This verse from Genesis 24:46 is a key moment in the story of Abraham's servant, who is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. Let's break down the meaning:
"She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder...": This shows Rebekah's willingness and eagerness to help. Carrying a pitcher full of water was hard work, and she didn't hesitate to offer it. This demonstrates her kindness and lack of hesitation.
"...and said, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.'": This reveals Rebekah's generosity and thoughtfulness. Offering water to a thirsty traveler was a customary act of hospitality. However, offering to water his camels was above and beyond. Camels drink a lot of water, and it would have been a considerable task to draw enough water for them. This suggests she is a generous and hard working person.
"So I drank, and she also gave the camels a drink.": This confirms that Rebekah fulfilled her promise. It's important to note that watering the camels was likely a laborious and time-consuming task.
In summary, the verse reveals Rebekah's:
Kindness: She readily offers water to a stranger.
Generosity: She offers to water his camels, a demanding task.
Diligence/Industriousness: She follows through and waters the camels, showing she is hard-working and not afraid of hard work.
Good Character: She is presented as virtuous and hospitable.
This verse is significant because Abraham's servant had asked God for a sign to identify the woman chosen for Isaac. The sign was that she would not only offer him water but also water his camels. Rebekah's actions perfectly fulfilled this sign, confirming to the servant that she was the woman God had chosen. This verse is crucial in advancing the narrative. It's not just about getting a drink; it's about identifying a woman of exceptional character destined for a significant role.
This verse from Genesis 24:46 is a key moment in the story of Abraham's servant, who is tasked with finding a wife for Isaac. Let's break down the meaning:
"She hurried and let down her pitcher from her shoulder...": This shows Rebekah's willingness and eagerness to help. Carrying a pitcher full of water was hard work, and she didn't hesitate to offer it. This demonstrates her kindness and lack of hesitation.
"...and said, 'Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink.'": This reveals Rebekah's generosity and thoughtfulness. Offering water to a thirsty traveler was a customary act of hospitality. However, offering to water his camels was above and beyond. Camels drink a lot of water, and it would have been a considerable task to draw enough water for them. This suggests she is a generous and hard working person.
"So I drank, and she also gave the camels a drink.": This confirms that Rebekah fulfilled her promise. It's important to note that watering the camels was likely a laborious and time-consuming task.
In summary, the verse reveals Rebekah's:
Kindness: She readily offers water to a stranger.
Generosity: She offers to water his camels, a demanding task.
Diligence/Industriousness: She follows through and waters the camels, showing she is hard-working and not afraid of hard work.
Good Character: She is presented as virtuous and hospitable.
This verse is significant because Abraham's servant had asked God for a sign to identify the woman chosen for Isaac. The sign was that she would not only offer him water but also water his camels. Rebekah's actions perfectly fulfilled this sign, confirming to the servant that she was the woman God had chosen. This verse is crucial in advancing the narrative. It's not just about getting a drink; it's about identifying a woman of exceptional character destined for a significant role.