Genesis 24:67: “Isaac brought her into the tent of his mother Sarah, and he married Rebekah. So she became his wife, and he loved her; and Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death.”
Rebekah ran home to her brother Laban. Eyeing her jewelry, he immediately wanted to see the man who had gifted his sister so lavishly. After initial introductions Laban invited Eliezer and his men for dinner. “Please stay with us”, Laban said and Eliezer graciously accepted the invitation. The camels were unloaded and soon everybody reclined at the dinner table. A toast was given: “L’ Chaim – to life!”
Eliezer rose from his seat and addressed the family: “Thank you for welcoming us so warmly”, he said, “But I won’t be able to relax and have dinner unless I know my mission is accomplished.” Laban smiled. “Go on”, he said. “Say what you have to say.” And Eliezer continued: “Your grandfather’s brother Abraham is my master. He sent me here with the purpose to find a bride for his son Isaac. He is the only son of my master’s wife Sarah, and his father’s estate has been transferred to him. My master has instructed me to come here to select a bride from among his kin.”
Eliezer paused and then added, “When we arrived at the city gates of Aram Naharaim, I prayed that the Lord of my master Abraham would be gracious to me and connect me immediately with my master’s relatives. And so it happened. Here I am today, asking for Rebekah’s hand in marriage, so that I can bring her home to my master Isaac. Please let me know what your decision is, hoping that my journey was successful.”
Rebekah and Laban’s father Bethuel nodded. “This is clearly God-ordained”, he ventured, “How can we say ‘no’ to that? You have our blessings. – Take Rebekah and go in peace.” Eliezer opened one of his bags and produced gold and silver jewelry as well as several sets of clothing and presented them to Rebekah. Then he and his men sat down to have dinner with Abraham’s family. They talked, ate and drank and retired to their guest room well past midnight.
At the crack of dawn Eliezer and his attendants were up, packing. Laban heard the commotion and came to see what was going on. “What are you guys doing?” he asked. Eliezer set aside the skin he had just filled with fresh water and said: “I request permission to leave.” – “Leave? Why in such a hurry?” Laban said a bit stunned. “We were hoping you stayed a little longer so that we can celebrate with my sister and send her off in style.” Eliezer shook his head and said: “Please let us go. My master is waiting for us with baited breath and we don’t want to make him wait longer than necessary.”
Meanwhile Bethuel had entered the room and overheard what Eliezer had just said. “We should ask Rebekah. This is about her, so let her decide.” Laban wanted to object, but then he caught himself. “I’ll go get her”, he finally offered. His dad nodded and Laban went out the door.
A few minutes later Rebekah came, accompanied by her nurse, her brother and several other relatives. Her father Bethuel asked her: “Would you be willing to leave with Eliezer today?” Her answer was straightforward. “Of course I will”, Rebekah said, and so it was settled.
Before her departure, the family pronounced a blessing over Rebekah saying [Genesis 24:60]:
“Our sister, may you increase to thousands upon thousands; may your offspring possess the cities of their enemies.”
And off they went, with the rising sun warming their backs. They reached Beer Lahai Roi in the Negev a month later. It was late in the afternoon. Isaac was just going out to the field to pray when he noticed Eliezer in the far distance. He immediately changed course and came towards them. Rebekah who had been mostly quiet throughout the journey spoke up: “Who is this man?” she said, pointing to Isaac who was not quite within earshot yet. Eliezer smiled and said, “This is your future husband!” Quickly Rebekah veiled her face.
The following week’s wedding ceremony was special. Abraham had tears in his eyes thinking: “Wished Sarah could see all this.” Isaac loved Rebekah from the moment he had set eyes on her. Thanks to his bride, he could finally make peace with his mother’s passing.