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Genesis 24:18 - Kindness defines Rivka's character

Genesis 24:18 - בראשית 24:18

Hebrew Text

וַתֹּאמֶר שְׁתֵה אֲדֹנִי וַתְּמַהֵר וַתֹּרֶד כַּדָּהּ עַל־יָדָהּ וַתַּשְׁקֵהוּ׃

English Translation

And she said, Drink, my lord: and she hastened, and let down her pitcher upon her hand, and gave him drink.

Transliteration

Vatomer shti adoni vatmaher vatorid kadah al-yadah vatashkehu

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתֹּ֖אמֶר שְׁתֵ֣ה אֲדֹנִ֑י וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתֹּ֧רֶד כַּדָּ֛הּ עַל־יָדָ֖הּ וַתַּשְׁקֵֽהוּ׃
וַתֹּ֖אמֶר שְׁתֵ֣ה אֲדֹנִ֑י וַתְּמַהֵ֗ר וַתֹּ֧רֶד כַּדָּ֛הּ עַל־יָדָ֖הּ וַתַּשְׁקֵֽהוּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 24:18) describes Rivka (Rebecca) offering water to Eliezer, Avraham's servant, at the well. This act of kindness is part of the narrative leading to her marriage to Yitzchak (Isaac). The verse highlights her exceptional middos (character traits), particularly chesed (lovingkindness), which is central to the story.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Genesis 24:18) emphasizes Rivka's haste in performing this act of kindness, noting that the phrase "וַתְּמַהֵר" ("and she hastened") demonstrates her eagerness to fulfill the mitzvah of hachnasas orchim (hospitality). He explains that she lowered the pitcher "עַל־יָדָהּ" ("upon her hand") to make it easier for Eliezer to drink, showing her thoughtfulness and consideration for his comfort.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 60:5) elaborates on Rivka's actions, comparing her kindness to that of Avraham, who also excelled in hospitality. The Midrash notes that her willingness to draw water not only for Eliezer but also for his camels (as described in subsequent verses) was a sign of her suitability to join Avraham's household, which was known for its chesed.

Rambam's Perspective

While Rambam (Maimonides) does not comment directly on this verse, his teachings in Hilchos De'os (Laws of Ethical Conduct) underscore the importance of acting with alacrity in performing kindness, as Rivka does here. He writes that one should strive to emulate the ways of the righteous, who are quick to do good deeds (Hilchos De'os 1:5-6).

Symbolism and Deeper Meaning

  • Hastening to Perform Mitzvos: Rivka's swift action teaches the value of zerizus (alacrity) in fulfilling mitzvos, a principle emphasized in Pirkei Avos (1:15).
  • Modesty and Respect: The phrase "וַתֹּרֶד כַּדָּהּ עַל־יָדָהּ" suggests she acted with modesty, avoiding direct contact while serving him, a lesson in maintaining proper boundaries even when performing kindness.
  • Continuity of Avraham's Legacy: Rivka's actions confirm she is the rightful successor to Avraham's legacy of chesed, ensuring the spiritual continuity of the Jewish people.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the actions of Rebecca and the significance of her hospitality towards Abraham's servant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Rivka (Rebecca) giving water to Eliezer in Genesis 24:18?
A: Rivka's act of kindness in giving water to Eliezer (Avraham's servant) demonstrated her outstanding character, which was a sign that she was the right wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) explains that her kindness was a fulfillment of divine providence, showing that she was destined for greatness.
Q: Why did Rivka hurry to give Eliezer water in Genesis 24:18?
A: Rivka hurried because she wanted to perform the mitzvah (commandment) of hospitality (hakhnasat orchim) with enthusiasm. Rashi (on Genesis 24:18) notes that her quick action reflected her eagerness to do kindness, a trait that made her fitting to become a matriarch of the Jewish people.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's actions in Genesis 24:18?
A: We learn the importance of performing acts of kindness with sincerity and urgency. The Talmud (Sotah 10b) praises Rivka’s actions as a model of chesed (loving-kindness), teaching us that helping others should be done with a willing heart and without delay.
Q: How does Rivka’s hospitality apply to us today?
A: Rivka’s example reminds us of the mitzvah of welcoming guests and helping those in need. The Rambam (Hilchot Avel 14:1) emphasizes that kindness is a foundational Jewish value, and Rivka’s actions inspire us to perform chesed in our daily lives, whether through hospitality or other acts of generosity.