Repeated phrases:
(1) Laban was introduced from v.29, 30, 31. When he saw the bracelets, the nose ring...he went out to meet the servants v.30.
24:31 Laban said to him, “Come, you who are blessed by the LORD!
(NET) Laban’s obsession with wealth is apparent; to him it represents how one is blessed by the LORD. Already the author is laying the foundation for subsequent events in the narrative, where Laban’s greed becomes his dominant characteristic.
Even the old servants said similar thing,
24:35 “The LORD has richly blessed my master and he has become very wealthy. The Lord has given him sheep and cattle, silver and gold, male and female servants, and camels and donkeys.
24:36 My master’s wife Sarah bore a son to him when she was old, and my master has given him everything he owns
Not only Abraham was rich he had also given everything to his son.
When the family said yes to the marriage, the servants brought out more gifts.
24:52 When Abraham’s servant heard their words, he bowed down to the ground before the LORD. 24:53 Then he brought out gold, silver jewelry, and clothing and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave valuable gifts to her brother and to her mother
Summary: The wealth of Abraham was obvious. On one hand, it was the sign of blessing from the LORD. On the other hand, if the family of the bride loved money they would easily said yes to the marriage.
(2) From the beginning of chapter the problem of finding the wife for Isaac was repeated again from v.37-42. Will Rebekah and her family willing to let her move all the way to the land of Canaan? That's why the servant repeated his encounter with Rebekah by the well from v.43-49.
24:50 Then Laban and Bethuel replied, “This is the LORD’s doing. Our wishes are of no concern.24:51 Rebekah stands here before you. Take her and go so that she may become the wife of your master’s son, just as the LORD has decided.”
Even Rebekah agreed to leave right the way.
24:58 So they called Rebekah and asked her, “Do you want to go with this man?” She replied, “I want to go.”
Reflection: When the work of the LORD is very obvious then everyone would agree even if the decision was very difficult.
Lately, I would like to bring up a ministry and waiting for reply from other people. It seems so right for me, but not many people willing to participate (at least for now). Mike reminded me that to wait until I see more people participate and know that if that is the will of God in this ministry.
Audrey
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