A Study by Charles W. Holt
email: cholt@gt.rr.com
A Bride for Isaac or How Comes the Bride?
Genesis 24
We revisit Genesis 24 to consider other themes found in this chapter. The chapter heading of my New King James Version Bible reads: A Bride for Isaac. That’s a good clue on what the chapter is all about. I thought about tagging this study with the title, "Here Comes the Bride." After reflecting upon what I think is one of the main themes, however (there are several), I decided to call it, "How Comes the Bride." This expresses in a better way where I want to go with it. The dynamics of how Rebecca was chosen as a bride for Isaac offer several intriguing applications to our Christian life.
First, I want to interject a verse we’ve seen before in order to validate what will happen throughout this study. In First Corinthians chapter 10, Paul uses several Old Testament events to warn the church at Corinth of the dangers of spiritual sloppiness and slackness in their faith; "…nor let us tempt (test) Christ, as some of them also tempted, and were destroyed by serpents," for example. He concludes his remarks on that subject by saying, "Now all these things happened to them as examples, and they were written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the ages have come" (vs. 11 NKJV). In other words, he is telling us that the Old Testament stories, such as the one now under consideration in Genesis 24, provides us with examples that are, in effect, illustrations of how the Lord works throughout the centuries. They are types and models for the Christian and for living the Christian life. It is in the light of this rule of interpretation and allegorical usage that we approach today’ lesson. But, of course, this is nothing new. We have followed this procedure throughout these studies. (My Seminary professor in Old Testament studies would be suffering from severe heart palpitations if he knew I was doing this. I would say, "relax, Dr. Worden. I did it with you back then, and I’ll do it agin.")
Before diving off into the allegorical deep-end, however, it is important to bring this into historical perspective. The search for Isaac’s bride occurs sometime after that his mother Sarah had died, approximately three years earlier. Abraham will not die for another 35 years. We know he is already over 100-years old. "Now Abraham was old, well advanced in age," says verse one of chapter twenty-four. He knew it was time to take care of some very important unfinished business of selecting a bride for his now 40-year-old son (see 25:20). Only one person can be trusted enough to do the job. "So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who ruled over all that he had . . . go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac" (24:2-4 NKJV). Although unstated, it is my belief that this servant was none other than Eliezer of Damascus, Abraham’s heir apparent at that time. We met him in chapter 15. Eliezer takes an oath to obey Abraham’s instructions to the letter, sets off on what in the natural, can be said without exaggeration, was a "mission impossible." He ultimately returns with a very beautiful young woman for Isaac. They marry, and "live happily ever after." Ah! Yes, it has a happy ending just the way we want all beautiful love stories to end. Of course, they got married first and after that they fell in love . . . but that’s another subject.
Having put this true, original, and historical story snugly in a safe keeping place where its historical message will remain unchanged in Hebrew/Jewish/Arab interpretation and application, we will proceed to look at the main characters in the light of our distinctly Christian, "spiritual" sense.
Although I have never done it myself, I have heard and read others who make this story a powerful illustration of how the Holy Spirit has been at work since the day of Pentecost (Acts 2:1-4f.) seeking a bride for Christ. In a typical sense it works like this: Abraham is a picture of God the Father. Eliezer is a type of the Holy Spirit. Isaac is a picture of the bridegroom, Christ, and Rebekah is the bride, the Church. God (Abraham) sends the Holy Spirit (the servant) into a distant land (the world) to seek the bride, i.e., the Church. The Holy Spirit, finding a willing person, bestows gifts (24:22) upon her. These gifts are but "an earnest of her inheritance" (see 2 Cor. 1:22; 5:5 and Eph. 1:14). She must be willing to follow the servant (Holy Spirit), forsaking her "family" to meet and marry a man she has never seen--kind of "walking by faith," one could say. She does. They do. Thus begins a great relationship with a happy ending. Now that’s just pretty neat, and makes for a great sermon. (Maybe I’ll use it some day.) If memory serves me, someone has used the ten camels of Eliezer’s entourage as the text of a sermon. In this each camel is a type of something or else they use the characteristic’s of camels as burden-bearers, etc., to make the point that we believer’s may have a hard, hot job to do but it must be done, and we can do it. Well, think about it . . . the camel’s endurance, ability to carry a heavy load for a long distance . . . and other things. Such should characterize each Christian. Hmmm…I can easily see a Christian as being lamb-like. But camel-like? It might strain the point just a little too much. (They do have a nasty side . . . but we won’t get into that.)
All I’ve done with the above is present a "connect the dots" scenario. You may, undoubtedly, find many applications and much encouragement in what you find as you begin to connect the dots and let a whole picture emerge. I encourage you to try it. Meanwhile, I want to go into two or three other areas where I find important applications. Let’s begin by turning our attention toward Eliezer and see how he displays a true servant’s heart. There are good reasons why we should take this matter of servanthood seriously.
It is no secret to any Christian that a powerful servanthood theme runs through the New Testament. Consider these samples:
"I commend unto you Phebe which is our sister, a servant of the church which is at Cenchrea" (Rm. 16:1 AV).
"Paul, a servant of Jesus Christ, called to be an apostle, separated unto the gospel of God" (Rm. 1:1 AV).
"Ephaphras, who is one of you, a servant of Christ, saluteth you, always labouring fervently for you in prayers, that ye may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God" (Col. 4:12 AV).
"Paul, a servant of God, and an apostle of Jesus Christ, according to the faith of God’s elect, and the acknowledging of the truth which is after godliness"
(Titus 1:1 AV).
"James, a bondservant of God and of the Lord Jesus Christ" (Ja. 1:1 NKJV).
"…through love serve one another" (Gal. 5:13 NKJV).
"But it is not so among you, but whoever wishes to become great among you shall be your servant; and whoever wishes to be first among you shall be slave
of all" (Mark 10:43-44 AV).
There’s no escaping it, that Mark passage has a powerful wham-O in it! We know Jesus meant what He said and each one of us must decide how we can best put that principle into practice.
A definition is in order. The word servant, as used in the New Testament (as in the verses above), might trigger an image of a slave vis-à-vis slaves in the Old South during the days of the Confederacy. If so, that’s an unfortunate view. The Roman Empire was rife with slavery in its servile sense. Many people among that population became Christians and the Apostle Paul addresses some of their issues (see Eph. 6:5,9; Col. 3:22, 4:1; 1 Tim. 6:1 and other examples). In most cases, however, the word servant is simply one who renders service at a particular time. It could be a slave (in a servile role), but more often it was as a freeman, who renders voluntary service prompted by duty or love. Depending upon the Hebrew or Greek word that is translated servant, or bondservant, it could denote a person who serves in his relation to a person or a servant viewed in relation to his work. I personally think Eliezer is an example of one who renders voluntary service prompted by a sense of duty, loyalty, and love toward Abraham. I believe this best describes what should characterize our own service for our Lord Jesus Christ. Ultimately, based upon how seriously we take our servant roles, we will be affirmed as a "good and faithful servant" (Mt. 25:21), or a "wicked and slothful servant" (Mt. 25:26).
With the events of Genesis 24 to guide us, let’s call this: Elezier: the Model of Servanthood.
Abraham laid a great, and indeed heavy, responsibility upon his most trusted and loyal servant Eliezer. The first thing I want you to see is that this is the man who stood to inherit all the vast wealth of Abraham during the pre-Isaac days. "But Abram said, ’Lord GOD, what will You give me, seeing I go childless, and the heir of my house is Eliezer of Damascus?’" (Gen. 15:2 NKJV). His "mission impossible" assignment was to go into a distant land--not for his own benefit--but for the son who foils his chances to become rich. Some could say, "That’s a tough break for Eliezer. One day he was looking to be a millionaire. Too bad that his luck has changed."
I have no way of knowing with a certainty that he didn’t complain, pout, or even connive to get out of the task. Based upon the rest of the story, however, and the character traits he manifests, it isn’t hard for me to believe that he accepted his assignment with grace, humility, with a generous and ready heart. Our unsanctified self (the carnal, sinful nature) demands its rights, its will and its way. The Bible has a remedy for us in our agitated state when we think someone is going to gain the upper hand, take advantage of us, or "get away with murder," so-to-speak. Especially when we think we are being the victim.
Rest in the LORD, and wait patiently for Him; do not fret because of him who prospers in his way, because of the man who brings wicked schemes to pass.
Cease from anger, and forsake wrath; do not fret--it only causes harm (Ps. 37:7,8 NKJV).
It is honorable for a man to stop striving, since any fool can start a quarrel (Prov. 20:3). A companion verse to this one says, "The beginning of strife
is like releasing water; therefore stop contention before a quarrel starts" (Prov. 17:14 NKJV).
Contention, anger, quarrelling--nip it in the bud (Holt 6:6).
The willingness of Eliezer to, as it were play second fiddle, reveals one of the first marks of a true servant attitude: humility and availability. I believe availability is born out of humility. Often pride and selfishness hold us back from offering our gifts and talents freely. His willingness to do Abraham’s bidding is unquestioned. His humility is discerned in his question to his master. "And the servant said to him, ’Perhaps the woman will not be willing to follow me to this land. Must I take your son back to the land from which you came?’" (vs. 5 NKJV). A haughty, egotistical, attitude would not take the time to make sure about Abraham’s wishes. So he questioned. He took the time necessary to know exactly what Abraham wanted, how he wanted it done and why. Once he understood the desire of his master, he immediately took steps to begin the journey.
Eliezer begins his journey after swearing a solemn oath that he would do exactly as Abraham has requested. Upon his arrival at his destination in Nahor of Mesopotamia, his first thought is to pray for guidance.
Then he said, "O LORD GOD of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Behold, here I stand by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, "Please let down your
pitcher that I may drink," and she says, "Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink"--let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master (vss. 12-14 NKJV).
He will not rely upon a scheme, however clever or creative it might appear, to accomplish his purpose. He is saying, "If I ever needed God’s help, I do need it now!" In other words, at this point he is not willing to act independently. Here we see an attitude of total dependence and reliance upon what God can do in this moment of need. His lodestar, or guiding principle, is knowledge of the will of his master and his felt need of God’s guidance. A good servant is a praying servant. This too is a principle that should guide our service. Out of scores of Scriptures I could use, I choose a passage from Paul’s letter to "all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons" (Phil. 1:1 AV), to illustrate this point. He writes,
Do not fret or have any anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything by prayer and petition [definite requests] with thanksgiving continue to make your wants known to God (Phil. 4:6 Amplified).
Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything; tell God your needs and don’t forget to thank him for His answers (Living Bible).
Bam! No sooner had he prayed--no, he hadn’t even finished--and the answer came. Listen to this: "And it happened, before he had finished speaking, that behold, Rebekah, who was born to Bethuel, son of Milcah, the wife of Nahor, Abraham’s brother, came out with her pitcher on her shoulder" (vs. 15). "Hot digiddy dog, if that don’t light your lamp, I don’t know what will," said the old east Texas country preacher. "That’s my kind of prayin’ and getin’ the answer without pussyfootin’ around," he added.
Not so fast! Having prayed, he was not, however, ready to "seize the moment" even though it appears that the answer he seeks is right on target. He uses caution. He exercises restraint. In a deeper spiritual sense we would say he is using wisdom. Wisdom should characterize our servanthood. Even though the answer seems to be unfolding, Eliezer is nevertheless cautious. "And the servant ran to meet her and said, "Please let me drink a little water from your pitcher" (vs. 17). The following verses describe each element of his "test" apparently falling smoothly into place. At this point I would be ready to shout, "Hallelujah! I’ve got the answer. There is no doubt, this girl is the one for Isaac." Eliezer’s response? Well, listen to the way he handles it. "And the man, wondering at her, remained silent so as to know whether the LORD had made his journey prosperous or not" (vs. 21).
Whoa! Hold on! What’s this. . . he wonders . . . remains silent . . . not knowing whether this was his answer? "Let’s name this guy Dudley Dipstick the Doubting Thomas of Mesopotamia," I can almost hear some of the more hyper-spiritual say. "Bless God! If this ole boy was full of the Holy Ghost and knew the Word, and had faith, he wouldn’t a waited a minute before he started dancing in the Spirit scattering sheep, goats, camels, and girls who had come to water the livestock. Why, it would have taken until after sunset to get things back to normal."
