i
Abraham sends his servant to find a wife for Isaac, who is Abraham’s son.
The servant asks God for a sign by which to find her:
The girl to whom I will say, “Let down your pitcher... that I may drink”—and she will say, “Drink, and I will give your camels drink also”—let it be her whom You have appointed for Your servant Isaac.
The servant discovers Rebecca by the well near the city. Rebecca fulfills this sign.
*
The servant tells these things to Rebecca’s family. They agree to the marriage. They say: the thing comes from the Lord.
But there is disagreement. The servant wants to take Rebecca to Isaac
immediately. Her family wants her to wait. The servant says: Do not hinder me, seeing as the Lord has prospered my way.
*
Rebecca, when her family asks what she prefers, says I will go.
ii
It is clear in a sign from God that Rebecca is to be Isaac’s wife: that she is to become mother to Israel.
But Rebecca must decide, herself, to go on God’s path.
iii
Even those who are chosen by God must themselves choose Him.
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