Genesis 24:53

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.

And the servant {H5650} brought forth {H3318} jewels {H3627} of silver {H3701}, and jewels {H3627} of gold {H2091}, and raiment {H899}, and gave {H5414} them to Rebekah {H7259}: he gave {H5414} also to her brother {H251} and to her mother {H517} precious things {H4030}.

Then the servant brought out silver and gold jewelry, together with clothing, and gave them to Rivkah. He also gave valuable gifts to her brother and mother.

Then he brought out jewels of silver and gold, and articles of clothing, and he gave them to Rebekah. He also gave precious gifts to her brother and her mother.

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.

Commentary

Context

Genesis 24 details one of the Bible's most extensive narratives focused on finding a spouse. This verse is part of the pivotal moment when Abraham's unnamed servant, sent to find a wife for Isaac from Abraham's relatives in Mesopotamia, presents gifts to Rebekah and her family. After having successfully identified Rebekah through divine guidance (as he acknowledged in prayer) and after receiving the family's consent (Laban and Bethuel recognized the Lord's hand in the matter), the giving of these gifts solidifies the betrothal agreement. These "jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment" were not merely tokens but significant indicators of Abraham's immense wealth (as noted at the chapter's beginning) and a customary part of ancient Near Eastern marriage negotiations, akin to a bride-price or dowry.

Key Themes

  • Divine Provision and Guidance: The servant's entire journey is a testament to God's meticulous guidance in fulfilling His covenant promises to Abraham, even in personal matters like Isaac's marriage. The gifts are a tangible sign of the blessings flowing through Abraham's lineage.
  • Generosity and Honor: The lavishness of the gifts reflects Abraham's prosperity and the high regard he had for his son's future wife. By giving gifts not only to Rebekah but also to her brother Laban and her mother, the servant showed respect and honor to the entire family, further cementing the bond between the two households.
  • Cultural Customs of Betrothal: This act illustrates the ancient practice of formalizing a betrothal through the exchange of valuable gifts. These gifts served as a public declaration of the agreement, signifying the groom's family's commitment and ability to provide for the bride.

Linguistic Insights

The KJV translates "jewels of silver" and "jewels of gold" from the Hebrew phrase k'lei kesef (ื›ึฐึผืœึตื™ ื›ึถืกึถืฃ) and k'lei zahav (ื›ึฐึผืœึตื™ ื–ึธื”ึธื‘), which literally means "articles" or "vessels" of silver and gold. This suggests that the gifts were not limited to personal adornments but included various valuable items made from these precious metals, emphasizing their substantial worth. "Raiment" (begadim) refers to clothing, which in ancient times could be very valuable and a sign of status. The "precious things" (migdanot) given to Laban and the mother signify special, valuable gifts or offerings, further emphasizing the servant's comprehensive generosity.

Practical Application

Genesis 24:53 offers several timeless lessons:

  • Trust in God's Providence: Just as God guided Abraham's servant to Rebekah and provided the means for the union, we can trust in God's active involvement and provision in our own significant life decisions, especially when we seek His will.
  • The Value of Generosity: The servant's generous giving fostered goodwill and confirmed commitment. In our relationships, generosity, whether of resources, time, or spirit, can build stronger bonds and demonstrate genuine care and respect.
  • Honoring Family: The gifts extended to Rebekah's family underscore the importance of honoring and respecting the families involved in significant life transitions, recognizing that relationships extend beyond individuals.
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Cross-References

  • Genesis 24:10 (3 votes)

    ยถ And the servant took ten camels of the camels of his master, and departed; for all the goods of his master [were] in his hand: and he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor.

  • Genesis 24:22 (3 votes)

    And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten [shekels] weight of gold;

  • Exodus 3:22 (2 votes)

    But every woman shall borrow of her neighbour, and of her that sojourneth in her house, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment: and ye shall put [them] upon your sons, and upon your daughters; and ye shall spoil the Egyptians.

  • Exodus 12:35 (2 votes)

    And the children of Israel did according to the word of Moses; and they borrowed of the Egyptians jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and raiment:

  • Exodus 11:2 (2 votes)

    Speak now in the ears of the people, and let every man borrow of his neighbour, and every woman of her neighbour, jewels of silver, and jewels of gold.

  • Song Of Solomon 4:13 (1 votes)

    Thy plants [are] an orchard of pomegranates, with pleasant fruits; camphire, with spikenard,

  • Deuteronomy 33:13 (1 votes)

    And of Joseph he said, Blessed of the LORD [be] his land, for the precious things of heaven, for the dew, and for the deep that coucheth beneath,