Genesis 24:11 - He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water.

Generated Verse: Genesis 24:11

What does "Genesis 24:11" mean?


Genesis 24:11 describes a very specific setting and time chosen by Abraham's servant for a crucial meeting. Let's break down the meaning:

"He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water...": Camels are large, thirsty animals. Making them kneel down indicates the servant intended to stay there for a while. The well was the focal point of community water supply, a common gathering place. Locating himself there increased his chances of encountering people, specifically women.

"...at the time of evening, the time that women go out to draw water.": This is the key to understanding the servant's strategy.
Time of evening: In that ancient culture, women were primarily responsible for drawing water. They typically did so in the evening for several reasons:
Cooler temperatures: Avoiding the heat of the day made the labor easier.
Social interaction: Drawing water was a chance to socialize and catch up with other women in the community.
Less disruption: The work day was coming to an end, making it a convenient time to fetch water for cooking and other household needs.
Women go out to draw water: Abraham's servant knew the evening well would be frequented by women, making it the perfect place to enact his plan to find a wife for Isaac. The location and time he chose increased the probability of meeting local women.

In Summary

The verse is not just a descriptive detail. It highlights the servant's wisdom and planning. He chose a location and time known for the presence of women. He wasn't just waiting randomly; he was strategically positioning himself to observe and interact with potential candidates who were most likely to be receptive and accessible. The time of day was ideal to find a woman who embodies kindness and diligence, as demonstrated by her willingness to draw water for him and his camels.