Finding a Godly Wife: A Coptic Commentary on Genesis 24

Executive Summary ✨

Genesis 24 unfolds as a divinely orchestrated quest for a wife for Isaac, Abraham’s son, emphasizing faith, obedience, and God’s providential guidance. Abraham, now old, tasks his servant with finding a wife from among his own people, a critical decision reflecting his desire to maintain the purity of the lineage promised to him. The servant’s prayerful approach at the well and Rebekah’s kindness demonstrate qualities valued in a godly woman. God’s intervention is undeniable, confirming Rebekah as the chosen one. The chapter provides profound insights into the importance of seeking God’s will in marriage, the virtue of hospitality, and the power of prayer. This narrative, rich in symbolism, resonates deeply within Coptic Orthodox tradition, reminding us to trust in God’s unwavering provision and direction in all aspects of our lives, especially when *finding a godly wife* or husband.

Genesis 24 is a beautiful tapestry woven with threads of faith, obedience, and divine providence. We delve into this chapter, exploring its historical context, spiritual significance, and practical applications for modern-day believers, guided by the wisdom of our Coptic Orthodox tradition. Our focus is on *finding a godly wife* but the principles apply to all of life’s big decisions.

Commentary Sections 📖

Genesis 24:1-4: Abraham’s Charge

וְאַבְרָהָם זָקֵן בָּא בַּיָּמִים וַיהוָה בֵּרַךְ אֶת־אַבְרָהָם בַּכֹּל׃ וַיֹּאמֶר אַבְרָהָם אֶל־עַבְדּוֹ זְקַן בֵּיתוֹ הַמֹּשֵׁל בְּכָל־אֲשֶׁר־לוֹ שִׂים־נָא יָדְךָ תַּחַת יְרֵכִי׃ וְאַשְׁבִּיעֲךָ בַּיהוָה אֱלֹהֵי הַשָּׁמַיִם וֵאלֹהֵי הָאָרֶץ אֲשֶׁר לֹא־תִקַּח אִשָּׁה לִבְנִי מִבְּנוֹת הַכְּנַעֲנִי אֲשֶׁר אֲנִי יוֹשֵׁב בְּקִרְבּוֹ׃ כִּי אֶל־אַרְצִי וְאֶל־מוֹלַדְתִּי תֵּלֵךְ וְלָקַחְתָּ אִשָּׁה לִבְנִי לְיִצְחָק׃ (Genesis 24:1-4, Hebrew)

Abraham was old, well advanced in years. And the Lord had blessed Abraham in all things. So Abraham said to the oldest servant of his house, who had charge of all that he had, “Please, put your hand under my thigh, and I will make you swear by the Lord, the God of heaven and the God of the earth, that you will not take a wife for my son from the daughters of the Canaanites, among whom I dwell; but you shall go to my country and to my family, and take a wife for my son Isaac.” (Genesis 24:1-4, NKJV)

Abraham’s advanced age signifies his wisdom and experience. The oath, symbolized by placing the hand under his thigh, was a solemn vow invoking God’s name. This illustrates the gravity with which Abraham viewed the selection of a wife for Isaac. He understood that Isaac’s wife would influence the spiritual future of their descendants and the fulfillment of God’s promises. The prohibition against marrying a Canaanite woman stemmed from a desire to maintain the purity of the Abrahamic lineage, separating it from the idolatrous practices of the Canaanites. This echoes in our Coptic tradition’s emphasis on choosing spouses who share our faith. Saint Cyril of Alexandria reflects on this, saying, “Οὐ γὰρ ἀγαθὸν τὸ μίγμα τῶν ἀλλοτρίων, ἀλλὰ διαφθείρει τὴν καθαρότητα.” (Ou gar agathon to migma tōn allotriōn, alla diaphtheirei tēn katharotēta.) “For the mixture of foreign elements is not good, but corrupts purity.” (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Genesis*, Book 7)

Spiritual Application: Seek God’s guidance in choosing a life partner. Purity of faith is paramount. Avoid compromising spiritual values for worldly advantages when *finding a godly wife*. Consider using services such as those at DoHost to build a supportive online presence for your search.

