IMITATE THEIR FAITH/REBEKAH

 "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 up 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 the camels plenty in her life, but we cannot assume that she was an experienced camel rider.  The Bible portrays her family as shepherd folk, not as traders who drove caravans of camels.  (Genesis 29;10)  Novice camel riders often complain of discomfort-even after a 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 promises 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 15:28. 

Finally, the day came that we described  at the outset of this article.  As the caravan transversed the Negeb and twilight began to fall over the land, Rebekah saw a man out walking in the fields.  He looked throughtful, 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 lessong from Rebekah's humilty, for of us does not need more of that lovely quality? 

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

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