Genesis 24:38

But thou shalt go unto my father's house, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son.

But {H518} thou shalt go {H3212} unto my father's {H1} house {H1004}, and to my kindred {H4940}, and take {H3947} a wife {H802} unto my son {H1121}.

rather, you are to go to my father's house, to my kinsmen, to choose a wife for my son.'

but you shall go to my father’s house and to my kindred to take a wife for my son.’

but thou shalt go unto my father’s house, and to my kindred, and take a wife for my son.

Commentary

Genesis 24:38 finds Abraham, now old and well-advanced in years, giving specific instructions to his most trusted servant regarding the crucial task of finding a wife for his son, Isaac. This verse is part of a longer narrative detailing Abraham's careful arrangements to secure the future of the covenant lineage.

Context

This verse is a direct command from Abraham to his eldest servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer of Damascus, though not named here). In the preceding verses (Genesis 24:2-4), Abraham had already made the servant swear an oath not to take a wife for Isaac from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom they dwelt. Genesis 24:38 reiterates and clarifies the positive instruction: the servant must travel back to Abraham's homeland, to his "father's house" and "kindred," to find a suitable bride. This meticulous planning underscores the profound importance of Isaac's marriage in the unfolding of God's covenant promises to Abraham, particularly concerning his descendants and the land.

Key Themes

  • Covenant Faithfulness: Abraham's primary concern is to preserve the spiritual purity of his lineage. Marrying a Canaanite woman would introduce idolatry and pagan practices into the family, jeopardizing the integrity of the covenant God had made with him (Genesis 12:1-3). This echoes later prohibitions against intermarriage in the Mosaic Law (Deuteronomy 7:3-4).
  • Divine Providence in Life's Decisions: While Abraham gives clear instructions, there is an underlying trust that God will guide the servant's journey and choice. Abraham had already assured his servant that God would send His angel before him (Genesis 24:7), demonstrating a profound reliance on divine leading in this significant family matter.
  • Importance of Heritage and Family: The command to return to his "father's house" highlights the value placed on shared cultural, familial, and religious heritage. It was an affirmation of the enduring bonds of kinship and the desire to maintain a connection to Abraham's origins.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "my father's house" (Hebrew: beit avi) emphasizes the ancestral home and family unit, signifying not just a physical dwelling but the entire extended family and its traditions. "Kindred" (Hebrew: moladeti) refers to his birthplace and relatives, reinforcing the idea of a shared origin and familial ties. These terms underscore the patriarchal society's emphasis on lineage and tribal identity, which were crucial for maintaining cultural and religious distinctiveness.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:38 offers timeless lessons for believers today:

  • Seeking God's Will in Major Decisions: Just as Abraham sought a spouse for Isaac who aligned with God's covenant, we are encouraged to seek divine guidance in significant life choices, especially in matters of marriage and partnerships. Spiritual compatibility and shared values are vital for a strong foundation.
  • The Influence of Spiritual Heritage: Abraham's concern for Isaac's spouse reflected his desire to pass on a godly heritage. This reminds us of the importance of spiritual legacy and making choices that honor our faith and contribute positively to future generations.
  • Trusting God's Guidance through Obedience: The servant's obedience to Abraham's specific instructions, coupled with his faith that God would direct him, serves as a model for how we can approach our own journeys. When we make choices aligned with God's principles, we can trust in His providential hand to lead us (Proverbs 3:5-6).
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:4 (3 votes)

    But thou shalt go unto my country, and to my kindred, and take a wife unto my son Isaac.

  • Genesis 31:19 (2 votes)

    And Laban went to shear his sheep: and Rachel had stolen the images that [were] her father's.

  • Genesis 12:1 (2 votes)

    ¶ Now the LORD had said unto Abram, Get thee out of thy country, and from thy kindred, and from thy father's house, unto a land that I will shew thee: