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Genesis 24:11 - Evening prayer meets destiny

Genesis 24:11 - בראשית 24:11

Hebrew Text

וַיַּבְרֵךְ הַגְּמַלִּים מִחוּץ לָעִיר אֶל־בְּאֵר הַמָּיִם לְעֵת עֶרֶב לְעֵת צֵאת הַשֹּׁאֲבֹת׃

English Translation

And he made his camels kneel down outside the city by a well of water at the time of evening, at the time that the women go out to draw water.

Transliteration

Vayvarekh hagmalim michutz la'ir el-be'er hamayim le'et erev le'et tzet hasho'avot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיַּבְרֵ֧ךְ הַגְּמַלִּ֛ים מִח֥וּץ לָעִ֖יר אֶל־בְּאֵ֣ר הַמָּ֑יִם לְעֵ֣ת עֶ֔רֶב לְעֵ֖ת צֵ֥את הַשֹּׁאֲבֹֽת׃
וַיַּבְרֵ֧ךְ הַגְּמַלִּ֛ים מִח֥וּץ לָעִ֖יר אֶל־בְּאֵ֣ר הַמָּ֑יִם לְעֵ֣ת עֶ֔רֶב לְעֵ֖ת צֵ֥את הַשֹּׁאֲבֹֽת׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:11) describes Eliezer, Avraham's servant, arriving at the well outside the city of Nachor in search of a wife for Yitzchak. The scene sets the stage for the encounter with Rivka, demonstrating divine providence (השגחה פרטית) in the selection of the matriarch of the Jewish people.

Significance of the Camels Kneeling

Rashi explains that Eliezer made the camels kneel (וַיַּבְרֵךְ הַגְּמַלִּים) as a sign of respect and humility, indicating that he would not enter the city until he completed his mission. The Kli Yakar adds that this act demonstrated his trust in Hashem's guidance, as he positioned himself at the place where he was most likely to meet potential candidates for Yitzchak's wife.

The Timing: "At the Time of Evening"

The verse specifies that this occurred לְעֵת עֶרֶב (at evening time). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:5) notes that righteous individuals like Eliezer conduct their affairs with precision, aligning their actions with opportune moments. Evening was chosen because it was when women would gather to draw water, increasing the likelihood of finding a suitable match.

The Well as a Symbol

The well (בְּאֵר הַמָּיִם) is a recurring motif in Torah narratives involving marriage (e.g., Yaakov and Rachel, Moshe and Tzipporah). The Ramban explains that wells symbolize life, blessing, and Torah—qualities essential for building a Jewish home. By stationing himself there, Eliezer sought a woman who embodied these traits.

Women Drawing Water

The phrase לְעֵת צֵאת הַשֹּׁאֲבֹת (the time when the drawers of water go out) highlights Rivka's kindness, as she not only drew water for Eliezer but also for his camels (Bereshit 24:19). The Talmud (Ta'anit 4a) teaches that acts of kindness are a defining characteristic of the matriarchs, and this moment foreshadows Rivka's suitability as Yitzchak's wife.

Divine Providence in the Details

  • Location Outside the City: Eliezer remained outside to avoid the corrupt influences of the city (Sforno).
  • Camels Kneeling: A sign of submission to Hashem's will (Malbim).
  • Evening Time: Reflects the "light" of chesed (kindness) emerging at dusk (Zohar).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Eliezer make the camels kneel outside the city?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 24:11), Eliezer, Avraham's servant, stopped outside the city to show respect and avoid entering with a large group of camels, which might appear imposing or cause discomfort to the townspeople. This teaches the importance of consideration for others.
Q: What is the significance of the 'time of evening' when the women drew water?
A: The Talmud (Chullin 95b) explains that evening was when women typically gathered to draw water, making it an appropriate time to find a suitable wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). This shows Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit) in arranging the meeting between Eliezer and Rivka (Rebecca).
Q: Why is the well of water mentioned in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) teaches that wells and water are often associated with kindness in the Torah. Eliezer went to the well specifically to test if the maiden who would offer water to him and his camels would possess the trait of chesed (kindness), which was essential for the future matriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Eliezer's actions in this verse?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Dei'os 5:1) derives from this episode the importance of thoughtful planning and derech eretz (proper conduct). Eliezer carefully chose the time and place to maximize his chances of finding the right match, showing how we should approach important tasks with wisdom and consideration.
Q: Why does the Torah specify that this happened when the 'women go out to draw water'?
A: Rashi (Genesis 24:11) explains that righteous women typically drew water in the evening when it was cooler. This detail emphasizes that Eliezer was looking for someone with righteous qualities, as the mothers of the Jewish nation were known for their righteousness and good deeds.