Genesis 24:47-48 “I asked her, ‘Whose daughter are you?’ “She said, ‘The daughter of Bethuel son of Nahor, whom Milkah bore to him.’ “Then I put the ring in her nose and the bracelets on her arms, and I bowed down and worshiped the Lord. I praised the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who had led me on the right road to get the granddaughter of my master’s brother for his son.
The thing that bothers my modern sensibilities about today’s verses is that it all seems so transactional. These are conversations had by the men, and Rebekah is just property to be bartered for. That certainly gets my hackles up, but I guess Rebekah would have just seen it as another day as a female at this time in this culture. However, it works out for her as she becomes, according to a quick Google search, “one of the most prominent women in the Bible.”
Genesis 24:49 Now if you will show kindness and faithfulness to my master, tell me; and if not, tell me, so I may know which way to turn.”
It reminds me of another story that we will get to shortly–that of Joseph and his brothers. Joseph, also, is bartered away with no say in the matter. He faces a long and winding road of heartache and hardship but eventually ends up in a place to save his family from famine. In my mind, these journeys have much in common.
Genesis 24:50 Laban and Bethuel answered, “This is from the Lord; we can say nothing to you one way or the other.
Precious Savior, Thank You for showing me this similarity between Rebekah’s and Joseph’s journeys. Thank You for the ability to look deeper into Your word, look past what troubles me, and see Your lessons more clearly. Help me, as I ponder these stories, to understand the truths You are placing on my heart. Amen.
Genesis 24:51 Here is Rebekah; take her and go, and let her become the wife of your master’s son, as the Lord has directed.”
Have a blessed day.