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Genesis 24:13 - Divine matchmaking at well

Genesis 24:13 - בראשית 24:13

Hebrew Text

הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי נִצָּב עַל־עֵין הַמָּיִם וּבְנוֹת אַנְשֵׁי הָעִיר יֹצְאֹת לִשְׁאֹב מָיִם׃

English Translation

Behold, I stand here by the well of water; and the daughters of the men of the city come out to draw water:

Transliteration

Hineh anochi nitzav al-ein hamayim uv'not anshei ha'ir yotz'ot lish'ov mayim.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל־עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם וּבְנוֹת֙ אַנְשֵׁ֣י הָעִ֔יר יֹצְאֹ֖ת לִשְׁאֹ֥ב מָֽיִם׃
הִנֵּ֛ה אָנֹכִ֥י נִצָּ֖ב עַל־עֵ֣ין הַמָּ֑יִם וּבְנוֹת֙ אַנְשֵׁ֣י הָעִ֔יר יֹצְאֹ֖ת לִשְׁאֹ֥ב מָֽיִם׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context in the Torah

This verse (Genesis 24:43) is part of the narrative where Eliezer, Avraham's servant, recounts his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. He describes standing by the well, awaiting divine guidance to identify the suitable match for Yitzchak. The setting by the well is significant, as it mirrors earlier biblical encounters (e.g., Yaakov and Rachel, Moshe and Tzipporah) where wells serve as meeting places for future spouses.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Genesis 24:43) notes that Eliezer's phrasing—"הִנֵּה אָנֹכִי נִצָּב"—emphasizes his readiness and steadfastness in fulfilling Avraham's mission. The term "נִצָּב" (standing) implies a posture of prayer and anticipation, as Eliezer had previously prayed for success (Genesis 24:12). Rashi also highlights that the "daughters of the men of the city" coming to draw water reflects Divine Providence, as this was the moment Rivka would appear.

Symbolism of the Well

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) connects wells to Torah and spiritual sustenance, drawing a parallel between water as a life-giving force and Torah as the spiritual nourishment for the Jewish people. Eliezer's positioning by the well thus symbolizes his search for a woman of spiritual depth to join the household of Avraham and Yitzchak.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:2) derives from this narrative the importance of character assessment in marriage. Eliezer's test for Rivka—her kindness in offering water to him and his camels—demonstrates that true suitability is measured by middos (ethical traits) rather than superficial qualities. The well, as a public gathering place, allowed Eliezer to observe Rivka's natural behavior.

Halachic Insights

  • The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 2) references this episode as a model for shidduchim (marriage arrangements), emphasizing the need for diligence and divine guidance in selecting a spouse.
  • Maharal (Gur Aryeh, Genesis 24:43) notes that Eliezer's passive stance ("standing") contrasts with Rivka's active kindness, teaching that divine assistance follows human effort in righteous pursuits.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the laws of ritual purity and the significance of drawing water from a well.
📖 Bava Metzia 87a
The verse is cited in the context of discussing the customs and practices related to drawing water, particularly in relation to the story of Eliezer and Rebecca.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Eliezer standing by the well in Genesis 24:13?
A: According to Rashi, Eliezer (Abraham's servant) stood by the well because he was looking for a sign from Hashem to identify the right wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). Wells were gathering places where character traits could be observed, as seen in other biblical meetings (like Moshe at the well in Midian).
Q: Why does the verse mention 'the daughters of the men of the city' coming to draw water?
A: The Talmud (Taanit 10b) explains that drawing water was typically done by young women of marriageable age. Eliezer specifically waited to see how Rivka (Rebecca) and others would act—testing their kindness and hospitality, which were essential traits for Yitzchak's future wife.
Q: How does this verse teach us about divine providence (hashgacha pratis)?
A: The Rambam teaches that Eliezer's prayer at the well (later in the passage) demonstrates how Hashem guides events when a person acts with pure intentions. The well symbolizes a place where divine meetings happen, showing that everyday locations can be settings for heavenly plans to unfold.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Eliezer's actions in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 59:11) highlights that Eliezer didn't rely on appearances alone but sought to observe character. This teaches us the importance of judging people by their actions (like Rivka's kindness in offering water to others) rather than superficial qualities.
Q: Why is water used as a symbol in this story?
A: Water in Torah often represents Torah itself (Talmud, Bava Kama 82a) or kindness, as it sustains life. Here, the well foreshadows Rivka's generous nature—just as water flows outward, she proactively helps others, showing she was worthy to join Abraham's family.