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Genesis 24:1
Verse
Context
Sermons
B.H. Clendennen
Chuck Missler
Gerhard Du Toit
Carter Conlon
Joseph Carroll
A.W. Tozer
Erlo StegenSummary
Commentary
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And Abraham was old - He was now about one hundred and forty years of age, and consequently Isaac was forty, being born when his father was one hundred years old. See Gen 21:5; Gen 25:20.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age,.... Being now one hundred and forty years of age, for as he was an hundred years old when Isaac was born, and Isaac was forty years of age when he married Rebekah, which was at this time, Abraham must be of the age mentioned, see Gen 21:5, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things; with all kind of blessings, with temporal and spiritual blessings; the former seems chiefly designed here, because of what follows; God had blessed him, as Aben Ezra observes, with long life, and riches, and honour, and children, things desirable by men.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Three things we may observe here concerning Abraham: - I. The care he took of a good son, to get him married, well married. It was high time to think of it now, for Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner, Gen 11:14, Gen 11:18, Gen 11:22, Gen 11:24. Abraham believed the promise of the building up of his family, and therefore did not make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two considerations moved him to think of it now (Gen 24:1): - 1. That he himself was likely to leave the world quickly, for he was old, and well-stricken in age, and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son settled before he died; and, 2. That he had a good estate to leave behind him, for the Lord had blessed him in all things; and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how much religion and piety befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham's pious care concerning his son was, (1.) That he should not marry a daughter of Canaan, but one of his kindred. He saw that the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew by revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to his name. (2.) That yet he should not leave the land of Canaan, to go himself among his kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle there. This caution is given Gen 24:6, and repeated, Gen 24:8. "Bring not my son thither again, whatever comes of it. Let him rather want a wife than expose himself to that temptation." Note, Parents in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Those who through grace have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly, should take heed of doing any thing by which they may be again entangled therein and overcome, Pe2 2:20. Beware that you bring them not thither again, Heb 11:15. II. The charge he gave to a good servant, probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and his family, he had had long experience. He trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this steward of his house. This matter is settled between the master and the servant with a great deal of care and solemnity. 1. The servant must be bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among his relations, Gen 24:2-4. Abraham swears him to it, both for his own satisfaction and for the engagement of his servant to all possible care and diligence in this matter. Thus God swears his servants to their work, that, having sworn, they may perform it. Honour is here done to the eternal God; for he it is that is sworn by, to whom alone these appeals ought to be made. And some think honour is done to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of putting his hand under his thigh. Note, Swearing being an ordinance not peculiar to the church, but common to mankind, is to be performed by such signs as are the appointments and common usages of our country, for binding the person sworn. 2. He must be clear of this oath if, when he had done his utmost, he could not prevail. This proviso the servant prudently inserted (Gen 24:5), putting the case that the woman would not follow him; and Abraham allowed the exception, Gen 24:8. Note, Oaths are to be taken with great caution, and the matter sworn to should be rightly understood and limited, because it is a snare to devour that which is holy, and, after vows, to make the enquiry which should have been made before. III. The confidence he put in a good God, who, he doubts not, will give his servant success in this undertaking, Gen 24:7. He remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his nativity, by the effectual call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but he will succeed him in his care not to bring his son thither again. He remembers also the promise God had made and confirmed to him that he would give Canaan to his seed, and thence infers that God would own him in his endeavours to match his son, not among those devoted nations, but to one that was fit to be the mother of such a seed. "Fear not therefore; he shall send his angel before thee to make thy way prosperous." Note, 1. Those that carefully keep in the way of duty, and govern themselves by the principles of their religion in their designs and undertakings, have good reason to expect prosperity and success in them. God will cause that to issue in our comfort in which we sincerely aim at his glory. 2. God's promises, and our own experiences, are sufficient to encourage our dependence upon God, and our expectations from him, in all the affairs of this life. 3. God's angels are ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but for the guidance, of the heirs of promise, Heb 1:14. "He shall send his angel before thee, and then thou wilt speed well."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:1-67 Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah ensured that God’s plan would continue into the next generation. God showed covenant faithfulness by working through his faithful people (24:12, 27, 49). 24:1-9 Confident in the Lord’s promise, Abraham had his chief servant (probably Eliezer, 15:2) swear to find a wife among Abraham’s relatives in his homeland, some 450 miles away. Abraham was faithful to the covenant by preparing for Isaac’s future.
Genesis 24:1
A Wife for Isaac
1By now Abraham was old and well along in years, and the LORD had blessed him in every way.2So Abraham instructed the chief servant of his household, who managed all he owned, “Place your hand under my thigh,
- Scripture
- Sermons
- Commentary
A Bride for Christ
By B.H. Clendennen4.9K58:28Bride Of ChristGEN 24:1In this sermon, the speaker reflects on his own experiences and the challenges he has faced in life. He talks about the importance of perseverance and relying on God's strength to overcome obstacles. The speaker emphasizes the need to trust in God's plan and not get caught up in arguments or distractions. He also highlights the significance of being attracted to the bridegroom, which represents the church's connection to God. Overall, the sermon encourages listeners to stay focused on their faith and trust in God's guidance.