I can’t speak for anyone else, but there are times I can remember when I wish that I had wondered more, remained silent longer, until I was absolutely sure that what "appeared to be" God’s will was indeed God’s will. That it was not just the figment of my imagination (or worse yet, the imagination of someone else who was bound and determined they knew the will of God for me).
Having prayed, and events seemly unfolding in the way he wanted, Eliezer nevertheless uses caution and wisdom. This principle of caution and wisdom is another mark of a good servant. Wouldn’t you say that in the parable of the talents (see Mt. 25:14-16) wisdom plays an important role in the success of the servants in doubling their lord’s money? Earlier, when sending his 12 disciples on their first preaching mission, Jesus said, "…be wise as serpents and harmless as doves" (Mt. 10:16). In that day, the serpent was an emblem of cunning [skillfulness] and wisdom. In a metaphorical sense, there is an allusion to sharpness of vision. My personal paraphrase of Christ’s admonition is: be sharp as a tack, harmless as a wet noodle.
None will deny that to accomplish this takes wisdom! And it takes a big dose of courage in the face of today’s mentality of, "Have bold faith…the kingdom of heaven suffereth violence and the violent take it by force…storm heaven…storm hell…storm the community…storm the church…storm (whatever)." In the minds of these spiritual ADHD Christians, to think of doing otherwise is a sign of spiritual wimpishness or worse.
On the side of caution, which, it may be said, is often born of wisdom, listen to this vignette from the pen of the man who is known worldwide for his wisdom.
There was a little city with few men in it; and a great king came against it, besieged it, and built great snares [bulwarks] around it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city. Yet no one remembered that same poor man. Then I said: ’Wisdom is better than strength
. . . Words of the wise, spoken quietly, should be heard rather than the shout of a ruler of fools. Wisdom is better than weapons of war" (Ecclesiastes 9:14-18 NKJV).
Eliezer waits for events to unfold. He inquires of the identity of the girl. She fills in important details and extends an invitation for him spend the night with her family. (Thus was born the ancient custom, mi casa, su casa. Only that it was said in another dialect.) At last, convinced that God was indeed guiding him, he offers his praise and thanksgiving.
"Then the man bowed down his head and worshiped the LORD. And he said, ’Blessed be the LORD GOD of my master Abraham, who has not forsaken His mercy and His truth toward my master. As for me, being on the way, the LORD led me to the house of my master’s brethren’" (vss 26,27 NKJV).
Eliezer gratefully acknowledges God’s hand of blessing. Servants of Christ should joyfully and continually offer sacrifices of praise today. "By him [Christ] therefore let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is, the fruit of our lips giving thanks to his name" (Heb. 13:15 AV). Praise and giving of thanks is a characteristic of a good servant of Jesus Christ.
We see then, that there are certain qualities or features that are distinctive marks or characteristics of a good servant as exemplified in the life Abraham’s servant. These include loyalty, humility, and availability without complaint, caution, wisdom, and healthy doses of worship with thanksgiving. And, taking a verse out of context: "for with such sacrifices God is well pleased" (Heb. 13:16 NKJV). I want to show how important these traits are in relation to, How Comes the Bride by considering this:
We Christians play a dual role. We are, on the one hand, playing the role of Eliezer--servant to our heavenly Master. At the same time and place, we are Rebekah the Bride, who is sought by the servant. We are the seekers; we are the sought. Both roles involve matters far beyond what our purpose for this study is. We will be content to merely introduce this duality and make a few comments that have a direct bearing upon, How Comes the Bride.
The GREAT Servant who is faithfully seeking the Bride is none other than the Holy Spirit. Our role as servant is that of underservant, i.e., under his guidance and direction we "go into all the world" which is analogous to Eliezer’s journey into Mesopotamia. A more familiar way of putting it is to use the words of Jesus. Jesus said, "Ye shall be my witnesses." That’s what we are as servants under the direction and anointing of the Holy Spirit--His witnesses. We are servants who witness. Our servant/witness role is an important part in determining how comes the Bride. It’s our principal and highest task.
