Genesis Chapter 24 Discussion

Hi James. Not sure how common this practice was but certainly here in Genesis 24:2 (with Abraham & his chief servant Eliezer) and Genesis 47:29 (with Jacob & one of his sons, Joseph) we see it occurring.

It is generally understood that this expression of 'placing one's hand under the thigh' is an euphemism that required the subordinate (in these instances, a servant & a son), to place their hand near the procreative organ of the one initiating an oath. Therefore, this was no ordinary promise to do something, but signified making an unbroken pledge of obedience, come what may. With Eliezer, he had to find a spouse for Isaac, but if she or her family refused to release her, then the servant would be freed from his oath. And with Joseph, he was placed under oath not to bury his father Jacob (Israel) in Egypt but in Canaan.

Though we might find that such an act of placing ones hand under the thigh amusing or uncalled for, it signified to both the one requiring the oath & the one making the oath, before God, that what was promised will not be reneged on.

What is the reason Abraham ask his servant to put his hand under is thigh.

Thanks Richard.

Great assessment.

God bless.

The earlier narrative of Abraham's brother Nahor and his descendants serves the purpose of a backdrop to this chapter in regard to finding a wife for Isaac. Abraham had an assignment that he dumped on his servant (nameless in this account). He had to go to his homeland (not sure how far away) to seek a wife for his son. The mission was a one shot deal; make or break. The prayer of a righteous man is truly effective. Basically this servant asked God for the first woman that appeared and offered water for him and his camels to be "the one". It is supposed that this family lived in some known locality; but it is unclear how many families lived there or if there were multiple families scattered in different regions. Nonetheless; the prayer was answered before completed in thought; and the rest of the dilly dallying was human reasoning. The 10 days sought in verse 55 of delay was thankfully decided against by Rebekkah. Hence; she was speedily off with the nursemaid for Rebecca and the others; and the marriage was simply consummated in the tent immediately upon their return. This was a far cry from the YEARS of delay Jacob had to deal with in regard to Leah (being tricked) then finally after seven MORE years servitude he got to be with Rachel. Verse 60 BTW shows how God's promises were known by all close family members at the time.

Good evening, Chris.

Thanks again. One thing my husband and I always remember is that God did bring us together, so in the rough times, how can we throw away what God has put together? We are keenly aware that we hold the other's future hopes and dreams in our hands by our choice to stay true to our commitment made on our wedding day. To break that and leave the marriage is to chose to shatter and steal away this future from the other person. We chose the way of "loving the other as myself" approach even when life is challenging. And besides, there really isn't anyone else so suited for each other than we are.

I became a great, great aunt 7 years ago. That makes me feel old, and I am not yet a grandmother! HaHa.

I thank you for reading my thoughts as I think "outloud" as I write about these chapters. It is good to have feedback and know that another is walking along with me in this endeavor. Most of the postings on the chapters are past being able to reply to, so I hope there will be others beginning their journey to interact with as well.

Indeed GiGi, that was a beautiful love story in Genesis chapter 24, coupled with a special account of your beautiful personal love story. We can always look back & find joy in how the Lord has led us over the years, not just for marriage, but in every area of our lives; that the our praise only goes back to Him.

As well, I can identify with the 'one generation removed'. I thought becoming a grand-uncle at age 40 yrs was good going, until I read of your brother being an uncle at age 6. I'm sure he's never let his nephews/nieces forget that one!

The story ends with Isaac taking Rebekah into Sarah, his mother's tent and they consummated their marriage and became husband and wife that night. No fancy, dancy wedding, although Abraham could afford it. No wedding shower, not engagement period, no Big Day. It was a very private affair. I don't even know if Abraham knew. Perhaps Isaac had his mother's tent because he was the heir. Maybe, Abraham had his tent a ways away, since it says that Isaac dwelt in the south, no mention of Abraham. Or maybe, the caravan stopped at Abraham's tent first for Abraham to give the "thumbs up". We are not told, so this is all just speculation. All in all, God worked all things out for good for Abraham, Isaac, Rebekah, and the faithful servant.

Lot, Bethuel and Isaac were from the same generation, but obviously, there was a generation age gap between Isaac and the others. Therefore, Rebekah and Laban, were similar in age to Isaac, who was about 30, but of the next generation. This can be confusing to some who do not have this "one generation removed" relationships. It is common in large families when the youngest in a family is close in age or even younger that the children of his/her siblings. He/she would be an aunt or uncle to their siblings child, but close in age. That is why we say, one generation removed. They are similar in age but not of the same generation. I have this in my family due to 20 years between my oldest sibling and youngest sibling and 8 siblings between these two. My younger brother became an uncle at age 6.

