Abraham sends one of his servants to find someone to marry Isaac (Genesis 24:4). The servant knows he is on the right track when Rebekah offers refreshing water to him and his camels (Genesis 24:45-46). The servant gives valuable jewelry to Rebekah and her family (Genesis 24:53-54). He thinks this seals the deal, but Rebekah’s brother and mother ask that Rebekah stay for ten days, no doubt to think about the proposal to marry Isaac (Genesis 24:55). The servant insists on leaving right then and taking Rebekah with him (Genesis 24:56).
Then comes one of the most telling moments in Old Testament history. “They said, ‘We will call the girl, and ask her.’” (Genesis 24:57) And they did! They asked her if she would go with the servant and then marry Isaac. Remember: this was back in a culture when decisions were made for women. This was in a time when marriages for women were arranged by the men who “legally owned” them without regard for the women’s wishes. Women were simply tools to be used for the pleasure and plans of men. But Rebekah was given a choice, and she agreed to go with the servant (Genesis 24:58).
In these few verses, we have learned that Rebekah is willing to do what she can to help others. In Genesis 24:42-46, we get an account of her taking initiative to provide water both for Abraham’s servant and for the man’s camels. Then, she has the courage to make a decision—her choice! —about whether or not to go with this man to a new future. She said, “I will.” (Genesis 24:58)
Rebekah had the spiritual gift that allowed her to be ahead of her time. Can you think of people in our 21st-century culture who do not usually have a voice? Can you think of persons in our 21st-century culture who defy our culture in order to have the freedom to think and to speak? What spirit and attitude can you and I have to open the door for full life for those for whom our cultural values would keep quiet?