"Bride of Christ" and "Marriage Supper of the Lamb," are two concepts with which we are familiar. John the Revelator said, "Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready" (Rev. 19:7). In this verse, the word "wife" is used instead of the word "bride." The Apostle Paul wrote, "I espoused you to one husband, that I might present you as a pure virgin to Christ " (2 Cor. 11:2). The word, "espoused" means, "to join, to fit together, or betroth, to give one in marriage to any one." In Bible times being engaged or promised in marriage was much more sacred and binding than in our society. For example, although they had not come together, Mary was called Joseph’s wife in her period of betrothal.
The custom of a marriage feast is set forth in Jesus’ parable of the king who gave such a feast for his son (Mt. 22:1-14). The time lapse between the arrangement for marriage and the wedding feast itself is indicated in the parable of the ten virgins (Mt. 24:1-14). These are important things to keep in mind and especially of the extended time separating the betrothal and the wedding. During this time of separation the two individuals were considered husband and wife and as such were under the obligation of faithfulness.
The Book of Revelation closes with a predictable invitation. The invitation that is extended is one we might expect because it is a call that echoes from Genesis to this final book of the New Testament. It is an invitation to come, drink, and be satisfied. It is a call to salvation. The verse under consideration says, "And the Spirit and the bride say, ’Come!’ And let him who hears say, ’Come!’ And let him who thirsts come. And whoever desires, let him take the water of life freely (Rev. 22:17 AV). A simple explanation is that the Holy Spirit is working in collaboration with the Bride, which obviously is the Church. The Spirit and the Bride are one voice. They are giving an invitation to the unbeliever who may be athirst and wills to take the water of life freely. This verse makes it abundantly clear that we underservants to the Holy Spirit are his instruments for His purposes of seeking a Bride for the heavenly Isaac--Jesus Christ. It is, therefore, in this light that we can answer, "How Comes the Bride."
How Comes the Bride? She comes because there is an Eliezer--a man or woman, young, old, educated, illiterate, rich, poor, "red and yellow, black and white"--who has the attitude, spirit, i.e., soul, and the sensitivity that characterize Abraham’s servant.
How Comes the Bride? She comes through the unswerving, uncomplaining loyalty of a servant who needs only to know when to go, and where. Yes, through a humble servant who is available without complaint.
How Comes the Bride? She comes because the servant exercises the wisdom of waiting to discern the will of God and will proceed with expectancy and excitement that is nevertheless tempered with caution.
How Comes the Bride? She comes because she is some way attracted by and moved by the very essence of the servant’s sensitivity and sympathy. This sensitivity comes through the servant’s habit of praise and worship. Genuine praise and worship not only is an expression of gratitude but of humility and brokenness. It is the mark of a tender spirit. A tender spirit is always attractive. This is one of the reasons Jesus was so attractive. Meekness and lowliness characterized His ministry. It was said of Him: "A bruised reed shall he not break, and smoking flax shall he not quench, till he send forth judgment unto victory (Mt. 12:20 AV). That is tenderness and gentleness. That’s "my yoke is easy and my burden is light," kind of interaction with hurting people.
I believe Rebekah felt this kind of spirit in Eliezer. Why would this young woman, within the next 24-hours, consent to leave the safety, security and stability of her family and go with a stranger into a strange land to meet and marry a man she knew absolutely nothing about? Why else unless she saw, felt, believed, and responded to something in the servant?
I will close this section with Paul’s observation on our role and its effect upon all those around us. He says, "As far as God is concerned there is a sweet, wholesome fragrance in our lives. It is the fragrance of Christ within us, an aroma to both the saved and the unsaved all around us. To those who are not being saved, we seem a fearful smell of death and doom, while to those who know Christ we are a life-giving perfume" (2 Cor. 2:15,16 Living Bible). Worshiping, praising, humble, loyal, wise and available servants "smell good" and are thus attractive and therefore can attract the right woman for Isaac.
