Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Avraham's servant take ten camels when searching for a wife for Yitzchak?
A: Rashi explains that the ten camels were a sign of Avraham's wealth and status, showing that Yitzchak came from a prominent family. Additionally, the Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) teaches that the number ten corresponds to the Ten Commandments, hinting at the spiritual greatness of the future Jewish nation that would descend from this match.
Q: What is the significance of the servant taking 'all the goods of his master' with him?
A: The Ramban explains that this demonstrates Avraham's complete trust in his servant Eliezer to faithfully carry out his mission. Additionally, bringing valuables was practical for arranging a proper marriage, as it showed the seriousness of the proposal and Avraham's ability to provide for the bride.
Q: Why did Eliezer go specifically to Aram Naharayim to find a wife for Yitzchak?
A: According to Rashi and the Talmud (Yevamot 61a), Avraham wanted Yitzchak to marry within his own family lineage to maintain spiritual purity. Aram Naharayim was where Avraham's brother Nachor lived, making it the appropriate place to find a suitable match from their extended family.
Q: What lesson can we learn from how Eliezer prepared for this important mission?
A: The Torah teaches us the importance of proper preparation and attention to detail when fulfilling important tasks. Eliezer didn't go empty-handed - he prepared gifts, transportation, and provisions. This mirrors Jewish values of being prepared for mitzvot and important life events, as discussed in the Mishnah (Pirkei Avot 2:15).
Q: Why does the Torah give so many details about Eliezer's journey to find a wife for Yitzchak?
A: The Sforno explains that these details show the Divine Providence guiding this crucial event in Jewish history. Every detail - the number of camels, the route taken, the timing - was orchestrated by Hashem to ensure the proper foundation of the Jewish people. The Talmud (Chullin 95b) also notes that this story teaches about the importance of shidduchim (marriage matches) in Jewish tradition.
The Servant's Mission
The verse describes Eliezer, Avraham's trusted servant, embarking on a mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The Torah emphasizes that he took "ten camels from his master's camels," which Rashi explains (based on Bereishit Rabbah 59:9) was to demonstrate Avraham's wealth and importance—since camels were a sign of prestige in that era. This would make Rivkah's family more receptive to the match.
Symbolism of the Ten Camels
"All the Goods of His Master Were in His Hand"
Ramban (Nachmanides) explains that this phrase indicates Eliezer was entrusted with full authority to act on Avraham's behalf. The Talmud (Yoma 28b) derives from here that a faithful agent is like the sender himself—a principle later applied to halachic agency (שליחות).
Destination: Aram-Naharayim
The verse specifies that Eliezer went to "Aram-Naharayim, the city of Nachor." Rashi clarifies that this was the place of Avraham's family, highlighting the importance of maintaining familial and spiritual continuity by seeking a wife from Avraham's lineage, as opposed to the Canaanites.
Lessons in Faith and Action
The Sforno notes that Eliezer's immediate departure ("and he arose and went") reflects his unwavering commitment to fulfilling Avraham's request, teaching the value of hastening to perform a mitzvah. This mirrors Avraham's own alacrity in serving Hashem, as seen earlier in the Torah (e.g., Lech Lecha).