Knowing The Word in Genesis 24:50-61, The Bride Price

50 Then Laban and Bethuel [Abraham’s brother who finally appears out of nowhere but after his son, meaning he is less important in this story] answered and said, “The thing has come from the Lord; we cannot speak to you bad or good. 51 Behold, Rebekah is before you; take her and go [this phrase reflects Abraham’s words “go and take a wife”], and let her be the wife of your master's son, as the Lord has spoken.” [Where God has already spoken and made a way, there is little these men need to say.]

52 When Abraham's servant heard their words, he bowed himself to the earth before the Lord. [He is worshipping God yet again with amazing piety!] 53 And the servant brought out jewelry of silver and of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rebekah. He also gave to her brother and to her mother costly ornaments. [The servant gives the bride-price to the family—Bethuel is noticeably absent again—who would usually give it to the bride once the marriage is complete as her dowry. It may be that due to his age, Bethuel may have some senility and Laban and his mother are actually running the household.] 54 And he and the men who were with him ate and drank, and they spent the night there. [Do you think the food got cold as they waited for the servant to speak and negotiate?] When they arose in the morning, he said, “Send me away to my master.” 55 Her brother and her mother said, “Let the young woman remain with us a while, at least ten days; after that she may go.” 56 But he said to them, “Do not delay me, since the Lord has prospered my way. Send me away that I may go to my master.” [Is he concerned about Abraham’s age?] 57 They said, “Let us call the young woman and ask her.” 58 And they called Rebekah and said to her, “Will you go with this man?” She said, “I will go.” [She is decisive, and if there were any scheming behind her mother and brother’s proposal for a delay, she will not have a part in it.] 59 So they sent away Rebekah their sister [makes it sound as if Laban runs the household, but more likely it reflects a close, female relative] and her nurse [her nanny from childhood, Deborah], and Abraham's servant and his men. 60 And they blessed Rebekah [whose name sounds like “to bless”] and said to her,

“Our sister, may you become thousands of ten thousands, and may your offspring possess the gate of those who hate him!” [This reflects the blessing on Abraham.]

61 Then Rebekah and her young women [slave girls] arose and rode on the camels and followed the man. [Now we know why the servant brought so many camels.] Thus the servant took Rebekah and went his way.