Genesis 24:18

"Drink, my lord," she replied, and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands and gave him a drink.

Study Bible

“Drink, my lord,” she replied
This phrase reflects the cultural norms of hospitality in the ancient Near East, where offering water to a stranger was a common courtesy. The term "my lord" indicates respect and humility, which were important values in patriarchal societies. This encounter takes place at a well, a central location for social interaction and resource gathering. The use of "my lord" also foreshadows the respect and submission that Rebekah will later show as Isaac's wife, aligning with the biblical theme of servanthood and respect within relationships.

and she quickly lowered her jar to her hands
Rebekah's quick action demonstrates her willingness and eagerness to serve, a trait that is highly valued in biblical narratives. The act of lowering the jar to her hands suggests a readiness to meet the needs of others, paralleling the servant-hearted nature of Christ, who came to serve and not to be served (Mark 10:45). This gesture also highlights the physical effort involved, indicating her strength and capability, qualities that would be important for her future role in the lineage of Israel.

and gave him a drink
This act of giving water is symbolic of life and sustenance, echoing other biblical instances where water is a metaphor for spiritual nourishment (John 4:14). Rebekah's provision of water can be seen as a type of Christ, who offers the living water of eternal life. Her actions fulfill the servant's prayer for a sign, confirming God's guidance in choosing a wife for Isaac. This moment is pivotal in the Abrahamic narrative, as it leads to the continuation of God's covenant through Isaac and Rebekah's descendants.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Rebekah
A young woman of marriageable age, known for her beauty and kindness. She is the daughter of Bethuel and becomes the wife of Isaac.

2. Abraham's Servant
Likely Eliezer of Damascus, tasked with finding a wife for Isaac, Abraham's son, from his own relatives.

3. The Well
A common gathering place for drawing water, significant in biblical accounts as a place of divine encounters and provision.

4. Nahor
The city where Abraham's relatives lived, named after Abraham's brother.

5. The Event
The servant's prayerful search for a wife for Isaac, leading to Rebekah's act of hospitality.

Teaching Points

Hospitality as a Virtue
Rebekah's willingness to serve a stranger exemplifies the biblical call to hospitality. We are encouraged to be open and generous to those we encounter.

Divine Guidance in Decision-Making
The servant's reliance on prayer and God's guidance in choosing a wife for Isaac teaches us to seek God's will in our decisions.

The Role of Women in God's Plan
Rebekah's pivotal role in the Abrahamic lineage highlights the importance of women in God's redemptive history.

Faithfulness in Small Acts
Rebekah's simple act of drawing water becomes a significant moment in God's plan, reminding us that small acts of faithfulness can have great impact.

God's Providence and Timing
The meeting at the well shows God's perfect timing and provision, encouraging us to trust in His plans for our lives.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does Rebekah's response to the servant's request demonstrate the biblical principle of hospitality, and how can we apply this in our daily lives?

2. In what ways does the servant's prayer and subsequent encounter with Rebekah illustrate the importance of seeking God's guidance in our decisions?

3. How does Rebekah's character and actions align with the description of a virtuous woman in Proverbs 31, and what qualities can we strive to emulate?

4. What can we learn from the parallels between Rebekah's encounter at the well and Jesus' conversation with the Samaritan woman in John 4?

5. How does this passage encourage us to trust in God's providence and timing, especially when we are waiting for answers to our prayers?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Genesis 24:14
The servant's prayer for a sign, which Rebekah fulfills, demonstrating God's providence.

Proverbs 31:10-31
The description of a virtuous woman, paralleling Rebekah's character and actions.

John 4:7-15
Jesus' encounter with the Samaritan woman at the well, highlighting themes of living water and divine appointments.

Hebrews 13:2
The call to show hospitality, as Rebekah does, entertaining angels unaware.

1 Peter 3:3-4
The emphasis on inner beauty and a gentle spirit, qualities seen in Rebekah.