Genesis 24:61

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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}.

Complete Jewish Bible

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

Berean Standard Bible

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

American Standard Version

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

### SUMMARY
Genesis 24:61 marks the decisive moment of Rebekah's departure from her homeland, signifying her immediate and profound commitment to God's unfolding plan for her life and the continuation of the patriarchal line. This verse encapsulates her faith and obedience as she willingly leaves the familiar to embrace a divinely orchestrated future, solidifying the next crucial step in the covenant promise through Isaac.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Genesis 24 is a masterfully crafted narrative detailing Abraham's mission to secure a wife for his son Isaac, ensuring the continuation of the covenant lineage through a woman from his own kin, rather than a Canaanite. The chapter opens with Abraham's solemn charge to his most trusted servant, traditionally identified as Eliezer, to travel to Mesopotamia. The servant's journey, his prayer for divine guidance at the well, and the miraculous encounter with Rebekah are meticulously recounted, highlighting God's providential hand in the seemingly mundane details of human life. Following the confirmation of Rebekah's identity and her family's consent, the servant is eager to return to Abraham. Verses 58-60 depict the family's blessing and Rebekah's pivotal declaration, "I will go," setting the stage for her immediate departure in verse 61. This verse acts as the narrative's turning point, transitioning from the negotiation and blessing phase to the actual journey that will bring Rebekah to Isaac.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, marriages were typically arranged, often involving extensive negotiations between families, as seen in the preceding verses. The concept of a young woman leaving her paternal household to join her husband's family was customary, but Rebekah's swift departure, without delay, highlights an unusual readiness. Camels were the primary mode of transport for long-distance travel across desert regions, signifying the substantial journey ahead from Paddan-Aram to Canaan. The inclusion of "damsels" (female attendants) indicates Rebekah's status and the custom for women of noble or wealthy families to have a retinue, underscoring the importance and formality of her transition into a new household and a new life. This journey was not merely a physical relocation but a profound cultural and social shift, marking her integration into a new family and a new covenant destiny.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes within Genesis and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it powerfully illustrates **Divine Providence**, showcasing God's meticulous orchestration of events to fulfill His promises, even in the details of a marriage arrangement, echoing themes found throughout [the patriarchal narratives](/genesis/12-50 "Genesis 12-50 - The Patriarchal Narratives"). Secondly, **Faith and Obedience** are central, as Rebekah's decisive action reflects her trust in the divine leading conveyed through the servant, mirroring Abraham's own journey of faith in [Genesis 12:1-4](/genesis/12-1-4 "Abraham's Call and Obedience"). Thirdly, the theme of **Covenant Continuity** is paramount, as Rebekah's willingness to depart is essential for the perpetuation of the Abrahamic covenant through Isaac, ensuring the lineage that would ultimately lead to the Messiah. Finally, her departure embodies the principle of "leaving and cleaving," a foundational theme for marriage established in [Genesis 2:24](/genesis/2-24 "Genesis 2:24 - Leaving and Cleaving"), where a new family unit is formed through a complete break from the former.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **arose (Hebrew, _qûwm'_ H6965):** This primitive root signifies to "rise" or "stand up," often implying a decisive and immediate action. In this context, it conveys Rebekah's promptness and readiness, reflecting her earlier declaration "I will go" in [Genesis 24:58](/genesis/24-58 "Rebekah's Willingness to Go"). It's not a hesitant or reluctant movement but a firm resolve to embark on the journey.
* **damsels (Hebrew, _naʻărâh'_ H5291):** This feminine noun refers to a "girl" or "young woman," specifically a female attendant or maid. Their inclusion signifies Rebekah's status and the customary practice for women of her standing to have a retinue, emphasizing the significant nature of her departure as a formal transition into a new household, rather than a solitary journey.
* **followed (Hebrew, _yâlak'_ H3212, and _ʼachar'_ H310):** The verb _yâlak_ means "to walk" or "to go," often implying a journey or progression. When combined with the adverb _ʼachar_ ("after" or "behind"), it literally means "went after" or "followed behind." This phrase highlights Rebekah's active participation and willing submission to the servant's leadership, who was himself guided by divine providence. It underscores her trust in the divinely appointed process.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And Rebekah arose, and her damsels,"**: This clause emphasizes Rebekah's immediate and resolute response to the call. The verb "arose" (וַתָּקָם, _va-taqam_) denotes a swift and decisive action, echoing her previous affirmation, "I will go" ([Genesis 24:58](/genesis/24-58 "Rebekah's Affirmation")). The inclusion of "her damsels" signifies her social status and the formal nature of her departure, indicating a complete transition from her former household to her new life.
* **"and they rode upon the camels,"**: This detail provides the practical means of their journey, highlighting the significant distance and the common mode of long-distance travel in that era. Camels were essential for traversing the vast desert regions between Paddan-Aram and Canaan, underscoring the serious and substantial nature of this migration and the commitment involved.
* **"and followed the man:"**: This phrase indicates Rebekah's active participation in the journey and her willing submission to the guidance of Abraham's servant. The servant was the divinely appointed agent for this mission, and her following him signifies her trust in the providential leading of God through His chosen intermediary. It speaks to her readiness to embrace the unknown under divine direction.
* **"and the servant took Rebekah, and went his way."**: This final clause reaffirms the servant's primary role as the agent of God's will and the successful execution of his mission. He is responsible for bringing Rebekah to Isaac, and his task is now fully underway. It emphasizes the servant's successful completion of his objective in securing Rebekah's consent and initiating the journey back to Abraham and Isaac.

