Relationship thoughts from Isaac and Rebekah

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TODAY’S SPECIAL: Genesis 24:50-67

TO CHEW ON: “Then Isaac brought her into his mother Sarah’s tent; and he took Rebekah and she became his wife, and he loved her.” Genesis 24:67.

Who doesn’t utter an “Awww” at a beautiful love story—and this one sure fits that category. Even though the customs are quite different from our own, here are some elements that I think enhance its beauty.

• God’s presence at every stage. The servant recognized and acknowledged God’s presence in the situation (and repeatedly: Genesis 24:27,40,48). Rebekah’s father and brother agreed - Genesis 24:50. Similarly we can invite God into every situation, especially courtship and marriage.

• The generosity of Abraham (through the servant). Beautiful gifts went to everyone (Genesis 24:22, 53).  I’m sure it was expected to load the bride and her family with dowry. Still, it speaks to me of God’s largesse with us when we align ourselves with Him and His plans for us.

• The understandable hesitance of Rebekah’s family to let her go at overnight notice—perhaps never to see her again (Genesis 24:55). They loved this beautiful young woman. No doubt her mother had had thoughts that someday she’d be asked to give her up. But so suddenly? And to so far away? This reminds me that thorns may be present, even on occasions of joy.

• The family’s regard for Rebekah’s wishes in this. They didn’t force her but asked her what she wanted (Genesis 24:58). This reminds me that God also gives us choices to follow Him and His best for us—in marriage and in life.

• The family’s blessing. Rebekah left with positive words of her family’s blessing ringing in her ears (Genesis 24:60). If only we realized, when we married, how important family was. The approval and blessing of both families is a huge asset to the establishment of a new home.

• Rebekah’s modesty, veiling her face in preparation to meet her groom (Genesis 24:65). In this way she acknowledged current cultural custom, and that this was a very special meeting. Similarly in our relationships, physical demonstrations of respect and modesty can be a sort of dramatization of our feelings and can help enhance them.

May we and our children experience similar storybook endings to God-filled relationships.


PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for the love of human marriage. We want Your presence in these comings together, for us and our children.

MORE: Teaching based on this story.
Philosopher and author Ravi Zacharias has produced a powerful message about love and marriage based on Isaac and Rebekah’s love story. His talk “I Isaac take you Rebekah” is available (on YouTube) in five parts, linked below.

"I Isaac take you Rebekah" - Part 1 | Part 2 | Part 3 | Part 4 | Part 5


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Unless otherwise noted all Scripture quotations are taken from the New King James Version®. Copyright © 1982 by Thomas Nelson, Inc. Used by permission. All rights reserved.