Genesis 24:13

13 Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come 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

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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 And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water, at the time of the evening, when the women came out to draw [water].

12 And he said, Jehovah, God of my master Abraham, meet me, I pray thee, [with thy blessing] this day, and deal kindly with my master Abraham.

13 Behold, I stand [here] by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water.

14 And let it come to pass, [that] the maiden to whom I shall say, Let down thy pitcher, I pray thee, that I may drink, and who will say, Drink, and I will give thy camels drink also, be she whom thou hast appointed for thy servant Isaac; and hereby I shall know that thou hast dealt kindly with my master.

15 And it came to pass before he had ended speaking, that behold, Rebecca came out, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah the wife of Nahor, Abraham's brother; and [she had] her pitcher upon her shoulder.

Footnotes

• [a]. Same as word in ch. 18.2.