Genesis 24

Marriages and funerals are the changes of families, and the common news among the inhabitants of the villages. In the foregoing chapter we had Abraham burying his wife, here we have him marrying his son. These stories concerning his family, with their minute circumstances, are largely related, while the histories of the kingdoms of the world then in being, with their revolutions, are buried in silence; for the Lord knows those that are his. The subjoining of Isaac’s marriage to Sarah’s funeral (with a particular reference to it, v. 67) shows us that as "one generation passes away another generation comes;’’ and thus the entail both of the human nature, and of the covenant, is preserved. Here is, I. Abraham’s care about the marrying of his son, and the charge he gave to his servant about it (v. 1-9). II. His servant’s journey into Abraham’s country, to seek a wife for his young master among his own relations (v. 10-14). III. The kind providence which brought him acquainted with Rebekah, whose father was Isaac’s cousin-german (v. 15-28). IV. The treaty of marriage with her relations (v. 29-49). V. Their consent obtained (v. 50-60). VI. The happy meeting and marriage between Isaac and Rebekah (v. 61, etc.).

Verses 1-9 Three things we may observe here concerning Abraham:—I. The care he took of a good son, to get him married, well married. It was high time to think of it now, for Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner, ch. 11:14, ch. 11:18, ch. 11:22, ch. 11:24 . Abraham believed the promise of the building up of his family, and therefore did not make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two considerations moved him to think of it now (v. 1):-1. That he himself was likely to leave the world quickly, for he was old, and well-stricken in age, and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son settled before he died; and, 2. That he had a good estate to leave behind him, for the Lord had blessed him in all things; and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how much religion and piety befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham’s pious care concerning his son was, (1.) That he should not marry a daughter of Canaan, but one of his kindred. He saw that the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew by revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to his name. (2.) That yet he should not leave the land of Canaan, to go himself among his kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle there. This caution is given v. 6, and repeated, v. 8. "Bring not my son thither again, whatever comes of it. Let him rather want a wife than expose himself to that temptation.’’ Note, Parents in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Those who through grace have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly, should take heed of doing any thing by which they may be again entangled therein and overcome, 2 Pt. 2:20 . Beware that you bring them not thither again, Heb. 11:15 .II. The charge he gave to a good servant, probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and his family, he had had long experience. He trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this steward of his house. This matter is settled between the master and the servant with a great deal of care and solemnity. The servant must be bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among his relations, v. 2-4