Genesis 24:13

13 Here I am at the well where the young women of the city will be coming to get 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 When he arrived, he made the camels kneel down at the well outside the city. It was late afternoon, the time when women came out to get water.

12 He prayed, "Lord, God of my master Abraham, give me success today and keep your promise to my master.

13 Here I am at the well where the young women of the city will be coming to get water.

14 I will say to one of them, "Please, lower your jar and let me have a drink.' If she says, "Drink, and I will also bring water for your camels,' may she be the one that you have chosen for your servant Isaac. If this happens, I will know that you have kept your promise to my master."

15 Before he had finished praying, Rebecca arrived with a water jar on her shoulder. She was the daughter of Bethuel, who was the son of Abraham's brother Nahor and his wife Milcah.