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Genesis 24:52 - Servant's gratitude for divine guidance

Genesis 24:52 - בראשית 24:52

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר שָׁמַע עֶבֶד אַבְרָהָם אֶת־דִּבְרֵיהֶם וַיִּשְׁתַּחוּ אַרְצָה לַיהוָה׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, that, when Avraham’s servant heard their words, he prostrated himself to the earth before the Lord.

Transliteration

Vayehi ka'asher shama eved Avraham et-divreihem vayishtachu artza la'Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֛ע עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַ֖רְצָה לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃
וַיְהִ֕י כַּאֲשֶׁ֥ר שָׁמַ֛ע עֶ֥בֶד אַבְרָהָ֖ם אֶת־דִּבְרֵיהֶ֑ם וַיִּשְׁתַּ֥חוּ אַ֖רְצָה לַֽיהֹוָֽה׃

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Parasha Commentary

The Servant's Prostration Before Hashem

The verse describes Avraham's servant (identified by Chazal as Eliezer) bowing to the ground upon hearing the words of Lavan and Besuel, acknowledging that Rivka was indeed the destined wife for Yitzchak. This act of prostration (hishtachava'ah) demonstrates profound gratitude to Hashem for answering his prayers and guiding him to the right match.

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereishit 24:52) notes that Eliezer bowed specifically "to Hashem"—not to Lavan and Besuel—indicating that his gratitude was directed solely toward the Almighty. This teaches that even when human agents facilitate a miracle, we must recognize that all success ultimately comes from Hashem.

Rambam on Prostration in Prayer

Rambam (Hilchot Tefillah 5:14) discusses prostration as an expression of complete submission before Hashem. Eliezer's act exemplifies this principle, showing total humility when witnessing Divine Providence in action.

Midrashic Insights

  • Bereishit Rabbah (60:15): The Midrash emphasizes that Eliezer's bowing was immediate—"when he heard their words"—highlighting his quick recognition of Hashem's hand in events.
  • Chizkuni: Suggests this prostration paralleled Avraham's own devotion, showing how Eliezer internalized his master's faith.

Halachic Perspective

The Shulchan Aruch (Orach Chaim 113:8) rules that full prostration (with outstretched hands and feet) is reserved for the Beis Hamikdash, but partial bowing remains a practice during certain prayers. Eliezer's act was a unique expression appropriate for his moment of Divine revelation.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham's servant bow down to the ground in Genesis 24:52?
A: Avraham's servant bowed down to thank Hashem for answering his prayer to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak (Rivkah). This teaches us the importance of expressing gratitude to Hashem when our prayers are answered (Rashi on Genesis 24:52).
Q: What can we learn from Avraham's servant's reaction in this verse?
A: We learn the importance of recognizing Hashem's hand in our lives and immediately showing gratitude when we see Divine assistance. The servant's bowing demonstrates proper acknowledgment of a miracle (Midrash Bereishis Rabbah 60:15).
Q: Why is this moment with Avraham's servant important in the Torah?
A: This moment is significant because it shows how Avraham's household maintained his values of recognizing Hashem in all matters. The servant's actions model proper Jewish conduct of prayer and thanksgiving (Rambam, Hilchos Tefillah 1:1-2).
Q: How does the servant's bowing relate to Jewish prayer today?
A: Just as the servant bowed in gratitude, we bow during certain parts of our prayers (like in the Amidah) to show humility before Hashem. This teaches that physical gestures enhance our spiritual connection (Talmud Berachos 34b).
Q: What was the servant so grateful about in this verse?
A: The servant was grateful that Hashem had clearly guided him to find Rivkah, who passed the test of kindness by offering to water his camels. This showed she was the right match for Yitzchak (Rashi on Genesis 24:14, 24:52).