Genesis 24:51 - Behold, Rebekah is before you. Take her, and go, and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as Yahweh has spoken.”

Generated Verse: Genesis 24:51

What does "Genesis 24:51" mean?


This verse, Genesis 24:51, is the climax of a long and significant scene in the Bible. Let's break it down to understand its meaning:

Context: Abraham, wanting a wife for his son Isaac from among his own people and not the Canaanites, sends his most trusted servant on a mission to his relatives in Mesopotamia. The servant prays for a sign from God to identify the right woman. Rebekah fulfills the sign by offering water to both him and his camels. Impressed, the servant tells Rebekah's family about Abraham's wealth and purpose, and asks if they will allow Rebekah to return with him to marry Isaac.

"Behold, Rebekah is before you." This phrase emphasizes Rebekah's presence and availability. After hearing the servant's account and recognizing God's hand in the situation, Rebekah's brother Laban and her father Bethuel give their consent. They are essentially saying, "Here she is; she is present and willing."

"Take her, and go..." This is the permission and authorization to take Rebekah with him back to Abraham's land. They are releasing her from her family obligations and agreeing to the proposed marriage.

"...and let her be your master’s son’s wife, as Yahweh has spoken." This is the crucial part. It connects the marriage to God's plan.

"Your master's son's wife" clearly states that Rebekah is intended for Isaac.
"As Yahweh has spoken" acknowledges that they believe God is guiding this situation. It suggests that they perceive God's will in the events that have unfolded, from the servant's prayer to Rebekah's actions. They are acknowledging divine providence. While God didn't speak directly to them, they see God's hand in the coincidences and believe it's a divinely ordained match.

In essence, the verse means:

"We have seen the hand of God in this. Rebekah is here before you. Take her with you. Let her be Isaac's wife, as we believe God has intended."

Significance:

Divine Providence: The verse highlights the idea that God is actively involved in the lives of people and orchestrates events according to His will.
Family Consent: It demonstrates the importance of family approval in marriage arrangements in that culture.
Faith: It shows the faith of Rebekah's family, as they believe in and accept God's plan even though they may not fully understand it.
Continuity of the Covenant: The marriage of Isaac to Rebekah ensures the continuation of Abraham's line and the fulfillment of God's promise to make Abraham a great nation.

In short, this verse marks a turning point in the story, signaling the successful completion of the servant's mission and the affirmation that Rebekah is indeed the woman chosen by God for Isaac. It sets the stage for Rebekah's journey to a new life and her role in the ongoing story of the covenant people.

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