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Genesis 24:43 - Divine matchmaking at well

Genesis 24:43 - בראשית 24:43

Hebrew Text

הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי נִצָּב עַל־עֵין הַמָּיִם וְהָיָה הָעַלְמָה הַיֹּצֵאת לִשְׁאֹב וְאָמַרְתִּי אֵלֶיהָ הַשְׁקִינִי־נָא מְעַט־מַיִם מִכַּדֵּךְ׃

English Translation

behold, I stand by the well of water; and it shall come to pass, that the maid who comes forth to draw, and I say to her, Give me, I pray thee, a little water from thy pitcher to drink;

Transliteration

Hineh anochi nitzav al-ein hamayim vehayah ha'almah hayotzet lish'ov ve'amarti eleha hashkini-na me'at mayim mikadech.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל־עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם וְהָיָ֤ה הָֽעַלְמָה֙ הַיֹּצֵ֣את לִשְׁאֹ֔ב וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י אֵלֶ֔יהָ הַשְׁקִֽינִי־נָ֥א מְעַט־מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ׃
הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל־עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם וְהָיָ֤ה הָֽעַלְמָה֙ הַיֹּצֵ֣את לִשְׁאֹ֔ב וְאָמַרְתִּ֣י אֵלֶ֔יהָ הַשְׁקִֽינִי־נָ֥א מְעַט־מַ֖יִם מִכַּדֵּֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Chayei Sarah

This verse (Bereshit 24:43) appears in the narrative of Eliezer, Avraham's servant, seeking a wife for Yitzchak. Eliezer recounts his prayer at the well, where he asks for a sign to identify the suitable bride for Yitzchak. The verse reflects his anticipation of the test he devised—that the right woman would offer water not only to him but also to his camels.

Rashi's Commentary on the Verse

Rashi (Bereshit 24:43) notes that Eliezer refers to the potential bride as "הָעַלְמָה" (the maiden) rather than "בְּתוּלָה" (a virgin), which might seem unusual. Rashi explains that this term implies she was young ("עַלְמָה" from the root meaning "hidden," suggesting youthful modesty) and emphasizes her suitability for Yitzchak. Additionally, Rashi highlights that Eliezer's phrasing—"הַיֹּצֵאת לִשְׁאֹב" (who comes forth to draw)—indicates her diligence in performing the mitzvah of drawing water for others.

Rambam on Divine Providence in Matchmaking

Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 15:2) discusses how Divine Providence guides proper matches in marriage. Eliezer's prayer and the subsequent events demonstrate this principle—Rivka's kindness (chesed) in offering water to Eliezer and his camels was a clear sign of her righteousness, aligning with Yitzchak's spiritual stature. The well, a symbol of Torah (as water represents wisdom), further underscores the divine orchestration of their union.

Midrashic Insights

  • Midrash Bereshit Rabbah (60:5) elaborates that the well miraculously rose toward Rivka, symbolizing that blessings flow effortlessly to the righteous. Her act of drawing water for Eliezer and his camels demonstrated extraordinary kindness, a trait central to Avraham's household.
  • Midrash Tanchuma (Chayei Sarah 4) adds that Rivka's readiness to serve others, even before Eliezer finished speaking (as seen in the following verses), reflected her innate middat ha'chessed (attribute of kindness), making her the ideal matriarch for Klal Yisrael.

The Significance of the Well

The well ("עֵין הַמָּיִם") is a recurring motif in Torah, often associated with pivotal meetings (e.g., Yaakov and Rachel, Moshe and Tzipporah). Here, it symbolizes the "wellspring" of Yitzchak's future—Rivka's righteousness would nourish the continuity of Avraham's legacy. The Chizkuni (Bereshit 24:43) notes that Eliezer stood specifically by the well to observe Rivka's actions, as character is revealed through deeds, not words alone.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper conduct of a servant of God, drawing a parallel to Eliezer's actions at the well when seeking a wife for Isaac.
📖 Taanit 4a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing divine providence and how God orchestrates events, using Eliezer's encounter at the well as an example.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the context of Genesis 24:43?
A: This verse is part of the story where Avraham's servant, Eliezer, is sent to find a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). He prays to Hashem for a sign to identify the right woman—specifically, that she will offer water to him and his camels when he asks for a drink. This verse describes the scenario he envisions as part of his prayer.
Q: Why does Eliezer mention standing by the well of water?
A: Eliezer stands by the well because it was a central gathering place where women would come to draw water (Rashi on Genesis 24:11). He seeks a woman with kindness (chesed), a key trait for Yitzchak's future wife, and the well is the ideal place to test her character.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Eliezer's prayer in this verse?
A: Eliezer teaches us the importance of seeking Hashem's guidance in major decisions (Rambam, Hilchot Ishut 2:2). He sets a clear, practical sign (middah keneged middah—measure for measure) to identify kindness, showing that we should look for divine help in ways that align with Torah values.
Q: Why is the act of giving water significant in this story?
A: Offering water demonstrates kindness and hospitality, essential traits in Jewish tradition (Talmud, Ketubot 67b). Rivka (Rebecca) later fulfills this sign by giving water not only to Eliezer but also to his camels, proving her exceptional generosity—qualities necessary for building a Jewish home.
Q: How does this verse apply to us today?
A: This verse reminds us to seek spouses (and partners in life) who embody Torah values like kindness and selflessness (Midrash Rabbah 60:5). Additionally, it teaches us to pray for divine guidance in important decisions while actively looking for signs of good character in others.