This verse from Genesis 24:18 describes Rebekah's act of hospitality towards Abraham's servant. Let's break it down:
"She said, “Drink, my lord.” This is a polite and respectful offer of water. Addressing him as "my lord" indicates her deference to an elder or someone of higher status.
"She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand..." Rebekah doesn't hesitate. She quickly lowers her water pitcher from her shoulder (or head) to her hand. This shows her willingness and eagerness to serve. The detail about her hand suggests she was careful not to spill the water.
"...and gave him a drink." She personally offered him water from her pitcher, allowing him to quench his thirst.
Significance:
Hospitality: This verse exemplifies the important cultural value of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern societies. Offering water to a traveler was a basic act of kindness and a sign of good character.
Kindness and Generosity: Rebekah goes beyond simply offering water; she does so with speed and grace. This demonstrates her generous spirit and willingness to serve a stranger.
Divine Test: Unbeknownst to Rebekah, Abraham's servant was seeking a wife for Isaac. He prayed that God would reveal the right woman by her willingness to offer water not only to him but also to his camels (see Genesis 24:14). Rebekah's actions fulfill this sign, indicating that she is God's chosen woman for Isaac.
In summary, this verse portrays Rebekah as a virtuous and hospitable young woman. Her prompt and generous act of offering water to a weary traveler demonstrates her character and ultimately leads to her being chosen as Isaac's wife.
This verse from Genesis 24:18 describes Rebekah's act of hospitality towards Abraham's servant. Let's break it down:
"She said, “Drink, my lord.” This is a polite and respectful offer of water. Addressing him as "my lord" indicates her deference to an elder or someone of higher status.
"She hurried, and let down her pitcher on her hand..." Rebekah doesn't hesitate. She quickly lowers her water pitcher from her shoulder (or head) to her hand. This shows her willingness and eagerness to serve. The detail about her hand suggests she was careful not to spill the water.
"...and gave him a drink." She personally offered him water from her pitcher, allowing him to quench his thirst.
Significance:
Hospitality: This verse exemplifies the important cultural value of hospitality in ancient Near Eastern societies. Offering water to a traveler was a basic act of kindness and a sign of good character.
Kindness and Generosity: Rebekah goes beyond simply offering water; she does so with speed and grace. This demonstrates her generous spirit and willingness to serve a stranger.
Divine Test: Unbeknownst to Rebekah, Abraham's servant was seeking a wife for Isaac. He prayed that God would reveal the right woman by her willingness to offer water not only to him but also to his camels (see Genesis 24:14). Rebekah's actions fulfill this sign, indicating that she is God's chosen woman for Isaac.
In summary, this verse portrays Rebekah as a virtuous and hospitable young woman. Her prompt and generous act of offering water to a weary traveler demonstrates her character and ultimately leads to her being chosen as Isaac's wife.