Genesis 24:1-66 Being Faithful Servants

When Abraham became very old, he wanted to find a wife for Isaac. Abraham called his servant and made him take an oath that he would not select a wife from among the daughters of the Canaanites. He commanded him to find a wife from Abraham’s relatives.

Abraham based his statements on God’s promise to him. The Lord had said that He would bless Abraham and give his descendents the land. Abraham knew the Lord would provide.

The servant took the oath and headed for the land of Nahor where Abraham’s brother lived. He sat down at a well and prayed to the Lord for guidance (24:12). He told the Lord that he would watch for the woman who offers to give both the servant and his camels a drink.

If you and I want to be faithful servants, we should follow the prayerful example of Abraham’s servant. He did not depend solely upon his own abilities to carry out his master’s orders; he looked to God.

A friend of mine who is very skilled in electronics tells me that he prays for guidance as he fixes equipment. This man is highly trained and has years of experience, but when he prays things seem to go a lot better.

We should not allow our natural abilities or talents to keep us from praying for wisdom from the Lord.

As Abraham’s servant was praying Rebekkah came to the well. He asked her for a drink, and she also offered to get water for his camels. That response indicated that Lord may have sent her. When he asked her about her family, he learned that her father was Nahor, Abraham’s brother.

Rebekkah took the servant to her home for a meal. When the food was set before them the servant said, “I will not eat until I have told my business” (24:33). That mindset reminds us that being faithful often means putting our own needs and desires on hold in order to complete what the Lord has called us to do.

The servant told the family the entire story and how he the Lord had sent Rebekkah to meet him. When the family responded to what they heard, the servant bowed himself to the ground before the Lord (24:52).

Not only should we pray to the Lord for guidance, we should also worship Him after He responds to our requests.


The family wanted Rebekkah to stay with them for several more days before leaving with the servant. The servant wanted to go immediately because the Lord had prospered him and he did not wish to delay the return to his master. Rebekkah said that she would leave immediately.

Notice that both the servant and Rebekkah were willing to immediately do what the Lord had called them to do. It may not have been wrong for them to stay a few days, but in this case they felt the need to proceed right away.

As they drew near to their destination they saw Isaac in the field. Rebekkah placed her veil on her face and went with him. She became his wife, and he loved her. Thus, the Lord “comforted him after the his mother’s death (24:67).

The Lord is so good to us. He directs our steps as we seek to do His will. He blesses us in wonderful ways, and He comforts us when sorrow comes our way.

As we desire to faithfully serve Him, we should keep in mind the faithful servant in this passage. He did exactly what Abraham, his earthly master asked him to do; he prayed to the Lord for guidance; he set aside his own physical needs and desires; he worshiped the Lord for prospering his way, and he did not delay fully fulfilling his mission.

In addition, we should notice that Rebekkah was faithful too. She exhibited kindness to a stranger at the well. She offered to show hospitality. Finally, she was willing to leave her family immediately to do what she perceived to be the will of the Lord.

“Moreover it is required in stewards, that a man be found faithful” - 1 Cor 4:2