Contributor: Isekhua Evborokhai
INTRODUCTION
In last week’s study, we gained insight about the character of Abraham, especially during the death and burial of his wife, Sarah; such as conducting himself with integrity - giving us an example of how to make our faith visible in our dealings and decisions.We also learnt some important truths. That mourning is sacred; and grief reflects love for the departed. And that when we honour the dead we do so with the hope of resurrection with Christ at His coming.
Today, we progress onto Genesis 24, the longest chapter in the Book of Genesis that tells the story of how a wife was found for Isaac, the son of Abraham. It’s more than just a marriage story—it’s a lesson in prayer, divine guidance, faithful obedience, and God’s faithfulness in fulfilling promises.
1. Abraham’s Instruction (Verses 1–9)
Key Verse (Verse 3): “I want you to swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of earth, that you will not get a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I am living,”
We see in this verse that Abraham was intentional, he did not want Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman. He understood the spiritual danger of compromise (Deuteronomy 7:3–4). Choosing a life partner is a spiritual decision. Faith and values should guide it, not just feelings or culture.
2. Eliezer’s Prayer for Guidance (Verses 10–14)
Key Verse (Verse 14): “May it be that when I say to a young woman, ‘Please let down your jar that I may have a drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I’ll water your camels too’—let her be the one you have chosen for your servant Isaac. By this I will know that you have shown kindness to my master.”
Eliezer, Abraham’s servant prays for a sign—not out of superstition, but out of a desire for clear direction. His prayer is humble, specific, and rooted in God’s covenant. James 1:5 says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of God...”
God honours sincere, wisdom-seeking prayer. As believers, we should never go solo when making decisions. When we invite Him into our decisions, we will never go wrong. Proverbs 3:6 (NIV) says: “in all your ways submit to him, and he will make your paths straight.”
Discussion:
1. What have you learnt about seeking God’s will in major life decisions?
2. Are there practical examples you can share about seeking God’s will in past, present and future decisions?
3. How can we relate to the Eleazer’s prayer for guidance? Do you pray with that kind of faith?
3. Rebekah’s Response (Verses 15–26)
Key Verses (Verses 18-19): “18 “Drink, my lord,” she said, and quickly lowered the jar to her hands and gave him a drink. 19 After she had given him a drink, she said, “I’ll draw water for your camels too, until they have had enough to drink.”
Rebekah’s generous offer fulfils the very sign the servant prayed for. She is kind, hospitable, and industrious—a reflection of Proverbs 31:17–20.
Proverbs 3:5–6 – “In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He shall direct your paths.” God’s answers often arrive as we move in obedience. Rebekah didn’t know she was walking into destiny—she was simply faithful.
4. Eliezer’s Worship and Testimony (Verses:27–49)
Key Verses (Verses 26-27): “26 Then the man bowed down and worshiped the Lord, 27 saying, “Praise be to the Lord, the God of my master Abraham, who has not abandoned his kindness and faithfulness to my master. As for me, the Lord has led me on the journey to the house of my master’s relatives.”
Eliezer gives glory to God. He shares what God has done and invites the family into the process. When God answers, testify. Give Him glory, and invite others into the story of faith.
5. Rebekah’s Willingness (Verses:50–61)
Key Verse (Verse 58): “So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Will you go with this man?” “I will go,” she said.”
Rebekah responds with courage and faith. She leaves everything familiar to step into God’s plan—much like Abraham did (Genesis 12:1). Walking in God’s purpose often requires courage and trust. Sometimes it means stepping into the unknown with confidence in His call.
Discussion: How can we cultivate the kind of character (like Rebekah’s)?
6. Isaac and Rebekah Meet (Verses:62–67)
Key Verse (Verse 67): “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”
The story ends with a simple but beautiful moment—love born from obedience and God’s leading. Psalm 37:23 – “The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord.” When God is the one who writes your story, peace and love follow. Wait for His timing, and trust His way.
CONCLUSION
God delights in directing those who seek Him. The Bible admonishes us to watch and pray. That is what faith in action means. Eleazar, Abraham’s servant prayed, but he also travelled, searched, and acted. And God took care of the rest working behind the scenes, and orchestrating the details.We also learned from this account that obedience brings blessings. Everyone in this account, Abraham, Eleazar, Rebekah were in obedience. And it is obedience to God that activates His Faithfulness and we see the end that God delivered on the promised future for Isaac.
