Genesis 24:57

And they said, We will call the damsel, and enquire at her mouth.

And they said {H559}, We will call {H7121} the damsel {H5291}, and enquire {H7592} at her mouth {H6310}.

They said, "We will call the girl and see what she says."

So they said, โ€œWe will call the girl and ask her opinion.โ€

And they said, We will call the damsel, and inquire at her mouth.

Commentary

Genesis 24:57 is a brief yet pivotal verse in the narrative of Abraham's servant finding a wife for Isaac. It highlights the crucial moment when Rebekah's family, Laban and Bethuel, decide to seek her personal consent regarding her immediate departure to become Isaac's bride.

Context

This verse takes place after Abraham's eldest servant (traditionally identified as Eliezer) has successfully journeyed to Mesopotamia, Abraham's homeland, to find a wife for his son Isaac from among his own kin. The servant's mission, as outlined in Genesis 24:4, was guided by divine providence, leading him directly to Rebekah at the well (Genesis 24:15). After revealing his purpose and receiving a positive response from Rebekah's family, who acknowledged the Lord's hand in the matter (Genesis 24:50), the servant was eager to return to Abraham immediately (Genesis 24:56). Rebekah's family, however, initially wished for her to stay a few more days. This verse shows their decision to involve Rebekah directly in the final choice.

Key Themes

  • Consent and Free Will: Despite the prevalent custom of arranged marriages in the ancient Near East, this verse underscores the importance of Rebekah's personal consent. Her family's decision to "enquire at her mouth" demonstrates a significant respect for her individual will in a life-altering decision.
  • Divine Orchestration: The entire chapter is a testament to God's providential guidance. Even in this seemingly human decision-making process, God's hand ensures that Rebekah is a willing participant in His plan for Abraham's lineage. The family's willingness to ask her is part of this divine orchestration.
  • Respect for the Individual: The act of consulting Rebekah directly reflects a degree of autonomy granted to women in certain significant circumstances, which is noteworthy for the cultural context of the time.

Linguistic Insights

The phrase "enquire at her mouth" is a direct translation of the Hebrew sha'al be-fiha (ืฉึธืืึทืœ ื‘ึฐึผืคึดื™ื”ึธ), which literally means "to ask from her mouth" or "to consult her mouth." This emphasizes the directness of the communication and the expectation of a personal, verbal response from Rebekah, rather than an assumption or a decision made solely by her male relatives.

Practical Application

The narrative of Genesis 24:57 offers several timeless principles:

  • Respect for Individual Choice: This verse reminds us of the importance of respecting an individual's will, particularly in major life decisions like marriage or career paths, rather than imposing choices upon them.
  • Seeking God's Guidance: Just as Abraham's servant sought divine guidance for his mission (Genesis 24:12) and Rebekah's family acknowledged God's hand (Genesis 24:50), we are encouraged to seek God's will in our own significant choices, trusting His providence to lead us.
  • Importance of Communication: The direct inquiry highlights the value of open and clear communication in important matters, ensuring all parties involved have a voice. Rebekah's subsequent answer in Genesis 24:58 then confirms her readiness to embrace her destiny.
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Cross-References

No cross-references found.