At first glance, Rebekah’s departure from her homeland to marry Isaac may appear to be a simple arranged marriage. But this union is far more than a romantic or cultural arrangement—it is a powerful testimony to God’s providence, faith in action, and the unfolding of His covenant promises. Rebekah does not merely become Isaac’s wife; she steps into the role of matriarch, entering Sarah’s tent and taking her place in the ongoing story of Israel’s destiny.
Abraham’s Instructions
After Sarah’s death and with Abraham now very old, his focus is on an important task—ensuring that God’s covenant continues through Isaac. Abraham, unable to travel himself, sends his trusted servant—likely Eliezer—to find a wife for Isaac from his own relatives in Mesopotamia, not from the local Canaanites.
Abraham’s instruction is precise. Isaac must not marry a Canaanite, yet must also remain in the land of Canaan. This may seem paradoxical—if Abraham is unwilling to intermarry with locals, why insist Isaac not leave? Yet it reflects a deeper concern that Abraham had, as the land was promised by God. Isaac must not abandon it, even temporarily, and even for love. Faithfulness to God’s promise must come before cultural convenience.
Before setting out, the servant is asked to make a serious oath by placing his hand under Abraham’s thigh. This peculiar gesture was likely tied to the covenant of circumcision—the sign of Abraham’s covenant with God. This makes the oath more than a personal request; it’s a covenantal extension. This mission is not just about marriage; it’s about continuing God’s promise that Abraham’s descendants would inherit the land and become a great nation. The servant shows great loyalty and wisdom as he prays,
“Lord, God of my master Abraham, make me successful today, and show kindness to my master Abraham.” – Genesis 24:12 (NIV)
His words show that he trusts the God of Abraham, even though he hasn’t yet made that faith his own. Like many today, he is living on borrowed faith—relying on what he has seen in others. Yet his obedience is sincere. He prays clearly, sets conditions, and moves forward without delay when they are met. His faith may still be infant, but his actions align with God’s will.
Eliezer’s prayer is striking—notably, he prays to “the God of my master Abraham,” not his own God. This suggests that while he may respect Abraham’s God, he hasn’t yet claimed Him personally. Yet the servant still steps out in trust, asking for divine guidance in very specific terms. His prayer isn’t vague; it’s detailed, humble, and sincere.
The remarkable part is not just that Rebekah appears immediately, but that she matches every detail of his request without prompting. She offers water not only to the servant, but also to his camels—a generous and physically demanding gesture. Her kindness, decisiveness, and hospitality mark her out not only as a suitable wife but also as someone shaped by godly character, even before she’s fully drawn into God’s covenant.
Rebekah Follows God’s Will
So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said. – Genesis 24:58 (NIV)
It’s easy to gloss over Rebekah’s response, but consider the magnitude of what she’s agreeing to. With little time to prepare, and having never met Isaac, she consents to leave her family and homeland to marry a man far away, trusting the servant’s testimony and, more importantly, God’s hand in the matter. This is not naïve impulsiveness; rather, it is courageous faith expressed by the young woman.
Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the LORD; we can say nothing to you one way or the other. Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the LORD has directed. ” – Genesis 24:50-51 (NIV)
After Rebekah’s family agreed to the servant’s proposal, he bowed down in worship to the Lord. He then gave gifts of jewellery, clothing, and other valuables to Rebekah and her family. That night, they all shared a meal and rested.
Like the land transaction for buying a burial ground for Sarah, the marriage negotiation happens in a cultural framework that feels foreign yet familiar. The act of negotiating at the city gate, the servant offering jewellery, and the family’s hesitation all mirror practices still seen today.
Rebekah’s decision reflects a willingness to be led, to move beyond what is familiar, and to participate in something much greater than herself. Her readiness is reminiscent of Abraham’s own journey years earlier, when he, too, left home and kin at God’s calling. The promise is now moving through the next generation, and Rebekah is its chosen vessel.
Isaac Meets Rebekah
The next morning, the servant asked to return to Abraham with Rebekah, but her mother and brother requested a delay of ten days. The servant insisted on leaving immediately, since God had granted success to his mission. They then asked Rebekah directly, and she willingly agreed to go. So they sent her off with their blessing, her nurse, and Abraham’s servant, entrusting her to the future God had prepared.
Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. – Genesis 24:67 (NIV)
Isaac, who had likely grieved deeply for Sarah, finds comfort not just in marriage, but in continuity. By bringing Rebekah into Sarah’s tent, he symbolically honours his mother’s memory while embracing the future. It’s a merging of grief and hope—a sacred transition that reinforces the idea that God’s promises continue even through loss. It marks a new depth in the relational dimension of the patriarchal story—a reminder that God’s plans include both purpose and moments of reflection.
Our Journey of Faith
Are we ready to follow God, even when the way forward is uncertain and costly? Like Rebekah, can we say “I will go” without knowing what lies ahead? Are we, like Eliezer, living on second-hand faith? And if so, are we open to letting God’s faithfulness lead us into a deeper, personal trust? Are we, like Isaac, allowing God to bring healing in unexpected ways—even in the midst of grief?
We are all invited to take part in God’s plan: like Rebekah, stepping forward in trust; like Eliezer, serving faithfully even before our faith is fully formed; and like Abraham, believing in promises that may be fulfilled long after we are gone.
Discussion Questions
- Why does Abraham insist that Isaac must not marry a Canaanite, but also must not leave Canaan?
- What does the servant’s prayer reveal about his faith and relationship with God?
- What can we learn from Rebekah’s readiness to leave everything and follow God’s call?
- In what ways are we like Eliezer—acting on borrowed faith—and how can we make that faith our own?
The Jordan Valley 
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