis 24:59

And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham's servant, and his men.

And they sent away {H7971} Rebekah {H7259} their sister {H269}, and her nurse {H3243}, and Abraham's {H85} servant {H5650}, and his men {H582}.

So they sent their sister Rivkah away, with her nurse, Avraham's servant and his men.

So they sent their sister Rebekah on her way, along with her nurse and Abraham’s servant and his men.

And they sent away Rebekah their sister, and her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, and his men.

Commentary

Genesis 24:59 marks a pivotal moment in the biblical narrative of Isaac and Rebekah, detailing the departure of Rebekah from her family home to embark on a new life as Isaac's wife. This verse succinctly captures the finality of the family's decision and the immediate action taken to send her off, along with her trusted nurse and Abraham's servant, who orchestrated the entire journey.

Context

This verse follows the successful completion of Abraham's servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac from among Abraham's relatives in Paddan-Aram, as commanded by Abraham (see Genesis 24:4). After the servant recounted his providential encounter with Rebekah at the well, and her family, Laban and Bethuel, recognized the hand of the Lord in the matter (Genesis 24:50), they agreed to the union. Despite their initial desire for Rebekah to stay a few more days, Rebekah herself expressed her readiness to go immediately ("I will go," she declared in Genesis 24:58). This verse, therefore, is the direct consequence of that consent, initiating her long journey to Canaan to meet Isaac.

Key Themes

  • Divine Providence Fulfilled: The sending away of Rebekah signifies the successful culmination of God's plan to provide a wife for Isaac, ensuring the continuation of Abraham's lineage through the promised son. It highlights how God orchestrates events, from the servant's arrival to Rebekah's willingness, to bring about His purposes.
  • A Journey of Faith and Obedience: Rebekah's departure represents a significant step of faith. She leaves her known family and home to go to a land and a husband she has never seen, trusting in the divine leading and the servant's testimony. This act of obedience mirrors Abraham's own journey of faith (Genesis 12:1).
  • Cultural Customs and Farewell: The sending off of Rebekah with her nurse and the servant's entourage reflects ancient Near Eastern customs surrounding marriage and travel. The nurse's presence underscores Rebekah's status and ensures her comfort and care during the significant transition. Before their departure, Rebekah received blessings from her family, invoking fruitfulness and strength (Genesis 24:60).

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "sent away" comes from the Hebrew verb shalach (שָׁלַח), which means "to send," "to dispatch," or "to dismiss." In this context, it conveys the official and final act of releasing Rebekah to her new destiny. The mention of "her nurse" is significant; while not named here, she is later identified as Deborah (Genesis 35:8), indicating her lifelong devotion to Rebekah and her continued presence in the patriarchal household.

Practical Application

This verse, though brief, offers insights into significant life transitions and trusting God's guidance. Like Rebekah, we are often called to step into the unknown, leaving familiar comforts for a path God has prepared. It reminds us of:

  1. Trusting God in Major Decisions: Just as Rebekah trusted God's leading, we are encouraged to seek and trust divine guidance when making life-altering choices, even when the future is uncertain.
  2. Embracing New Beginnings: Every departure can be an opportunity for a new beginning, marked by faith and hope in God's providence.
  3. The Value of Support: Rebekah's nurse signifies the importance of support systems during times of transition. Having trusted companions or mentors can provide comfort and guidance as we navigate new phases of life.

The journey commenced in this verse culminates in Rebekah's meeting with Isaac and their subsequent marriage, a foundational event for the lineage of Israel (Genesis 24:67).

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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 35:8 (7 votes)

    But Deborah Rebekah's nurse died, and she was buried beneath Bethel under an oak: and the name of it was called Allonbachuth.

  • 1 Thessalonians 2:5 (2 votes)

    For neither at any time used we flattering words, as ye know, nor a cloke of covetousness; God [is] witness:

  • Numbers 11:12 (2 votes)

    Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers?

  • Genesis 24:60 (2 votes)

    And they blessed Rebekah, and said unto her, Thou [art] our sister, be thou [the mother] of thousands of millions, and let thy seed possess the gate of those which hate them.

  • Genesis 24:53 (2 votes)

    And the servant brought forth jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment, and gave [them] to Rebekah: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

  • Genesis 24:50 (2 votes)

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