IMITATE THEIR FAITH

"WHO IS THAT MAN THERE?"

Bethuel's family blessed their beloved Rebekah.  Then she and her childhood nurse, Deborah, along with some servant girls, set off with Eliezer and his men.  (Genesis 24:59-61; 35:8) Before long, Haran was far behind them.  The journey was a long one, 500 miles (800 km) or so, and it lasted perhaps three weeks.  It was likely not a comfortable trip. Rebekah had seen camels aplenty in her life, but  we cannot assume that she was an experienced rider.  The Bible portrays her family as often complain of discomfort-even after a very short ride!

 At any rate, Rebekah looked ever forward, no doubt trying to learn all she could from Eliezer about Isaac and his family. Picture the old man talking to her by an evening campfire, telling her of Jehovah's promise to his friend Abraham. God would raise up from Abraham's family line an offspring who would bring blessings to all mankind.  Think of the awe that filled Rebekah's heart  when she realized that Jehovah's promise would be fulfilled through her own husband-to-be, Isaac-Hence, through her as well. -Genesis 22:15-18. 

Finally, the day came that we described at the outset of this article. As the caravan traversed the Nebeb and twilight began to fall over the land, Rebekah saw a man walking in the fields. He looked thoughtful, contemplative.  "She quickly got down from the camel," we read-perhaps not even waiting for the beast to kneel down-and she asked her guide:  "Who is that man there walking in the field to meet us?"  When she learned that it was Isaac, she covered her head with her shawl.   (Genesis 24:62-65) Why? Evidently, the gesture was a sign of respect for her future husband. That kind of submission may strike some today as old-fashioned. Really, though, men as well as women may take a lesson from Rebekah's humility, for who of us does not need more of that lovely quality? 

Isaac, a man of about 40, was still grieving the loss of his mother, Sarah, who had died about three years earlier. we may infer, then, that Isaac was a man of warm and tender feelings. What a blessing for such a man to be given a wife who was so industrious, hospitable, and humble!   how did the two get along?  The Bible says simply: "He fell in love with her."- Genesis 24:67; 26:8.  

Even for us some 39 centuries later, it is easy to love Rebekah.  How can we help but admire her courage, her industriousness, her hospitality, and her humility? All of us-young and old, men and women, married and single-do well to imitate her faith! 

Next time: Communication in Marriage-How to Discuss Problems 

From The Watchtower magazine