Back to the text. After the long journey the caravan approached where Isaac and Abraham lived. Glad to read that Isaac was alone meditating. What was he thinking about? Perhaps on the promises and covenant that God had made with his father and praying about its fulfilment when the servant returned. He was probably hoping the servant returned with someone suitable to be his wife. He may have been praying about becoming a good husband like his father. He may have been preparing himself for the arrival of his bride. As the caravan approached they glimpsed each other. Upon inquiring who Isaac was, Rebekah covered her face with a veil, which was probably customary until two betrothed people were married. Even so, from the moment they saw each other, God caused a love for each other to be born in each of them. That is amazing! My husband and I have been married 42 years and it wasn't love at first sight. We were in college and had an opportunity to get to know one another before we got serious. He loved me first and God created a love in my heart for him after that. He waited for God to grow that love in me for him. He could have looked elsewhere, but waited for me. We're blessed.

... continued... the servant asked for a sign and it happened just at the moment he said his last word of his prayer. God made this happen, though Rebekah had no idea that anyone would be coming for her, and the servant did not know who to inquire of about Nahor's family . A perfect meeting! The servant didn't stop praying through the whole process. He wanted to be so positive that he brings back the right woman for Isaac.

Rebekah turned out to be a very gracious and kind woman. She answered all of the servant's requests with hospitality. Her family was welcoming. It was interesting that they did not inquire much about Abraham. They may not have known much about Abraham's calling as this may have been one of the few contacts they had concerning their relative. They were willing to have Rebekah be Isaac's wife, but wanted more time with her. They hadn't woken up that day thinking that Rebekah would leave to marry that day. They asked Rebekah, which they probably did not have to do, as marriages may have been decided between the men of the household. She was ready to go right away. Who knows how God had guided and stirred her heart that day to agree to leave her family, whom she obviously loved, and go to a far away place and perhaps never see her family again. Her grandmother, Milcah, Haran's daughter and Nahor's wife was still alive and lived with her son, Bethual and wife, and granddaughter Rebekah. She had grown up with Abraham, being in his generation. She was probably very happy that her daughter would become part of her cousin's family, since her father had died so long ago. Nahor must have also died, as he is not mentioned and the city was named after him. The family recognized this event as being from the Lord. Good to know that they still believed. Laban, Rebekah's brother will later become father-in-law to Jacob, son of Isaac and Rebekah. So Jacob and his wives would be third cousins one generation removed, I believe. Bethuel and Isaac were first cousins

This is the wonderful account of how Isaac and Rebekah's marriage came about. Everyone in this story had faith in God. It states that God had told Abraham to take a wife for Isaac from his direct kin. It doesn't record the encounter of this conversation between God and Abraham, but Abraham's emphasizes it as being important. Sarah had died. Abraham was about 137 years old. He and Isaac did not have any kinsmen living any where near them, But the promised seed was to come from the lineage of Adam, Seth, Noah, Shem, on down to Abraham. There were many descendants of Shem around Mesopotamia, but God had chosen Abraham and his lineage for the seed to proceed from according to God' promise. Therefore, Isaac could not take a wife from the Canaanites because they were from the lineage of Ham, not Shem. So, Abraham had his most trusted servant, probably Eliezer, to swear an oath to get a wife from Abraham's brother, Nahor's household in Haran in northern Mesopotamia. The servant put his hand under Abraham's thigh to seal the oath, which was done in those days, it seems, or it was done because the under-thigh is so near the genitals that it is an acknowledgment of the promise that the promised seed would be generated through Abraham. It showed that Abraham was determined in his faith to follow God's direction to realize the promise and honor the covenant God had made with him and no one else. So, the servant prepared everything he needed to take on the journey and set off with other servants and many camels loaded with gifts for the family of Isaac's bride. (probably customary). The servant was faithful, going to Haran and no other place. Abraham didn't know his relatives much. Probably hadn't seen them in 50 years or so. The servant could have picked any woman in the area. There probably would be a family resemblance. But, the servant was trustworthy and feared God. I am so impressed by his prayer for God to bring the woman to the well and the conditions. See more ...

Hi sandra ,im not exactly sure though it seems to be conected to making a solemn promise ,we might put our hand on our heart in these days ,in Exodus ch47 Israel (Jacob) also makes joseph do it and promise to bury his bones in Caanan .

In Genesis 24: 2 & 9, why did Abraham have the servant put his hand under his thigh when they were talking?

REBEKAH - SEEKING THE WILL OF GOD by Kelli Worrall, MBI prof 2021

As a college professor, one of the most common conversations I have with my students is about God's will. How does He reveal His leading to us? In Abraham's advanced years, his primary concern became a wife for Isaac. Only through Isaac's marriage and fatherhood would God's covenant continue, so Abraham gave his chief servant specific instructions on how to find the right woman.

When the servant came to Nahor, he stopped by a well with his ten camels, and in prayer, he devised a unique method for discovering God's will. He would administer a test. The servant would ask a girl for a drink, and if she offered to water his camels too, then she would be "the one." Before he had even finished praying, Rebekah arrived (v. 15). The servant noticed her beauty and immediately asked Rebekah for a drink. She offered one without hesitation. Then she offered to water his camels as well. Her jug was 3 gallons or so in capacity. Since a thirsty camel can drink 25-40 gallons, Rebekah had to fill her jug about 130 times! The servant could add "hard worker" and "servant spirit" to her qualities.

