INTRODUCTION: This lovely story not only touches the depth of human emotions but it is also of great spiritual value. Notice the various aspects of its spiritual richness:A. We have here an important link in salvation history and the lineage of our Savior.
B. This narrative gives us some wonderful examples of godly conduct. Not only is faith and prayer exemplified but we see here a beautiful picture of real love.
C. Genesis 24 provides a beautiful example of God's special providence in the lives of His people. Believers may be confident that God will guide them in the paths of righteousness [Psalm 23:3, Proverbs 3:6].
D. In this story we have some striking types of the plan of redemption.
I. THE STORY - verses 1-67.
A. Abraham's Plan-verses 1-6.
Abraham knew that through Isaac would come both Israel and the Messiah. His concern was that Isaac would have a godly wife who worshipped the Lord. He would not consider a marriage with the idolatrous Canaanites.Note also that Abraham did not want Isaac to leave the land of promise. God's plan and promises were the only things that mattered to Abraham. May we have the same spiritual desires for our children.
B. Faith - verses 7-9.
Abraham knew that God would make a way for those who trust Him. Let young people who seek mates and careers remember this. We never need to do wrong to accomplish God's will.C. Putting Out The Fleece - verses 10-14.
The servant here shows himself to be a godly man. Abraham, it seems, taught even his servants the fear of God. Believing that God could and would make His will known, the servant put out a fleece, so to speak [Judges 6:36-40]. He believed that God already had a girl chosen for Isaac and that He would make His will known. We know that God also has a will for each of us in marriage [Proverbs 19:14]. We may also assume that the servant's fleece [verse 14], was also a test of the girl's character. Kindness and willingness to work are necessary traits in a wife. (He did not seek Isaac's wife at the local mall or single's bar).D. A Suitable Bride - verses 15-20.
Truly, Rebekah was a worthy choice. She was pretty, pure, virtuous, humble, kind, unselfish, hospitable and hardworking. To draw water for ten camels was a major job, yet she cheerfully volunteered.E. God Is Praised - verses 21-28.
The servant watched in amazement. When he heard that Rebekah was the daughter of Bethuel, he bowed and worshipped God. How often we forget to thank and praise God for blessings and answered prayer.F. Laban - verses 29-31.
The servant was welcomed into Rebekah's home. Notice that Laban referred to the servant as one "blessed of the LORD." These people worshipped "Jehovah" God which is why Abraham sent the servant there.G. Negotiations - verses 32-52.
The servant would waste no time before he carried out his master's errand. In an artless manner he laid his purpose for coming before Rebekah's family. When they agreed to his request he again bowed to worship and thank God.H. A Dowry Paid - verse 53.
I. Haste In The Master's Work - verses 54-60.
God had made His will known. The servant had not come for a vacation, but to find a bride for Isaac. This being done, he refused to linger. May we likewise be zealous as we redeem the time in God's work [Ephesians 5:16].Notice that Rebekah is given here the opportunity to decide. She came willingly and without delay, thus making her all the more a type of Christ's bride [Psalm 45:10-11].
J. The Happy Couple - verses 54-61.
Notice the character traits seen in both Rebekah and Isaac:
1. Rebekah is both humble and modest. She followed the custom of her time in dismounting and veiling herself in the presence of a stranger.2. Isaac is seen to be a man given to meditation. Notice that he dwelt near Lahai-roi where God met Hagar. He seems to have been a spiritually-minded individual who was drawn to this place [Genesis 16:7-14].
Note also the loving way in which Isaac treated Rebekah. He took her to Sarah's tent which was the highest place of honor in the camp for a woman. He married and loved her. Their marriage was a strictly monogamous one, unlike the other patriarchs.
II. THE TYPOLOGY.
This chapter has often been seen as giving a wonderful foreshadowing of redemption. Notice some of the striking features:A. Abraham represented God the Father who gave His only Son to die and rise again. Abraham then sought a bride for Isaac, just as the Father now seeks one for Christ.
B. Isaac represented the Son of God.
1. He was the Son of Promise.
2. He was slain and resurrected in type.
3. Afterward he returned to the father's house as Christ returned to Heaven.
4. He is next seen meeting his bride, just as Christ will next be seen coming for His.C. Rebekah represented the church or bride of Christ.
1. She was fair - Ephesians 5:27.
2. She was pure just as Christ's true churches are [II Corinthians 11:2]. This is in contrast to the false religious system represented in Scripture as a "Great Whore."
3. She acted on faith for she has never seen Isaac or Canaan [I Peter 1:8].
4. She married the son [Revelation 19:7].D. The servant represented the one who carries the Gospel.
What a marvel that God allows us to seek a bride for His Son [II Corinthians 11:2]. Note now the attributes of a successful servant and soulwinner [Proverbs 11:30]:
1. He was prayerful [verse 12; Romans 10:1].
2. He was Spirit-filled. The angel that accompanied him was a type of the Spirit [vs.7]. Only through the Spirit's power may we be used of God [Acts 11:22-24].
3. This work was the passion of his life [vs.7; John 4:34; I Thessalonians 2:19].
4. He exalted not himself, but his master - verses 3-5.
5. He thanked and gave God credit for all success [verse 52; I Corinthians 3:6].
=================