Genesis 24 - Introduction

Yahweh Arranges A Suitable Wife For Isaac (Genesis 24)

The covenant around which this record is based is found in Genesis 24:14, combined with the sacred oath of Genesis 24:3. Having been commissioned in the name of ‘Yahweh the God of heaven and the God of the earth' the steward of Abraham puts the onus on Yahweh to act faithfully in providing a wife for Isaac. It is in fact made clear throughout that the record is of the activity of Yahweh in response to the requests of His servants. No one doubted that it was Yahweh Who set His seal on events and took charge of the whole operation, resulting in the coming of Rebekah to the chosen son. The record was made, not as interesting history, but as testimony to Yahweh's specific activity on Isaac's behalf. It is the guarantee that Yahweh's activity on behalf of Abraham is set to continue with his son. It is the seal on the covenant. It is divine history.

It would seem probable that originally the account immediately followed Genesis 22:20, comprising one tablet, containing genealogy followed by ensuing history and revelation, with the covenant in Genesis 23 neatly slotted in when the whole was brought together. The compilers purpose is to demonstrate that what seems like the end of an era, the death of Sarah and the reaching of extreme age of Abraham, is really the springboard to the advancement of the covenant promises. A portion of the land now actually belongs to the tribal leaders and Isaac is provided with a God appointed bride who is of the patriarchal line. As Genesis 24:67 makes clear she replaces Sarah as the tribal mother.