The Story

Abraham was now very old, and the LORD had blessed him in all things. Isaac was grown, and Abraham wanted to find him a wife — not from the people of Canaan, but from Abraham's own family, far away in the land he had left long ago. So Abraham called his eldest servant, the trusted man who ruled over all that he had, and made him promise to make the journey and bring back a wife for Isaac. Abraham was sure God would lead him: the LORD who had brought Abraham out of that land would send His angel before the servant.

The servant took ten camels loaded with good gifts and travelled all the way to the city of Nahor. In the evening he made the camels kneel down by a well outside the city, at the time when women come out to draw water. And there by the well, the servant prayed. His prayer asked God to "send me good speed this day, and shew kindness unto my master Abraham". He asked for a sign: the right young woman would be the one who, when he asked for a drink, would give him water — and would also offer to draw water for all his camels too.

Before he had even finished speaking, Rebekah came out with her pitcher on her shoulder. She was of Abraham's own family — the daughter of Bethuel, Abraham's nephew. The servant asked her for a little water, and she quickly answered, "Drink, my lord". And then she did the very thing he had prayed for: she hurried back and forth to the well and drew water for all ten camels until they had finished drinking. Drawing water for ten thirsty camels is a lot of work, and she did it kindly and gladly.

The servant bowed his head and worshipped the LORD. His prayer had been answered! That is where our memory verse comes from — he blessed God, who had led him in the way, right to the house of Abraham's family. Rebekah's family welcomed him, he told them the whole story, and they agreed: this thing was from the LORD. When they asked Rebekah herself if she would go, she answered, "I will go".

So Rebekah rode away with the servant on the long journey. One evening Isaac had gone out into the field, and he lifted up his eyes and saw the camels coming. Rebekah came to meet him, and Isaac brought her into his mother's tent, and she became his wife — and he loved her.