Genesis 24:31 - He said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”
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What does "Genesis 24:31" mean?
This verse from Genesis 24:31 is part of the story where Abraham's servant is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He has arrived at the well in Nahor, and Rebekah has demonstrated her kindness by not only giving him water but also offering to water his camels. Laban, Rebekah's brother, sees the gold jewelry the servant has given Rebekah and recognizes the significance of the encounter. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"He said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh." Laban recognizes that Abraham's servant is blessed by God (Yahweh). This is likely due to the visible wealth and the miraculous encounter he perceives. He's extending a welcome based on this perception of divine favor. The phrase "blessed of Yahweh" is a significant honorific.
"Why do you stand outside?" This is a standard expression of hospitality in that culture. It emphasizes that the servant should not remain outside but should enter the home, where he can be properly cared for.
"For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”" This is the core of Laban's hospitable offer. He has made accommodations for both the servant and his animals. Preparing the house means ensuring there is food, drink, and a comfortable place to rest. "Room for the camels" indicates a place for them to be watered, fed, and sheltered. Camels were valuable animals, so providing for them was an important part of hospitality.
In essence, this verse conveys:
A recognition of divine blessing: Laban acknowledges that the servant is favored by God.
A display of cultural hospitality: Laban offers a warm welcome and invites the servant to come inside and be cared for.
Practical provision: Laban has made arrangements for the servant's needs and the needs of his animals.
Context within the Larger Story:
This warm welcome from Laban is important because it sets the stage for the servant to explain his mission and ask for Rebekah's hand in marriage for Isaac. Laban's hospitality makes the process of negotiation and agreement much smoother. It also subtly reveals Laban's character: he is keen to welcome someone he perceives as divinely favored, and perhaps also recognizes the potential benefits that could come from a connection with Abraham's wealthy family. It also emphasizes the importance of hospitality in the culture of the time, particularly towards travelers.
Genesis 24:31 - He said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh. Why do you stand outside? For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”
What does "Genesis 24:31" mean?
This verse from Genesis 24:31 is part of the story where Abraham's servant is on a mission to find a wife for Isaac. He has arrived at the well in Nahor, and Rebekah has demonstrated her kindness by not only giving him water but also offering to water his camels. Laban, Rebekah's brother, sees the gold jewelry the servant has given Rebekah and recognizes the significance of the encounter. Here's a breakdown of the verse's meaning:
"He said, “Come in, you blessed of Yahweh." Laban recognizes that Abraham's servant is blessed by God (Yahweh). This is likely due to the visible wealth and the miraculous encounter he perceives. He's extending a welcome based on this perception of divine favor. The phrase "blessed of Yahweh" is a significant honorific.
"Why do you stand outside?" This is a standard expression of hospitality in that culture. It emphasizes that the servant should not remain outside but should enter the home, where he can be properly cared for.
"For I have prepared the house, and room for the camels.”" This is the core of Laban's hospitable offer. He has made accommodations for both the servant and his animals. Preparing the house means ensuring there is food, drink, and a comfortable place to rest. "Room for the camels" indicates a place for them to be watered, fed, and sheltered. Camels were valuable animals, so providing for them was an important part of hospitality.
In essence, this verse conveys:
A recognition of divine blessing: Laban acknowledges that the servant is favored by God.
A display of cultural hospitality: Laban offers a warm welcome and invites the servant to come inside and be cared for.
Practical provision: Laban has made arrangements for the servant's needs and the needs of his animals.
Context within the Larger Story:
This warm welcome from Laban is important because it sets the stage for the servant to explain his mission and ask for Rebekah's hand in marriage for Isaac. Laban's hospitality makes the process of negotiation and agreement much smoother. It also subtly reveals Laban's character: he is keen to welcome someone he perceives as divinely favored, and perhaps also recognizes the potential benefits that could come from a connection with Abraham's wealthy family. It also emphasizes the importance of hospitality in the culture of the time, particularly towards travelers.