#### Literary Devices
The verse employs several literary devices to convey its profound significance. The **Pacing** of the narrative is swift and decisive, reflecting Rebekah's immediate and unhesitating response. There is no lingering or doubt, which underscores her faith and willingness. **Symbolism** is also present; the act of "arising" and "riding upon the camels" symbolizes a complete break from her past and a physical and spiritual journey into a new, divinely ordained destiny. The camels themselves are not just a means of transport but represent the substantial and irreversible nature of this transition. Furthermore, the phrase "followed the man" uses **Synecdoche**, where "the man" (the servant) stands in for the divine providence he embodies, signifying Rebekah's trust in God's leading through His agent. The entire scene is a powerful visual **Metaphor** for a life of faith, where one leaves the familiar to follow God's call into the unknown.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Genesis 24:61 serves as a powerful testament to God's meticulous providence and the human response of faith and obedience. Rebekah's immediate and decisive departure illustrates a profound trust in God's unseen hand, orchestrating her life through the actions of Abraham's servant. This narrative underscores the theological truth that God is actively involved in the details of human lives, particularly in pivotal moments that advance His redemptive plan. Her willingness to leave her homeland for an unknown future with an unseen husband exemplifies the radical nature of faith, where one steps out in trust based on divine leading rather than personal familiarity or comfort. This act is crucial for the continuation of the Abrahamic covenant, demonstrating how individual acts of faith contribute to God's grand design for salvation history.

* [Proverbs 3:5-6](/proverbs/3-5-6 "Trust in the Lord with all your heart")
* [Hebrews 11:8](/hebrews/11-8 "Abraham's Obedience of Faith")
* [Philippians 3:13-14](/philippians/3-13-14 "Pressing on toward the Goal")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Rebekah's story in Genesis 24:61 offers a compelling model for believers today. Her prompt and decisive action to "arise" and "follow the man" – who was a conduit of God's will – challenges us to consider our own readiness to respond to God's call. Are we quick to obey when God opens a door, even if it leads us away from the familiar and into the unknown? Rebekah left behind her family, her culture, and her comfort zone to embrace a divinely appointed future. This calls us to examine what attachments or fears might hinder our own obedience. True faith often requires a willingness to step out, trusting that God's plan is better than our own, even when the path ahead is unclear. Her journey reminds us that God's providence extends to every detail of our lives, from significant life decisions like marriage and career to daily choices. Our role is to discern His leading, often through unexpected means or intermediaries, and to respond with courageous faith.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "familiar" things might God be calling you to "arise" and leave behind in order to follow His path for your life?**
* **How does Rebekah's immediate obedience challenge your own tendencies to hesitate or seek more certainty before acting on God's perceived leading?**
* **In what areas of your life do you need to trust God's providence more, even when the "man" (or means) He uses seems ordinary or the destination is unknown?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of Rebekah taking her "damsels" with her?**

Answer: The inclusion of Rebekah's "damsels" (female attendants) signifies her social status and the customary practice for women of noble or wealthy families in the ancient Near East. It highlights that her departure was not a solitary or informal event, but a significant and formal transition. This detail underscores the establishment of a new household and emphasizes the importance of her union with Isaac for the patriarchal line, as she was entering a new family with a retinue befitting her standing. It also suggests that she was not merely a bride, but a woman of some means and status, bringing her own household support to Isaac's family.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Rebekah's journey in [Genesis 24:61](/genesis/24-61 "Rebekah's Departure") finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and in the believer's journey of faith. Just as Rebekah left her homeland to become the bride of Isaac, a type of Christ, so too are believers called to leave their former lives of sin and self-reliance to become the bride of Christ, the Church ([Ephesians 5:25-27](/ephesians/5-25-27 "Christ Loves the Church as His Bride")). Rebekah's decisive "I will go" ([Genesis 24:58](/genesis/24-58 "Rebekah's Willingness to Go")) foreshadows the willing obedience required of those who follow Jesus, who Himself declared, "If anyone would come after me, let him deny himself and take up his cross and follow me" ([Matthew 16:24](/matthew/16-24 "Take Up Your Cross and Follow")). The faithful servant who brought Rebekah to Isaac can be seen as a type of the Holy Spirit, who draws believers to Christ and guides them into all truth ([John 16:13-14](/john/16-13-14 "The Spirit Will Guide You")). Ultimately, Rebekah's journey ensures the continuation of the covenant lineage through which the Messiah would come, fulfilling God's promise to Abraham. Her story, therefore, points forward to the ultimate Bridegroom, Jesus, who perfectly fulfills God's redemptive plan and invites all who believe to embark on a journey of faith, leaving the old to embrace a new life in Him ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")).

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.

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

¶ 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.