Genesis #17 Ch. 23-26 a Prophecy to Rebekah
By Chuck Missler3.6K1:22:17RebekahGEN 22:2GEN 24:1MAT 6:331PE 3:4In this sermon, Chuck Misler continues his study of the book of Genesis, focusing on chapters 23 through 26. He begins by briefly mentioning the previous topics covered in the study, including Abraham's offering of Isaac and Eleazar's calling of a bride for Isaac. Misler then jumps into chapter 23, which was skipped in the previous study, and discusses the events surrounding the death and burial of Sarah. He then moves on to chapter 24, where he highlights the story of Eleazar finding a wife for Isaac. Misler concludes by mentioning the upcoming topics of Jacob's conniving nature and the exciting story of Joseph.
Revival - Rivers of Living Water
By Gerhard Du Toit1.2K54:30RevivalGEN 22:2GEN 24:1EZK 47:1MAT 4:4MAT 16:24JHN 4:10JHN 7:38In this sermon, the preacher shares a personal story about a man who visited him in a hotel and expressed his inability to sleep due to a phone call. The preacher suggests that this could be a message from God signaling the end and advises the man to find a new place. The man ignores the advice and ends up in jail, far from God. The preacher emphasizes the importance of listening to God's voice and not ignoring his warnings. He also references the story of Abraham and the sacrifice of Isaac, highlighting the faith and obedience required to follow God's instructions. The sermon also mentions the stages of water described in Ezekiel 47, symbolizing different levels of spiritual revival and prayer.
Searching the House for a Bride
By Carter Conlon66238:04GEN 24:1This sermon from Genesis chapter 24 focuses on the search for a bride, drawing parallels to God searching for a bride for His son, Jesus Christ. It emphasizes the qualities of a bride fit for Christ, including purity, unselfishness, knowledge of God's generosity, and willingness to leave the familiar for the promise. The message challenges believers to follow God's leading, abandon self-will, and trust in His guidance for a supernatural life of impact and obedience.
Session 8: John 17
By Joseph Carroll2541:35Christian LifeSacrifice and ServiceGod's CallingGEN 24:1Joseph Carroll emphasizes the significance of fulfilling God's calling in our lives, drawing parallels between Abraham's servant's mission to find a wife for Isaac and the Holy Spirit's role in leading believers to Christ. He stresses that even the smallest tasks given by God hold eternal importance, contrasting them with worldly pursuits that may seem grand but lack lasting value. Carroll encourages listeners to die to their worldly ambitions and desires, highlighting that true fulfillment comes from serving God's purpose. He illustrates this with examples of missionaries who chose humble paths over worldly success, ultimately pointing to Jesus' sacrifice as the ultimate model of selflessness and obedience to God's will.
Gifts and Graces
By A.W. Tozer0Gifts of the Holy SpiritPreparation for ChristGEN 24:1A.W. Tozer illustrates the concept of 'Gifts and Graces' by referencing Genesis 24, where Abraham sends his servant to find a bride for Isaac, symbolizing God's preparation of the Church as the bride of Christ. The jewels and raiment given to Rebekah represent the gifts of the Holy Spirit that adorn believers, enhancing their beauty in God's sight. Tozer emphasizes that just as Rebekah received gifts from the unseen bridegroom, Christians are endowed with divine graces that prepare them for their encounter with Christ. The servant, representing the Holy Spirit, plays a crucial role in bestowing these gifts upon the faithful. Ultimately, believers are being prepared for their meeting with the Lord, adorned with the beauty of God's grace.
The Voice of the Shepherd
By Erlo Stegen0Trust and ObedienceHearing God's VoiceGEN 24:1Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of recognizing and following the voice of the Shepherd, drawing parallels between the obedience of Abraham's servant and the need for believers to trust in God's guidance. He illustrates how the servant prayed for a sign and received confirmation, highlighting that true believers must marry within their faith. Stegen recounts personal experiences of divine guidance, stressing that just as sheep know their shepherd's voice, Christians must learn to discern the voice of God amidst many distractions. He warns against the dangers of mishearing God's voice and encourages a deep, personal relationship with the Lord. Ultimately, the sermon calls for believers to cultivate their ability to hear and respond to God's leading in their lives.
According to the Will of God
By Erlo Stegen0MarriageGod's WillGEN 24:1Erlo Stegen emphasizes the importance of seeking God's will in marriage, drawing lessons from Abraham's example in finding a wife for Isaac. He warns against the dangers of youthful lusts and the necessity of physically fleeing from temptation, just as Joseph fled to protect Mary and Jesus. Stegen encourages believers to pursue a marriage that is divinely ordained rather than based on fleeting desires or societal norms. He highlights that true marriages should be born of God, aligning with His will rather than personal feelings. Ultimately, he challenges listeners to live in a way that reflects the faith of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob to attain eternal life.
- Adam Clarke
- John Gill
- Matthew Henry
- Tyndale
Adam Clarke Bible Commentary
And Abraham was old - He was now about one hundred and forty years of age, and consequently Isaac was forty, being born when his father was one hundred years old. See Gen 21:5; Gen 25:20.