The servant watched her intently, praying for internal confirmation for his external observations. He clearly received the assurance he sought because, when Rebekah finished, he gave her costly gifts and asked about her family (vv. 22-23). Upon hearing that she was Abraham's close relative, the servant worshiped the Lord. The servant's visit with Rebekah's family served as further confirmation, as did Rebekah's willingness to go immediately-even when her family asked for ten more days together.

>> The process of discerning God's will involves prayerful assessment of our circumstances and motivations. We should ask God to direct our thinking and help us walk in step with His Spirit. Sometimes He reveals His will through unusual events. But more often He opens and closes doors and His Spirit gives us discernment.

Thaina, you've observed correctly. However, we need to note that in biblical days (as also in eastern cultures today), the relationship shown is not always one that meets our 'strict requirements'. So in Gen 24:48, though Rebekah is Nahor's granddaughter, Abraham's servant regards her as "Abraham's brother's daughter" (i.e. as if 'out of his brother's loins'). You can see a similar example in Gen 14:12-16, which shows Abraham's nephew, Lot, as Abraham's brother; in their understanding, because of the closeness of a nephew, he is looked upon as a son. In India, often when meeting a young man & his cousin in a house, I ask the man about the guy standing with him, he will say "He's my brother" even though strictly he is his cousin. So the relationship demarcation gets a little blurred in eastern thought.

Why does it call Rebekah "my master's brother's daughter" when she was Nahor's granddaughter?

Bless Abraham's servant. Who is never named. May I see him in Heaven and thank him personally.

No one have seen God. These 70 saw a cloud and God spoke to them out of the cloud. The closest anyone have had to see God, was Moses who only saw the backside of God as he was walking away. After Moses asked to see him. God covered Moses face with his hand as he pasted by and only allowed him to see his back, not his face.

What Faith in God can accomplish: From Abraham to his servant The God of Abraham : his Servant: trusted: depended: believed: acknowledged: Rebekah: Laban: mother: also: God made it all happen: they were all in agreement: Thank God!

It is a blessing to have faithful and Godly employees who pray to ensure the success in your vision.

Verse 19~Rebekah went above and beyond and was willing to be self-sacrificing. She had fine qualities as a potential wife.

Verse 63: Isaac chose to go out to a quiet place and meditate. We must create the right conditions and environment in order to meditate on the Bible properly.

Verse 3: Abraham wanted to make sure his son had a wife who worshipped the same God as he worshipped and not a worldly woman. Abraham was imitating Jehovah God in what he wants for his servants.

Abraham sent his servant to bring a wife for his son from his country,not just his country but from his kindren cos he is very sure that his son will not be lure out of serving God.cos he is very sure of the love of God in them.unlike the cananites, they easily lure his son out of loving God

The same Faithful and Loving God of Abraham, is our God as well, when we follow in the steps of the same Faith and Love of Abraham's God. This is one of my favorite stories in the Bible, for how it shows the LORD's care and guidance in the good and natural things of this life. I also like very much, how everyone acted with respect to God's guidance: what a happy world it would be when we do also.

I am using this for my bible study...have it on a 40" screen and very easy on these old eyes...Thank You Ken

Does anybody really read scripture anymore? In Exodus 24:10, Moses and 70 elders "saw" GOD, where did the same experience of the prophets come from - was their "vision" corrupted by their own perspectives or intentionally enhanced to suit their audience? Does anyone read past the words on the page anymore - or just reflexively quote verse without seeking the deeper meaning? Can you see beyond?

I reason along with this scripture, Rebecca covered her face as soon as she was told that Isaac is the servant's master, let this be a lesson to all ladies that bed should be kept undefiled till wedding. Also,when you truly serve the Lord,people who doesn't have much faith in the Lord will believe through you, this is in case of Abraham's eldest servant. May God bless us all.

Right from Abraham to his servant; there's a real show of belief in none, but the LORD alone.
This episode proves the faithfulness of the LORD. Also it reveals how much God cares and listens to
His committed children. The story encourages all who want to really walk with God in their Christian endeavor.

As I look at this Bible massage, it's always better to be faithful to God and to walk in his righteousness. Through his righteousness together with faithful prayers God will provide us with genuine wisdom and generation blessings. Indeed God will provide us with what's EXTREMELY good and at a right time. May God strongly be Blessed in Christ Jesus.

That Abraham return to his kindred to take a wife for his son, the lesson for me here is that as Christians we should strive to marry fellow Christians especially that cousin marriage is no longer tenable in our world today more so, the simplicity of the union at the time cannot be compared to the complicated world of today. God therefore is key in the union of two people now than ever before.