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Genesis 24:66 - Isaac hears divine matchmaking tale

Genesis 24:66 - בראשית 24:66

Hebrew Text

וַיְסַפֵּר הָעֶבֶד לְיִצְחָק אֵת כָּל־הַדְּבָרִים אֲשֶׁר עָשָׂה׃

English Translation

And the servant told Yiżĥaq all the things that he had done.

Transliteration

Vay'saper ha'eved l'Yitzhak et kol-hadevarim asher asa.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְסַפֵּ֥ר הָעֶ֖בֶד לְיִצְחָ֑ק אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה׃
וַיְסַפֵּ֥ר הָעֶ֖בֶד לְיִצְחָ֑ק אֵ֥ת כׇּל־הַדְּבָרִ֖ים אֲשֶׁ֥ר עָשָֽׂה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in Parashat Chayei Sarah

The verse (Bereshit 24:66) appears at the conclusion of Avraham's servant Eliezer's mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. After successfully securing Rivka's hand in marriage, Eliezer recounts his journey to Yitzchak. This moment marks a pivotal transition in the narrative, as Yitzchak and Rivka are united.

Rashi's Commentary on the Servant's Report

Rashi explains that Eliezer did not merely give a dry account of events but recounted "all the things that he had done" in detail—including the miracles he witnessed, such as Rivka's water rising toward him (based on Midrash Bereshit Rabbah 60:15). This emphasizes Divine Providence in orchestrating the match.

The Significance of "All the Things"

  • Midrashic Perspective: The Talmud (Yevamot 61b) notes that Eliezer may have subtly hinted at his own hope that Yitzchak might marry his daughter, but Avraham had rejected this possibility (Bereshit 24:3-4). His full report underscores his faithfulness to Avraham's mission.
  • Ramban's Insight: Ramban suggests that Eliezer's thorough account served to validate Rivka's suitability as a matriarch, demonstrating her kindness and Divine selection through the signs he experienced.

Yitzchak's Role in the Narrative

The verse highlights Yitzchak's passive role in choosing his wife, contrasting with Avraham's active involvement. The Kli Yakar notes that this reflects Yitzchak's trait of Gevurah (restraint), as his spiritual perfection made him reliant on Divine guidance rather than personal initiative.

Lessons in Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence)

The Sforno emphasizes that Eliezer's detailed report reinforced the idea that Rivka's selection was not coincidental but orchestrated by Hashem. This theme is central to the narrative, as the future of the Jewish people hinges on this Divinely-guided union.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the servant telling Yitzchak everything that happened?
A: According to Rashi, the servant (Eliezer) recounted all the miracles and divine providence that occurred during his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. This reinforced Yitzchak's faith in Hashem's guidance and showed that Rivkah was truly the right match for him.
Q: Why does the Torah mention this detail about the servant reporting back?
A: The Midrash teaches that this emphasizes the importance of transparency and communication, especially in matters as significant as marriage. Eliezer's detailed account ensured that Yitzchak understood how Hashem had orchestrated events to bring Rivkah to him.
Q: What can we learn from Eliezer's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam teaches that Eliezer's thorough reporting demonstrates the proper way to fulfill a mission with integrity. He didn't take credit for the success but instead acknowledged Hashem's hand in every step, setting an example of humility and gratitude.
Q: How does this verse connect to the Jewish view of marriage?
A: The Talmud (Moed Katan 18b) derives from this that major life decisions like marriage should be made with clear evidence of divine approval. Yitzchak accepted Rivkah only after hearing how clearly Hashem had guided Eliezer to her.
Q: Why is this moment important in Yitzchak's life?
A: The Sforno explains that this was a turning point for Yitzchak, who had been grieving his mother Sarah's death. Hearing how Hashem provided him with a wife comforted him, showing that divine providence continues even in difficult times.