John Gill Bible Commentary
And Abraham was old, and well stricken in age,.... Being now one hundred and forty years of age, for as he was an hundred years old when Isaac was born, and Isaac was forty years of age when he married Rebekah, which was at this time, Abraham must be of the age mentioned, see Gen 21:5, and the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things; with all kind of blessings, with temporal and spiritual blessings; the former seems chiefly designed here, because of what follows; God had blessed him, as Aben Ezra observes, with long life, and riches, and honour, and children, things desirable by men.
Matthew Henry Bible Commentary
Three things we may observe here concerning Abraham: - I. The care he took of a good son, to get him married, well married. It was high time to think of it now, for Isaac was about forty years old, and it had been customary with his ancestors to marry at thirty, or sooner, Gen 11:14, Gen 11:18, Gen 11:22, Gen 11:24. Abraham believed the promise of the building up of his family, and therefore did not make haste; not more haste than good speed. Two considerations moved him to think of it now (Gen 24:1): - 1. That he himself was likely to leave the world quickly, for he was old, and well-stricken in age, and it would be a satisfaction to him to see his son settled before he died; and, 2. That he had a good estate to leave behind him, for the Lord had blessed him in all things; and the blessing of the Lord makes rich. See how much religion and piety befriend outward prosperity. Now Abraham's pious care concerning his son was, (1.) That he should not marry a daughter of Canaan, but one of his kindred. He saw that the Canaanites were degenerating into great wickedness, and knew by revelation that they were designed for ruin, and therefore he would not marry his son among them, lest they should be either a snare to his soul, or at least a blot to his name. (2.) That yet he should not leave the land of Canaan, to go himself among his kindred, not even for the purpose of choosing a wife, lest he should be tempted to settle there. This caution is given Gen 24:6, and repeated, Gen 24:8. "Bring not my son thither again, whatever comes of it. Let him rather want a wife than expose himself to that temptation." Note, Parents in disposing of their children, should carefully consult the welfare of their souls, and their furtherance in the way to heaven. Those who through grace have escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust, and have brought up their children accordingly, should take heed of doing any thing by which they may be again entangled therein and overcome, Pe2 2:20. Beware that you bring them not thither again, Heb 11:15. II. The charge he gave to a good servant, probably Eliezer of Damascus, one of whose conduct, fidelity, and affection to him and his family, he had had long experience. He trusted him with this great affair, and not Isaac himself, because he would not have Isaac go at all into that country, but marry there by proxy; and no proxy so fit as this steward of his house. This matter is settled between the master and the servant with a great deal of care and solemnity. 1. The servant must be bound by an oath to do his utmost to get a wife for Isaac from among his relations, Gen 24:2-4. Abraham swears him to it, both for his own satisfaction and for the engagement of his servant to all possible care and diligence in this matter. Thus God swears his servants to their work, that, having sworn, they may perform it. Honour is here done to the eternal God; for he it is that is sworn by, to whom alone these appeals ought to be made. And some think honour is done to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of putting his hand under his thigh. Note, Swearing being an ordinance not peculiar to the church, but common to mankind, is to be performed by such signs as are the appointments and common usages of our country, for binding the person sworn. 2. He must be clear of this oath if, when he had done his utmost, he could not prevail. This proviso the servant prudently inserted (Gen 24:5), putting the case that the woman would not follow him; and Abraham allowed the exception, Gen 24:8. Note, Oaths are to be taken with great caution, and the matter sworn to should be rightly understood and limited, because it is a snare to devour that which is holy, and, after vows, to make the enquiry which should have been made before. III. The confidence he put in a good God, who, he doubts not, will give his servant success in this undertaking, Gen 24:7. He remembers that God had wonderfully brought him out of the land of his nativity, by the effectual call of his grace; and therefore doubts not but he will succeed him in his care not to bring his son thither again. He remembers also the promise God had made and confirmed to him that he would give Canaan to his seed, and thence infers that God would own him in his endeavours to match his son, not among those devoted nations, but to one that was fit to be the mother of such a seed. "Fear not therefore; he shall send his angel before thee to make thy way prosperous." Note, 1. Those that carefully keep in the way of duty, and govern themselves by the principles of their religion in their designs and undertakings, have good reason to expect prosperity and success in them. God will cause that to issue in our comfort in which we sincerely aim at his glory. 2. God's promises, and our own experiences, are sufficient to encourage our dependence upon God, and our expectations from him, in all the affairs of this life. 3. God's angels are ministering spirits, sent forth, not only for the protection, but for the guidance, of the heirs of promise, Heb 1:14. "He shall send his angel before thee, and then thou wilt speed well."
Tyndale Open Study Notes
24:1-67 Isaac’s marriage to Rebekah ensured that God’s plan would continue into the next generation. God showed covenant faithfulness by working through his faithful people (24:12, 27, 49). 24:1-9 Confident in the Lord’s promise, Abraham had his chief servant (probably Eliezer, 15:2) swear to find a wife among Abraham’s relatives in his homeland, some 450 miles away. Abraham was faithful to the covenant by preparing for Isaac’s future.