JUNE 11, Genesis 24:51-58

In Biblical times, young people did not date. When they reached a marriageable age, their parents would find partners for them. Let us look at an example of how a marriage was arranged. Abraham did not want his son Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman. The Canaanites were unbelievers and ungodly. So, he sent a trusted servant back to his hometown to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham made his servant promise that he would bring the future wife to Canaan. Isaac must not go to Mesopotamia. He also said that God would send His angel ahead of him to guide him.

Abraham’s servant also prayed for guidance. God will always listen to His people’s prayers. Sometimes, He answers immediately. That happened to Abraham’s servant. Right after he prayed, pretty Rebekah appeared. She drew drinking water from the well and offered it to Abraham’s servant and his camels. That was the sign from God to say that Rebekah was the bride chosen for Isaac.

The servant then asked Rebekah to bring him to her family. He then explained his mission to Rebekah’s father, Bethuel and her brother Laban. When they agreed to the marriage, the servant was so delighted that he praised and worshipped God. However, there was one more hurdle to cross. Rebekah must also agree to follow the servant back to Canaan. She was willing! Then he brought out the gold and silver jewelry and clothing for Rebekah as well as ‘precious things’ for her family. These ‘precious things’ are the dowry that every groom and his family must give to the bride and her family.

The next morning, the servant bid them farewell and left with Rebekah on the long journey back to Canaan. Thanks to God, it was mission accomplished!

Circle the correct answers:

1. God chose Rebekah to be Isaac’s wife.                                           TRUE / FALSE

2. Abraham did not want Isaac to marry a Canaanite woman.       TRUE / FALSE

3. Both Abraham and his servant prayed for God’s guidance.       TRUE / FALSE

Thought: God’s choice is the perfect choice.

Prayer: Heavenly Father, help me to obey You in everything I do. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.