Biblical Context:
The account of Rebekah being chosen as a wife for Isaac is found in Genesis 24. This narrative is a pivotal moment in the patriarchal history, illustrating God's providence and faithfulness to His covenant with Abraham. The account unfolds after the death of Sarah, when Abraham seeks to find a suitable wife for his son Isaac, ensuring the continuation of God's promise through his lineage.

Narrative Summary:
Abraham, advanced in age and blessed by the LORD in all things, instructs his chief servant to find a wife for Isaac from his own relatives in Mesopotamia, rather than from the Canaanites among whom they dwell. The servant, likely Eliezer of Damascus, is tasked with this solemn duty and swears an oath to fulfill Abraham's request (Genesis 24:1-9).

Upon reaching the city of Nahor, the servant prays for divine guidance, asking for a sign to identify the chosen woman: "May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may drink,’ and she replies, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels as well’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac" (Genesis 24:14).

Before he finishes praying, Rebekah, the daughter of Bethuel and granddaughter of Nahor, appears. She fulfills the sign by offering water to the servant and his camels, demonstrating her kindness and hospitality (Genesis 24:15-20). Recognizing God's hand in the encounter, the servant gives Rebekah gifts and inquires about her family, learning that she is indeed from Abraham's kin (Genesis 24:22-24).

Theological Significance:
The selection of Rebekah underscores the theme of divine providence. The servant's prayer and its immediate fulfillment highlight God's active role in guiding the events according to His covenantal promises. Rebekah's willingness to leave her family and journey to a foreign land mirrors Abraham's own call to faith and obedience, reinforcing the continuity of God's plan through successive generations.

Cultural and Historical Insights:
The narrative reflects ancient Near Eastern customs regarding marriage and family alliances. The practice of seeking a wife from one's own kin was intended to preserve cultural and religious identity. The servant's journey and the exchange of gifts also illustrate the formal and communal nature of marriage arrangements during this period.

Character Study:
Rebekah emerges as a woman of faith and initiative. Her actions at the well reveal her character traits of generosity and diligence. Her decision to accompany the servant back to Canaan, despite the uncertainties, marks her as a pivotal matriarch in the lineage of Israel.

Key Verses:
· Genesis 24:12-14 : The servant's prayer for guidance.
· Genesis 24:19-20 : Rebekah's act of kindness.
· Genesis 24:26-27 : The servant's worship and acknowledgment of God's guidance.

Legacy:
Rebekah's role as Isaac's wife and the mother of Jacob and Esau places her at the heart of the Abrahamic covenant's unfolding. Her account is a testament to God's faithfulness and the importance of seeking His will in life's decisions.