The Evidence of Yahweh’s Selection (34-49)

Eliezer began to give the history of Abraham, his covenant with Yahweh, his wealth, the miracle birth of Isaac in their old age, and the covenant he had made with Abraham not to allow Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman, but to get him a wife from their own kinsmen (34-38). He further told Laban of Abraham’s certainty in Eliezer’s success, as the Angel of Yahweh would go before him to make the trip prosperous. Abraham was insistent that Eliezer get a wife for his son from among his kinsmen (39-40). Eliezer let the story bear down with conviction on Laban and his family, telling them he would certainly find the right girl—Yahweh would make certain of that—but if his family was unwilling to give the girl Yahweh selected, then Eliezer was free from the oath (41).

Eliezer then unfolded the events from earlier in the day. He told them of his prayer and the providence in Rebekah, an unmarried virgin, showing up first; the providence of her offering to water the camels after she had watered the servants of Abraham; and the providence in her being the girl Abraham remembered when he had been given the report of his kinsman by a messenger to Canaan (22:20-24). Eliezer went on and told Laban of the providence of Rebekah showing up before he could even finish the prayer. He then retold the whole story in detail, mentioning how “quickly” or joyously she had responded to his request (42-46). He made sure Laban knew he had had no idea who she was until after she had given drink to himself, his servants, and the camels. It was only at that moment he had given her the gifts (47).

Eliezer was masterfully making his case as he then told Laban how, after he had found Rebekah, he had bowed and worshiped, for it was clearly evident Yahweh had done the miracle of finding a wife for Isaac. Yahweh did all of this to be faithful to Abraham and to himself. Yahweh had directed Eliezer to the right well, at the right moment, to have a divine intervention with the woman he was certain God had provided for Isaac to marry (48).

After presenting the evidence masterfully, Eliezer would not eat until the matter was brought to a decision. Eliezer wanted to know his next move, so he waited for Laban’s reply (49).

Laban’s, Bethuel’s, and Rebekah’s Response (50-61)

Bethuel, Rebekah’s father, then weighed in on the matter with Laban and admitted they could not deny Yahweh was in the event, so they could not disapprove of the arrangement, and he bid Eliezer to take Rebekah and go (50-51).

Eliezer bowed and worshiped again and then brought out gifts for Rebekah and a dowry for her family (52-53). They commenced then to eat and drink and finally drifted off to bed.

In the morning, Eliezer asked Laban if he could leave immediately with Rebekah (54). The family wanted to prepare a ten-day send-off party, however, for all their family and friends (55).

Eliezer was an astute and faithful servant of Abraham and Yahweh and earnestly requested there be no delay in the departure, given the Lord had made no delay in his finding the woman Yahweh had chosen for Isaac (56).

The family determined to let Rebekah make the decision whether or not she wanted the ten-day send-off or to go immediately. For Rebekah to make this decision, she would have needed to be convinced concerning the calling of Isaac, which superseded or trumped family desires. This was a huge act of faith that would show up again in Rebekah's life, as her heart for God’s covenant and promise beat strong. This was especially noted when she helped her son Jacob deceive Isaac to make sure the promises would be fulfilled and given to the right descendant (chapter 27).

So they sent Rebekah away with haste, blessing her in becoming a part of the promise made to Terah, confirmed by covenant with Abraham and now to be fulfilled in the child she would conceive. She would become a mother of many blessed people (57-61).

Isaac and Rebekah Marry (62-67)

Isaac had separated himself from living with Abraham and was dwelling in the Negev. He seems to have been visiting Beer-lahai-roi, where Hagar had announced she had seen the One who was looking after her (16:13-14).

In preparation for the return of Eliezer, Isaac seems to have been thinking about the Lord’s care of him, even taking long walks in the field and meditating. One of those evenings, when Isaac was in contemplation, he lifted up his head to see Eliezer’s entourage returning home (62-63). While Isaac was observing Eliezer’s return, Rebekah noticed Isaac and dismounted her camel with the rest of the group. She then asked Eliezer the name of the young man approaching their caravan. Eliezer replied it was his master, and Rebekah immediately covered her face in a show of respect for her future husband (64-65).

Eliezer recited to Isaac the miraculous providence of Yahweh so Isaac could know, with conviction, that the woman was covenant-God-chosen (66).

Isaac, out of deep respect for Rebekah, gave her his mother’s tent until they could be married. She then became his wife, and he loved her and was comforted after his mother’s death (67).