Genesis 24:61

And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

And Rebekah {H7259} arose {H6965}, and her damsels {H5291}, and they rode {H7392} upon the camels {H1581}, and followed {H3212}{H310} the man {H376}: and the servant {H5650} took {H3947} Rebekah {H7259}, and went his way {H3212}.

Then Rivkah and her maids mounted the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rivkah and went on his way.

Then Rebekah and her servant girls got ready, mounted the camels, and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and left.

And Rebekah arose, and her damsels, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way.

Commentary

Context of Genesis 24:61

Genesis 24 details one of the most elaborate and beautiful courtship narratives in the Bible. Abraham, advanced in years, sends his most trusted servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer) to his homeland in Mesopotamia to find a wife for his son Isaac, ensuring he does not marry a Canaanite woman. The servant prays for divine guidance, which is miraculously answered when he encounters Rebekah at a well. After confirming her lineage and receiving her family's blessing, the servant prepares to return with Rebekah. This verse marks the pivotal moment of Rebekah's departure, signifying her immediate and decisive commitment to God's unfolding plan for her life and for the patriarchal line.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Faith and Obedience: Rebekah's actions demonstrate remarkable faith. Despite the rapid unfolding of events and the prospect of leaving her familiar home and family forever to marry a man she had never met, she readily agrees to go. Her decision in Genesis 24:58, "I will go," is immediately followed by her departure here, highlighting her trust in the divine leading orchestrated by Abraham's servant.
  • Divine Providence: The entire chapter is a powerful testament to God's sovereign hand guiding events. From the servant's prayer to Rebekah's willingness, every step is orchestrated by God to bring about the union of Isaac and Rebekah, crucial for the continuation of the covenant line through which the Messiah would eventually come.
  • New Beginnings and Transition: This verse literally portrays Rebekah's physical journey from her past life in Haran to her new destiny in Canaan. It symbolizes a significant life transition, where one leaves the familiar behind to embrace a future guided by faith. This echoes the call to Abraham to leave his own country and kindred for a land God would show him.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew phrase "ื•ึทืชึผึธืงึธื ืจึดื‘ึฐืงึธื”" (*va-taqam Rivqah*), translated "And Rebekah arose," conveys a sense of readiness and immediate action. It's not a hesitant movement but a decisive one, reflecting her firm resolve. The phrase "ื•ึทืชึผึตืœึถืšึฐ ืึทื—ึฒืจึตื™ ื”ึธืึดื™ืฉื" (*va-telekh acharei ha'ish*), "and followed the man," indicates her active participation in the journey, willingly placing herself under the servant's guidance, who was himself guided by God.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:61 offers profound lessons for believers today:

  • Responding to God's Call: Just as Rebekah immediately "arose" and "followed," we are called to respond to God's leading with promptness and faith, even when the path ahead is uncertain.
  • Trusting Divine Guidance: The narrative encourages us to trust in God's providence, especially in significant life decisions like relationships, career, or ministry. God often works through seemingly ordinary circumstances and people to accomplish His extraordinary purposes.
  • Embracing Transitions: Life is full of transitions. Rebekah's journey reminds us that new beginnings often require leaving comfort zones. With faith, these transitions can lead to God's intended blessings and purposes, as seen in her eventual marriage to Isaac in Genesis 24:67.
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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

  • Genesis 2:24

    Therefore shall a man leave his father and his mother, and shall cleave unto his wife: and they shall be one flesh.

  • Psalms 45:10

    ยถ Hearken, O daughter, and consider, and incline thine ear; forget also thine own people, and thy father's house;

  • Esther 8:10

    And he wrote in the king Ahasuerus' name, and sealed [it] with the king's ring, and sent letters by posts on horseback, [and] riders on mules, camels, [and] young dromedaries:

  • Genesis 31:34

    Now Rachel had taken the images, and put them in the camel's furniture, and sat upon them. And Laban searched all the tent, but found [them] not.

  • 1 Samuel 30:17

    And David smote them from the twilight even unto the evening of the next day: and there escaped not a man of them, save four hundred young men, which rode upon camels, and fled.

  • Esther 8:14

    [So] the posts that rode upon mules [and] camels went out, being hastened and pressed on by the king's commandment. And the decree was given at Shushan the palace.
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