This verse (Genesis 24:37) is part of a larger narrative in which Abraham is tasking his servant (who is unnamed in the text, but often assumed to be Eliezer of Damascus) with finding a wife for his son Isaac. Here's a breakdown of what the verse means:

"My master made me swear..." Abraham, referred to here as "my master," made his servant take an oath to ensure the servant followed his instructions. Oaths were considered very serious and binding in ancient Near Eastern culture.

"...saying, ‘You shall not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, in whose land I live..." This is the core of the instruction. Abraham forbids his servant from choosing a wife for Isaac from among the local Canaanite women.

What this means in context:

Concern for Religious Purity: Abraham was concerned with maintaining the purity of his lineage and the worship of the one true God. The Canaanites were polytheistic (worshipped many gods) and had cultural practices that were seen as morally corrupt by Abraham. Marrying a Canaanite woman could lead Isaac away from his faith.

Preserving the Covenant Lineage: Abraham believed that his descendants were chosen by God to fulfill a specific purpose. Marrying outside of his family's cultural and religious background could dilute or jeopardize this destiny.

Avoiding Assimilation: By marrying within his own extended family, Abraham hoped to maintain a distinct identity and avoid being absorbed into the Canaanite culture.

Establishing a Precedent: This decision establishes a precedent for the Israelites in later generations, discouraging intermarriage with the Canaanites and other surrounding nations for similar reasons of religious and cultural preservation.

In summary, this verse reveals Abraham's deep commitment to his faith, his concern for the spiritual well-being of his son Isaac, and his determination to maintain the distinct identity of his family and its covenant relationship with God.