Origins: The Promise (Genesis 12–25)Sample

By Pastor Dan Hickling

“And he and the men who were with him ate and drank and stayed all night. Then they arose in the morning, and he said, ‘Send me away to my master.’” Genesis 24:54 (NKJV)

Our story continues. Having received the consent of Rebekah’s family to return with her to Abraham’s camp, Eliezer enjoys a night of their hospitality. However, he doesn’t linger for long, because the next morning he makes it clear that he wants to leave in order to fulfill his mission as soon as possible. But take careful note of their response: “But her brother and her mother said, ‘Let the young woman stay with us a few days, at least ten; after that she may go.’ And he said to them, ‘Do not hinder me, since the Lord has prospered my way; send me away so that I may go to my master’” (Genesis 24:55-56, NKJV).

We see a potential problem brewing here. While Eliezer wants to leave as soon as possible, Rebekah’s family wants her to stay a few days so they can have some time to say their “goodbyes.” This sounds reasonable, but we’re not talking about a few hours or even a day, but rather ten days! As a parent, I can understand the heart behind this. This might be the last time you’ll see your beloved daughter. Although you know it’s the right thing to let Rebekah go, there’s a part of you that wants to delay the reality.

However, Eliezer isn’t on board with this relational request. He understands that a lot of things can happen in ten days, and that time has a funny way of undoing things. There might be a change of heart or some practical development that would hinder the return trip. The bottom line is this: Eliezer knows what the Lord wants, and he is determined to act on His will without delay. Ultimately, the problem was resolved by allowing Rebekah to decide; and she decided Eliezer was right and that there was no sense in delaying the Lord’s plan (Genesis 24:57-59).

This further speaks to Rebekah’s character. While her emotions were certainly pulled toward spending some time with her family, she was led by the deeper conviction that God’s will should be obeyed immediately. 

That’s the kind of conviction that should direct our own lives, as well. Human nature will always conspire to delay our obedience to God. But if we know what the Lord wants, we need to respond immediately, not a day later or ten days later, but right away . . . ASAP!

DIG: What was the tension between Eliezer and Rebekah’s family?

DISCOVER: What spiritual principle does Rebekah model for us in her decision?

DO: In what area of obedience to God are you delaying a response? Change that in light of this passage.