Matthew Henry on Genesis 24:29-53
We have here the making up of the marriage between Isaac and Rebekah. It is related very largely and particularly, even to the minute circumstances, which, we should think, might have been spared, while other things of great moment and mystery (as the story of Melchizedek) are related in few words. Thus God conceals that which is curious from the wise and prudent, reveals to babes that which is common and level to their capacity (Mat 11:25), and rules and saves the world by the foolishness of preaching, Co1 1:21. Thus also we are directed to take notice of God's providence in the little common occurrences of human life, and in them also to exercise our own prudence and other graces; for the…
Read the whole note in the consoleJamieson-Fausset-Brown on Genesis 24:32
the man came into the house, &c.--What a beautiful picture of piety, fidelity, and disinterestedness in a servant! He declined all attention to his own comforts till he had told his name and his errand.
Adam Clarke on Genesis 24:45
Before I had done speaking in mine heart - So we find that the whole of this prayer, so circumstantially related Gen 24:12-14, and again Gen 24:42-44, was mental, and heard only by that God to whom it was directed. It would have been improper to have used public prayer on the occasion, as his servants could have felt no particular interest in the accomplishment of his petitions, because they were not concerned in them, having none of the responsibility of this mission.
John Gill on Genesis 24:45
And before I had done speaking in mine heart, behold, Rebekah came forth with her pitcher on her shoulder,.... See Gill on Genesis 24:15.
and she went down unto the well, and drew water: See Gill on Genesis 24:16.
and I said unto her, Let me drink, I pray thee. See Gill on Genesis 24:17.
John Calvin on Genesis 24:33-49
I will not eat until I have told my errand [9] Moses begins to show by what means the parents of Rebekah were induced to give her in marriage to their nephew. That the servant, when food was set before him, should refuse to eat till he had completed his work is a proof of his diligence and fidelity; and it may with propriety be regarded as one of the benefits which God had vouchsafed to Abraham, that he should have a servant so faithful, and so intent upon his duty. Since, however, this was the reward of the holy discipline which Abraham maintained, we cannot wonder that very few such servants are to be found, seeing that everywhere they are so ill-governed.
Moreover, although the servant s…
