Genesis 24:11

As evening approached, he made the camels kneel down near the well outside the town at the time when the women went out to draw water.

Study Bible

As evening approached
In the ancient Near East, evening was a significant time for various activities, including drawing water. This time of day was cooler, making it more comfortable for labor. Biblically, evening often symbolizes a time of transition or preparation, as seen in Genesis 1:5, where evening marks the beginning of a new day.

he made the camels kneel down
Camels were valuable assets in ancient times, used for long journeys due to their endurance and ability to carry heavy loads. The act of making camels kneel indicates preparation for rest and unloading. This gesture also reflects the servant's anticipation of a significant encounter, as camels kneeling is a sign of readiness and submission, paralleling the servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac.

near the well outside the town
Wells were central to community life, serving as gathering places and essential sources of water. This particular well, outside the town, suggests a common meeting place for travelers and locals. Wells in biblical narratives often symbolize life, sustenance, and divine encounters, as seen in John 4:6-14, where Jesus meets the Samaritan woman at a well.

at the time when the women went out to draw water
Drawing water was typically a task for women, reflecting the cultural norms of the time. This daily routine provided opportunities for social interaction and community building. The timing of the servant's arrival aligns with divine providence, setting the stage for Rebekah's introduction. This moment foreshadows other significant biblical encounters at wells, such as Jacob meeting Rachel in Genesis 29:9-10, highlighting God's orchestration in the lives of His people.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Abraham's Servant
The unnamed servant, traditionally believed to be Eliezer, is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. His actions reflect his faithfulness and dedication to Abraham's mission.

2. Camels
The camels are a sign of Abraham's wealth and the means by which the servant travels. They also play a role in the servant's prayer for a sign.

3. The Well
A central meeting place in ancient communities, the well is where the servant positions himself to find a suitable wife for Isaac. It symbolizes provision and sustenance.

4. The Town
The town is not named here, but it is in the region of Nahor, Abraham's brother, indicating the servant's obedience to seek a wife from Abraham's relatives.

5. The Women
The women of the town come to draw water, setting the stage for Rebekah's introduction. This cultural practice highlights the servant's strategic planning.

Teaching Points

Faithful Service
The servant's dedication to his master's mission is a model of faithful service. Believers are called to serve God and others with diligence and integrity.

Strategic Positioning
The servant's choice to wait by the well demonstrates the importance of being in the right place at the right time. Christians should seek God's guidance in positioning themselves for His purposes.

Prayerful Dependence
The servant's prayer for a sign underscores the necessity of seeking God's guidance in decision-making. Believers should cultivate a habit of prayerful dependence on God.

Cultural Awareness
Understanding the cultural context of the well as a gathering place can enhance our appreciation of biblical accounts. Christians should strive to understand the cultural contexts of Scripture to apply its truths effectively.

Divine Appointments
The meeting at the well illustrates how God orchestrates events for His purposes. Believers should be open to divine appointments in their daily lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the servant's faithfulness to Abraham's instructions challenge us in our own commitments and responsibilities?

2. In what ways can we position ourselves strategically, like the servant at the well, to be used by God in our communities?

3. How does the servant's prayer for guidance encourage us to seek God's direction in our own decision-making processes?

4. What cultural practices today can serve as opportunities for divine appointments, similar to the well in ancient times?

5. How can we recognize and respond to divine appointments in our lives, as the servant did in meeting Rebekah?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 24:12-14
The servant's prayer for guidance and a sign from God connects to the theme of divine providence and guidance seen throughout Scripture.

Proverbs 3:5-6
The servant's reliance on God for direction parallels the call to trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.

John 4:7-15
The encounter at the well between Jesus and the Samaritan woman echoes the theme of divine appointments and the provision of living water.