Bereshis 24:13

13 Hinei, I stand here by the ayin hamayim; and the banot anshei haIr come out to draw mayim;

Bereshis 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.

Bereshis 24:13 In-Context

11 And he made his gemalim to kneel down outside the Ir near a be’er hamayim at the time of erev, at the time that women go out to draw mayim.
12 And he said Hashem Elohei adoni Avraham, now, send me success this yom, and show chesed unto adoni Avraham.
13 Hinei, I stand here by the ayin hamayim; and the banot anshei haIr come out to draw mayim;
14 And let it come to pass, that the na’arah to whom I shall say, Let down thy jug, now, that I may drink; and she shall say, Drink, and I will give thy gemalim drink also; let the same be she that Thou hast appointed for Thy eved Yitzchak; and thereby shall I know that Thou hast showed chesed unto adoni.
15 And it came to pass, before he had done speaking, that, hinei, Rivkah came out, who was born to Beituel Ben Milcah, eshet Nachor, achi Avraham, with her jug upon her shoulder.
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