Genesis 24:13

13 I am standing here by the spring of water, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.

Genesis 24:13 Meaning and Commentary

Genesis 24:13

Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water
Wishing, hoping, and expecting that something would turn out that would direct and instruct what further to do, and that would lead on to the business he came about: and the daughters of the men of the city came out to draw water;
which was the usual custom in those parts about that time. So Homer speaks


FOOTNOTES:

F23 of meeting a girl before the city (udreuoush) , drawing or fetching water. And this was a principal reason why Abraham's servant stopped at the well, not only to refresh himself, his men, and his cattle, but in hopes he should meet with the damsel there he was come for; or at least should hear of her, or meet with some one or another that would direct him to her; or something would fall out there that would be a means in Providence of bringing about what he was sent to do.
F23 Odyss. 10. ver. 109.

Genesis 24:13 In-Context

11 He made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water; it was toward evening, the time when women go out to draw water.
12 And he said, "O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.
13 I am standing here by the spring of water, and the daughters of the townspeople are coming out to draw water.
14 Let the girl to whom I shall say, "Please offer your jar that I may drink,' and who shall say, "Drink, and I will water your camels'—let her be the one whom you have appointed for your servant Isaac. By this I shall know that you have shown steadfast love to my master."
15 Before he had finished speaking, there was Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother, coming out with her water jar on her shoulder.
New Revised Standard Version Bible, copyright 1989, Division of Christian Education of the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved.