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Genesis 24:12 - Prayer for divine guidance

Genesis 24:12 - בראשית 24:12

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמַר יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם הַקְרֵה־נָא לְפָנַי הַיּוֹם וַעֲשֵׂה־חֶסֶד עִם אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם׃

English Translation

And he said, O Lord God of my master Avraham, I pray Thee, send me good speed this day, and show kindness to my master Avraham.

Transliteration

Va'yomar Adonai Elohei adoni Avraham hakre-na lefanai hayom va'aseh-chesed im adoni Avraham.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמַ֓ר <b>׀</b> יְהֹוָ֗ה אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם הַקְרֵה־נָ֥א לְפָנַ֖י הַיּ֑וֹם וַעֲשֵׂה־חֶ֕סֶד עִ֖ם אֲדֹנִ֥י אַבְרָהָֽם׃
וַיֹּאמַ֓ר ׀ יְהֹוָ֗ה אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם הַקְרֵה־נָ֥א לְפָנַ֖י הַיּ֑וֹם וַעֲשֵׂה־חֶ֕סֶד עִ֖ם אֲדֹנִ֥י אַבְרָהָֽם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 24:12) is part of the narrative where Avraham's servant, Eliezer, is sent to find a wife for Yitzchak. Eliezer prays to Hashem for success in his mission, invoking the merit of his master, Avraham.

Eliezer's Prayer and Its Significance

Rashi explains that Eliezer specifically mentions "Hashem, God of my master Avraham" to emphasize that he is praying to the God Avraham served, not to any other deity. This reflects Eliezer's recognition of Avraham's unique relationship with Hashem and his desire to align his mission with Avraham's values.

The Phrase "הַקְרֵה־נָא לְפָנַי הַיּוֹם" (Send me good speed this day)

The Sforno notes that Eliezer does not ask for a miraculous sign but rather for Divine guidance in natural circumstances. The term "הַקְרֵה" (cause to happen) implies that he seeks Hashem's subtle orchestration of events, rather than overt miracles.

Invoking the Merit of Avraham

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 59:9) highlights that Eliezer asks for kindness to be shown "to my master Avraham" rather than for himself. This demonstrates his humility and selflessness, as he prioritizes Avraham's needs over his own. Ramban adds that Eliezer understood that the success of his mission would be a fulfillment of Hashem's promises to Avraham.

Lessons in Prayer and Divine Providence

  • Praying in Another's Merit: Eliezer teaches that one can pray for success based on the merits of a righteous person, as seen in later Jewish tradition (e.g., invoking the merit of ancestors in prayer).
  • Trust in Hashem's Guidance: Eliezer's request for "good speed" reflects a belief in hashgachah pratit (Divine providence) even in mundane matters.
  • Selflessness in Service: His focus on Avraham's needs rather than his own exemplifies the ideal of serving others with complete dedication.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine providence and the merit of the patriarchs, illustrating how God's kindness to Abraham is invoked by his servant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 24:12?
A: The speaker is Eliezer, the servant of Avraham (Abraham). He was sent by Avraham to find a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac) from Avraham's family in Aram-Naharaim. This verse records his prayer for success in his mission.
Q: Why does Eliezer mention 'the God of my master Avraham' in his prayer?
A: Eliezer recognizes that Hashem (God) has a special relationship with Avraham, as seen through His promises and miracles. By invoking 'the God of my master Avraham,' Eliezer connects his request to the covenant between Hashem and Avraham, showing humility and acknowledging that his mission is an extension of Avraham's legacy (Rashi on Genesis 24:12).
Q: What does 'send me good speed this day' mean in Genesis 24:12?
A: Eliezer is asking Hashem for success in finding the right wife for Yitzchak. The phrase 'send me good speed' (הַקְרֵה־נָא לְפָנַי) implies a request for Divine guidance to arrange the proper circumstances. This teaches us the importance of praying for success in our endeavors and recognizing that everything comes from Hashem (Rambam, Hilchot Tefillah 1:2).
Q: Why does Eliezer ask for kindness to be shown to Avraham?
A: Eliezer understands that finding a suitable wife for Yitzchak is not just about completing a task—it is about fulfilling Hashem's promise to Avraham that his descendants will become a great nation (Genesis 12:2-3). By asking for kindness to be shown to Avraham, Eliezer emphasizes that this mission is part of a greater Divine plan (Midrash Bereishit Rabbah 59:10).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Eliezer's prayer in Genesis 24:12?
A: Eliezer's prayer teaches us to seek Hashem's help in all our endeavors, especially when acting on behalf of others. He demonstrates humility by acknowledging that success comes from Hashem and not his own efforts. This also highlights the importance of praying with sincerity and trust in Divine Providence (Talmud, Berachot 16b).