Genesis 24:63

63 Isaac went out 1to meditate in the field toward evening; and 2he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.

Genesis 24:63 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 24:63

And Isaac went out to meditate in the field at eventide
Both the time and place were very proper for meditation: the place, "in the field": where he might view the works of nature, and be led to the Creator of them, and the praise of him, and where he might be alone, and nothing to disturb his thoughts: and the time, "at evening"; after the labour, care, and hurry of the day were over, and before repose at night, and when the air was cool and refreshing, and everything was assisting to, and served to compose the mind, and help thought and contemplation. Onkelos and Jonathan render the word "to pray", and the time and place he chose were very fit for that service; and perhaps his thoughts in prayer might be directed to, and greatly employed in desiring success to his father's servant in the business he was gone on his account, and that he might safely and speedily arrive, and if so, his prayers were quickly answered: and he lifted up his eyes, and saw, and, behold, the camels [were]
coming;
which his servant had took with him in his journey, and was now returning with them, and which Isaac knew full well.

Genesis 24:63 In-Context

61 Then Rebekah arose with her maids, and they mounted the camels and followed the man. So the servant took Rebekah and departed.
62 Now Isaac had come from going to Beer-lahai-roi; for he was living in the Negev.
63 Isaac went out to meditate in the field toward evening; and he lifted up his eyes and looked, and behold, camels were coming.
64 Rebekah lifted up her eyes, and when she saw Isaac she dismounted from the camel.
65 She said to the servant, "Who is that man walking in the field to meet us?" And the servant said, "He is my master." Then she took her veil and covered herself.

Cross References 2

  • 1. Joshua 1:8; Psalms 1:2; Psalms 77:12; Psalms 119:15, 27, 48; Psalms 143:5; Psalms 145:5
  • 2. Genesis 18:2

Footnotes 1

  • [a]. Or "stroll;" meaning uncertain
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