Genesis 24:29-30

‘And Rebekah had a brother and his name was Laban. And Laban ran out to the man, to the spring. And it happened that when he saw the ring, and the bracelets on his sister's arms, and when he heard the words of his sister Rebekah, saying “This was what the man said to me”, that he came to the man, and behold he stood by the camels at the spring.'

The repetitiveness of this sentence is typical of Near Eastern literature. Laban examines the expensive jewellery and listens to what Rebekah tells him, recognising deep significance in the man's words. He knows that this is far more than a man seeking shelter and hospitality. Thus he goes to meet the man on his sister's behalf, to find out what is happening.

“And behold he stood by the camels at the spring.” The camels are constantly being emphasised. Only a wealthy man possessed camels in those days and the presence of a group of camels demonstrates how important this mission is. It also of course demonstrates the magnificence of the caravan that Laban will discover. This is no ordinary trading venture.