IMITATE THEIR FAITH

Conclusion of "YOU MUST TAKE A WIFE FOR MY SON"

Bethuel and Laban were moved by Eliezer's account.  They said:  "This is from Jehovah." As was the custom, they concluded a marriage covenant, betrothing Rebekah to Isaac.  (Genesis 24:50-54)  Does that mean, though, that Rebekah had no say in the matter? 

Weeks earlier, Eliezer had raised that very issue with Abraham, asking "What if the woman is unwilling to come with me?"  Abraham had responded:  "This will release you from your oath." (Genesis 24:39, 41)  In the house of Bethuel too, the young woman's preferences mattered. Eliezer was so enthusiastic about the successes of his mission that on the following morning, he asked if he could return to Canaan with Rebekah immediately.  The family, however, wanted her to remain with them for at least another ten days.  Finally, they resolved the matter this way:  "Let us call the young woman and inquire of her." -Genesis 24:57. 

Here, then, was a great crossroads in Rebekah's life. What would she say? Would she play on the sympathy of her father and brother, pleading for a release from this journey into the unknown?  Or would she view it as a privilege to have a part in events that were clearly guided by Jehovah?  When she answered, she revealed  how she felt about this sudden, perhaps daunting, change in her life. She simply said:  "I am willing to go." -Genesis 24:58. 

What a remarkable spirit she had!  Today, our customs regarding marriage may be quite different, but we can still learn much from Rebekah.  What mattered most to her was, not her own preferences, but those of her God, Jehovah. When it comes to marriage today, God's Word still offers the best guidance available-regarding the kind of mate to choose and how to become a good husband or wife.  (2 Corinthians 6:14, 15; Ephesians 5:28-33) We do well to follow Rebekah's example and seek to do things God's way.  

Next time: IMITATE THEIR FAITH - "WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?" 

From The Watchtower magazine