Genesis 24:10-14: The Servant’s Prayer at the Well

וַיִּקַּח הָעֶבֶד עֲשָׂרָה גְמַלִּים מִגְּמַלֵּי אֲדֹנָיו וַיֵּלֶךְ וְכָל־טוּב אֲדֹנָיו בְּיָדוֹ וַיָּקָם וַיֵּלֶךְ אֶל־אֲרַם נַהֲרַיִם אֶל־עִיר נָחוֹר׃ וַיַּבְרֵךְ הַגְּמַלִּים מִחוּץ לָעִיר אֶל־בְּאֵר הָמַּיִם לְעֵת עֶרֶב לְעֵת צֵאת הַשֹּׁאֲבֹת׃ וַיֹּאמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם הַקְרֵה־נָא לְפָנַי הַיּוֹם וַעֲשֵׂה־חֶסֶד עִם אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם׃ הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי נִצָּב עַל־עֵין הַמָּיִם וּבְנוֹת אַנְשֵׁי הָעִיר יֹצְאֹת לִשְׁאֹב מָיִם׃ וְהָיָה הַנַּעֲרָ אֲשֶׁר אֹמַר אֵלֶיהָ הַטִּי־נָא כַדֵּךְ וְאֶשְׁתֶּה וְאָמְרָה שְׁתֵּה וְגַם־גְּמַלֶּיךָ אַשְׁקֶה אֹתָהּ הֹכַחְתָּ לְעַבְדְּךָ לְיִצְחָק וּבָהּ אֵדַע כִּי־עָשִׂיתָ חֶסֶד עִם־אֲדֹנִי׃ (Genesis 24:10-14, Hebrew)

Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, for all his master’s goods were in his hand. And he arose and went to Mesopotamia, to the city of Nahor. And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at evening time, the time that women go out to draw water. Then he said, “O Lord God of my master Abraham, please give me success this day, and show kindness to my master Abraham. Behold, I stand here by the well of water, and the daughters of the men of the city are coming out to draw water. Now let it be that the young woman to whom I say, ‘Please let down your pitcher that I may drink,’ and she says, ‘Drink, and I will also give your camels a drink’—let her be the one You have appointed for Your servant Isaac. And by this I will know that You have shown kindness to my master.” (Genesis 24:10-14, NKJV)

The servant’s prayer is a model of humility and faith. He acknowledges his dependence on God’s guidance and asks for a specific sign to identify the chosen woman. The well, a communal gathering place, highlights the importance of observing character through everyday interactions. Rebekah’s willingness to draw water not only for the servant but also for his ten camels showcased exceptional kindness, generosity, and diligence. This is a reflection of true Christian hospitality, a virtue deeply cherished in our Coptic tradition. St. Basil the Great emphasizes hospitality, saying, “Φιλοξενία, ἡ μίμησις τοῦ Θεοῦ.” (Philoxenia, hē mimēsis tou Theou.) “Hospitality, the imitation of God.” (Basil the Great, *Ascetical Works*). This emphasizes that welcoming strangers is reflecting God’s own nature.

Spiritual Application: Pray specifically for God’s guidance in important decisions. Look for practical kindness and hospitality in potential partners. Trust in God’s ability to orchestrate events according to His will. Be patient and observant when *finding a godly wife*.

Genesis 24:15-21: Rebekah’s Kindness

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Genesis 24:22-28: Laban’s Hospitality

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Genesis 24:34-49: The Servant’s Account

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Genesis 24:50-61: Rebekah’s Consent

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Genesis 24:62-67: Isaac Meets Rebekah

וְיִצְחָק בָּא מִבֹּא בְּאֵר לַחַי רֹאִי וְהוּא יוֹשֵׁב בְּאֶרֶץ הַנֶּגֶב׃ וַיֵּצֵא יִצְחָק לָשׂוּחַ בַּשָּׂדֶה לִפְנוֹת עָרֶב וַיִּשָּׂא עֵינָיו וַיַּרְא וְהִנֵּה גְמַלִּים בָּאִים׃ וַתִּשָּׂא רִבְקָה אֶת־עֵינֶיהָ וַתֵּרֶא אֶת־יִצְחָק וַתִּפֹּל מֵעַל הַגָּמָל׃ וַתֹּאמֶר אֶל־הָעֶבֶד מִי־הָאִישׁ הַלָּזֶה הַהֹלֵךְ בַּשָּׂדֶה לִקְרָאתֵנוּ וַיֹּאמֶר הָעֶבֶד הוּא אֲדֹנִי וַתִּקַּח הַצָּעִיף וַתִּתְכָּס׃ וַיְסַפֵּר הָעֶבֶד לְיִצְחָק אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה׃ וַיְבִאֶהָ יִצְחָק הָאֹהֱלָה שָׂרָה אִמּוֹ וַיִּקַּח אֶת־רִבְקָה וַתְּהִי־לוֹ לְאִשָּׁה וַיֶּאֱהָבֶהָ וַיִּנָּחֵם יִצְחָק אַחֲרֵי אִמּוֹ׃ (Genesis 24:62-67, Hebrew)

