Genesis 24:30 As soon as he had seen the nose ring, and the bracelets on his sister’s arms, and had heard Rebekah tell what the man said to her, he went out to the man and found him standing by the camels near the spring.
Commentary makes me question Laban’s motives here. When I read it, I thought Laban reacted the way that he did because he recognized that the servant was “blessed by the Lord” and since the servant favored his sister, he was eager to show him hospitality and appreciation.
Genesis 24:31 “Come, you who are blessed by the Lord,” he said. “Why are you standing out here? I have prepared the house and a place for the camels.”
Commentary says Laban saw the riches the servant brought, was motivated by what kind of deal he could broker, not by hospitality or thankfulness or any positive emotion, and responded warmly as a way to seal a positive deal for himself (and, presumably, his sister and family).
Genesis 24:32 So the man went to the house, and the camels were unloaded. Straw and fodder were brought for the camels, and water for him and his men to wash their feet.
Precious Savior, You know our hearts. Help me, in every situation, to react from a place of love, kindness, compassion. Help me to strive to shine Your light and praise Your name. Help me seek to follow Your will for me. Help me not to be selfish or self seeking. Help me, Jesus. Amen.
Genesis 24:33 Then food was set before him, but he said, “I will not eat until I have told you what I have to say.” “Then tell us,” Laban said.
Have a blessed day.