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Genesis 24:47 - Divine match confirmed through lineage

Genesis 24:47 - בראשית 24:47

Hebrew Text

וָאֶשְׁאַל אֹתָהּ וָאֹמַר בַּת־מִי אַתְּ וַתֹּאמֶר בַּת־בְּתוּאֵל בֶּן־נָחוֹר אֲשֶׁר יָלְדָה־לּוֹ מִלְכָּה וָאָשִׂם הַנֶּזֶם עַל־אַפָּהּ וְהַצְּמִידִים עַל־יָדֶיהָ׃

English Translation

And I asked her, and said, Whose daughter art thou? And she said, The daughter of Betu᾽el, Naĥor’s son, whom Milka bore to him: and I put the ring upon her nose, and the bracelets upon her hands.

Transliteration

Va'eshal otah va'omar bat-mi at vatomer bat-betuel ben-nachor asher yaldah-lo milkah va'asim hanezem al-apeha vehatzmidim al-yadeha

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֶשְׁאַ֣ל אֹתָ֗הּ וָאֹמַר֮ בַּת־מִ֣י אַתְּ֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר בַּת־בְּתוּאֵל֙ בֶּן־נָח֔וֹר אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָֽלְדָה־לּ֖וֹ מִלְכָּ֑ה וָאָשִׂ֤ם הַנֶּ֙זֶם֙ עַל־אַפָּ֔הּ וְהַצְּמִידִ֖ים עַל־יָדֶֽיהָ׃
וָאֶשְׁאַ֣ל אֹתָ֗הּ וָאֹמַר֮ בַּת־מִ֣י אַתְּ֒ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר בַּת־בְּתוּאֵל֙ בֶּן־נָח֔וֹר אֲשֶׁ֥ר יָֽלְדָה־לּ֖וֹ מִלְכָּ֑ה וָאָשִׂ֤ם הַנֶּ֙זֶם֙ עַל־אַפָּ֔הּ וְהַצְּמִידִ֖ים עַל־יָדֶֽיהָ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 24:47) is part of the narrative where Eliezer, Avraham's servant, recounts his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. He describes his encounter with Rivka at the well and how he confirmed her lineage before bestowing gifts upon her.

Eliezer's Inquiry About Rivka's Lineage

Rashi explains that Eliezer asked Rivka, "בַּת־מִי אַתְּ" ("Whose daughter are you?"), to confirm that she was indeed from Avraham's family, as Avraham had instructed him to find a wife for Yitzchak from his own kin (Genesis 24:4). The mention of Betu'el and Nachor establishes her connection to Avraham's family, as Nachor was Avraham's brother.

The Significance of Rivka's Response

Rivka identifies herself as the daughter of Betu'el ben Nachor and specifies that her grandmother was Milka. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) notes that Milka was the daughter of Haran, Avraham's brother, further solidifying the familial bond. This detail was crucial for Eliezer, as it confirmed Rivka's suitability as a match for Yitzchak.

The Gifts: Ring and Bracelets

Eliezer describes placing a nezem (ring) on Rivka's nose and tzamidim (bracelets) on her hands. Rashi explains that these were signs of betrothal, symbolizing his intent to take her as a wife for Yitzchak. The nezem was a common ornament in ancient times, often worn on the nose or ear (as seen in Exodus 32:2-3), while the tzamidim were bracelets, possibly indicating wealth and status.

  • Nezem (Ring): The Ramban suggests that this gift was a token of goodwill and a preliminary step toward marriage, demonstrating Eliezer's seriousness in his mission.
  • Tzamidim (Bracelets): The Talmud (Bava Metzia 87a) notes that jewelry was often given as a sign of respect and commitment, reinforcing the covenantal nature of the match.

Symbolism of the Actions

The act of giving these gifts was not merely ceremonial but carried deep halachic and symbolic meaning. The Kli Yakar explains that the placement of the ring on her nose and bracelets on her hands signified that Rivka's actions (her kindness in drawing water for Eliezer and his camels) were the qualities that made her worthy of becoming Yitzchak's wife.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the ring and bracelets given to Rebecca in Genesis 24:47?
A: According to Rashi and other commentators, the ring (nezem) and bracelets (tzemidim) given to Rebecca were signs of betrothal, similar to the Jewish custom of giving a ring under the chuppah. These gifts demonstrated Eliezer's seriousness in seeking Rebecca as a wife for Isaac and were part of the formal marriage process.
Q: Why did Eliezer ask Rebecca about her family in Genesis 24:47?
A: Eliezer needed to confirm that Rebecca was from Abraham's family, as Abraham had instructed him to find a wife for Isaac from his own relatives (Genesis 24:4). By asking about her lineage, Eliezer verified she was the daughter of Betuel and granddaughter of Nahor, Abraham's brother, making her suitable for marriage to Isaac according to Jewish tradition.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Eliezer's actions in Genesis 24:47?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 95b) teaches that Eliezer acted with wisdom and diligence in fulfilling his mission. From this, we learn the importance of being thorough in our responsibilities, verifying important details (like family lineage for marriage), and acting with proper Jewish customs (like giving gifts for betrothal).
Q: Why is the mention of Milka important in Genesis 24:47?
A: The Torah mentions that Milka was Rebecca's grandmother to emphasize the pure lineage. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) notes that just as Sarah was righteous, so too were the women in her family line. This shows the importance of good family background in Jewish marriage.
Q: How does the betrothal in Genesis 24:47 relate to Jewish marriage today?
A: The giving of valuables (ring and bracelets) mirrors the modern Jewish marriage custom of kiddushin, where the groom gives the bride a ring of value. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishut 3:1) explains that this ancient method of betrothal established the halachic foundation for Jewish marriage ceremonies throughout history.