Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 24:33?
A: In Genesis 24:33, Eliezer, Abraham's servant, has just arrived at Bethuel's house to find a wife for Isaac. Food is placed before him, but he refuses to eat until he explains his mission. This shows his dedication to fulfilling Abraham's request before attending to his own needs.
Q: Why did Eliezer refuse to eat before speaking?
A: Eliezer refused to eat before speaking because his mission from Abraham was urgent and important (Rashi on Genesis 24:33). He prioritized delivering his message first, demonstrating discipline and commitment to his master's request. The Talmud (Berachot 40a) also teaches that one should not indulge in personal pleasures before attending to mitzvot (commandments).
Q: What can we learn from Eliezer's behavior in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of prioritizing responsibilities over personal comfort. Eliezer delayed eating—a basic human need—to first fulfill his mission (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 60:8). This teaches us to focus on our duties before indulging in personal desires, a principle applicable in daily life and mitzvah observance.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values?
A: This verse highlights the Jewish values of shlichut (faithful agency) and zerizut (alacrity in performing mitzvot). Eliezer acts as a loyal shaliach (emissary), putting his mission before himself (Rambam, Hilchot Sheluḥim 1:1). It also reflects the idea that spiritual tasks should take precedence over physical needs (Pirkei Avot 4:1).
Q: Why is this moment significant in the Torah's narrative?
A: This moment is significant because it sets the stage for Rebecca's marriage to Isaac, ensuring the continuity of Abraham's legacy. Eliezer's insistence on speaking first shows the seriousness of his mission, which ultimately leads to the founding of the Jewish people (Sforno on Genesis 24:33). The Midrash (Tanchuma Chayei Sarah 8) also praises Eliezer's self-control as a model for proper conduct.
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 24:33) appears in the narrative of Eliezer, Avraham's servant, who was sent to find a wife for Yitzchak. It describes Eliezer's encounter with Rivkah's family, where food is placed before him, but he insists on first delivering his message before eating.
Rashi's Explanation
Rashi (Bereshit 24:33) explains that Eliezer's refusal to eat before speaking demonstrates his commitment to fulfilling his master's mission. He prioritized the mitzvah (commandment) of finding a wife for Yitzchak over his personal needs, reflecting the principle of "oseh mitzvah lo yachel devarav"—one engaged in a mitzvah should not delay its performance (Pesachim 4a).
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Perspective
Rambam (Hilchot Shelichin 2:1) derives from this episode that an agent must act with urgency and dedication to fulfill their mission. Eliezer's conduct exemplifies the halachic ideal that one should not allow personal needs to interfere with a mitzvah.
Moral Lesson
This verse teaches the importance of prioritizing spiritual responsibilities over physical desires. Eliezer's restraint serves as a model for how one should approach divine service—placing Torah and mitzvot before personal gratification (see Mesillat Yesharim, Chapter 11, on the trait of zeal).