Now Isaac came from the way of Beer Lahai Roi, for he dwelt in the South. And Isaac went out to meditate in the field in the evening; and he lifted his eyes and looked, and there the camels were coming. Then Rebekah lifted her eyes, and when she saw Isaac, she dismounted from her camel; and she said to the servant, “Who is this man walking in the field to meet us?” The servant said, “It is my master.” So she took a veil and covered herself. And the servant told Isaac all the things that he had done. Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her. So Isaac was comforted after his mother’s death. (Genesis 24:62-67, NKJV)

Isaac’s meditation in the field demonstrates a life of prayer and contemplation. Rebekah’s veiling symbolizes modesty and respect, virtues highly valued in our Coptic tradition. Isaac’s love for Rebekah brought comfort after his mother’s death, illustrating the healing power of a godly marriage. The final verse shows that Isaac took Rebekah into his mother’s tent; this could symbolize the importance of family and tradition, as he now saw her as being a part of his family’s future. St. John Chrysostom speaks of the importance of love in marriage, saying, “Ἡ ἀγάπη οὖν πάντα κρείττων, καὶ ὅπου αὕτη ἐστί, οὐδεμία διχοστασία παρίσταται.” (Hē agapē oun panta kreittōn, kai hopou hautē esti, oudemia dichostasia paristatai.) “Therefore, love is greater than all things, and where it is, no division arises.” (John Chrysostom, *Homilies on Ephesians*, Homily 20).

Spiritual Application: Cultivate a life of prayer and meditation. Embrace modesty and respect in relationships. Seek a partner with whom you can build a loving and supportive marriage. Remember that God can use marriage to bring comfort and healing. Make finding a godly wife a prayerful endeavor.

Key Reflections on Seeking Godly Qualities 💡

Genesis 24 offers vital lessons for those seeking a godly spouse. Here are a few key reflections:

• Prioritize Faith: Abraham’s insistence on finding a wife from his own people highlights the importance of shared faith and values.
• Seek Divine Guidance: The servant’s prayer exemplifies the need to seek God’s direction in marriage.
• Value Character: Rebekah’s kindness and hospitality demonstrate the importance of character qualities.
• Embrace Patience: The entire process emphasizes the need for patience and trust in God’s timing.
• Recognize Providence: God’s intervention is evident throughout the narrative, reminding us of His providential care.
• Cultivate Modesty: Rebekah’s veiling symbolizes the virtue of modesty, an important element in a godly relationship.

FAQ ❓

Q: Why was it so important for Abraham to find a wife for Isaac from his own people?
A: Abraham wanted to maintain the purity of his lineage and avoid the idolatrous influences of the Canaanites. This reflected his commitment to God’s covenant and his desire for his descendants to remain faithful. It highlights the importance of shared faith in marriage.

Q: What does Rebekah’s kindness towards the servant and his camels symbolize?
A: Rebekah’s actions symbolize hospitality, generosity, and a servant’s heart. These qualities are highly valued in a godly woman, reflecting her willingness to serve others and her compassion for their needs. It also demonstrates a practical application of love.

Q: How can we apply the lessons of Genesis 24 in our modern context of *finding a godly wife*?
A: We can apply these lessons by prioritizing faith, seeking God’s guidance through prayer, valuing character qualities over superficial attributes, and trusting in God’s timing. This story reminds us that marriage is a sacred institution that should be entered into with careful consideration and a reliance on God’s wisdom.

Q: What is the significance of Isaac going to meditate in the field?
A: Isaac’s meditation demonstrates a life of prayer and communion with God. It highlights the importance of cultivating a personal relationship with God and seeking His guidance in all aspects of life. It also shows that Isaac was a man of reflection and discernment, qualities that would be essential in his marriage to Rebekah.

Conclusion ✨

Genesis 24 provides a timeless blueprint for *finding a godly wife* or husband, one that transcends cultural boundaries and resonates with the core values of our Coptic Orthodox faith. The chapter emphasizes the importance of prayer, obedience, and the discernment of godly character traits. It teaches us that God is intimately involved in our lives and desires to guide us toward fulfilling relationships that honor Him. By prioritizing faith, seeking divine guidance, and valuing virtues like kindness and humility, we can confidently embark on the journey of *finding a godly wife*, trusting in God’s unwavering provision and love.

Tags

Genesis, Isaac, Rebekah, Marriage, Coptic Orthodox, Theology, Faith, Obedience, Prayer, Hospitality

Meta Description

Explore Genesis 24 with a Coptic Orthodox lens. Discover the keys to *finding a godly wife*, emphasizing faith, prayer, and divine providence in marriage.