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Genesis 24:19 - Kindness beyond obligation

Genesis 24:19 - בראשית 24:19

Hebrew Text

וַתְּכַל לְהַשְׁקֹתוֹ וַתֹּאמֶר גַּם לִגְמַלֶּיךָ אֶשְׁאָב עַד אִם־כִּלּוּ לִשְׁתֹּת׃

English Translation

And when she had done giving him drink, she said, I will draw water for thy camels also, until they have done drinking.

Transliteration

Vatkal l'hashkoto vatomer gam ligmalekha eshav ad im kilu lishtot.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתְּכַ֖ל לְהַשְׁקֹת֑וֹ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר גַּ֤ם לִגְמַלֶּ֙יךָ֙ אֶשְׁאָ֔ב עַ֥ד אִם־כִּלּ֖וּ לִשְׁתֹּֽת׃
וַתְּכַ֖ל לְהַשְׁקֹת֑וֹ וַתֹּ֗אמֶר גַּ֤ם לִגְמַלֶּ֙יךָ֙ אֶשְׁאָ֔ב עַ֥ד אִם־כִּלּ֖וּ לִשְׁתֹּֽת׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rashi's Explanation

Rashi (Bereshit 24:19) highlights Rivka's exceptional kindness (chesed) by noting that she offered to water the camels without being asked. This demonstrates her innate generosity, as she proactively extended her assistance beyond the immediate request. Rashi further emphasizes that she drew water "until they had done drinking," indicating her thoroughness in performing this act of kindness.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:5) elaborates on Rivka's character, stating that her willingness to water the camels—a strenuous task—revealed her suitability to become a matriarch of the Jewish people. The Midrash compares her act to Avraham Avinu's hospitality, showing that she embodied the same traits of chesed that defined Avraham's household.

Rambam's Ethical Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos De'os 1:6-7) teaches that one should cultivate positive character traits by consistently performing acts of kindness. Rivka's behavior exemplifies this principle, as she did not merely fulfill the request but went beyond it, displaying an exemplary model of gemilus chasadim (bestowing kindness).

Talmudic Analysis

  • The Talmud (Ta'anis 4a) notes that Rivka's act was a sign of divine providence (hashgacha pratis), as it confirmed she was the destined wife for Yitzchak.
  • Additionally, the Talmud (Sotah 12b) draws parallels between Rivka's kindness and the midwives in Egypt, showing that righteous women are often distinguished by their compassion.

Chassidic Interpretation

The Baal Shem Tov teaches that Rivka's act symbolizes the importance of serving Hashem with ratzon (willingness). Just as she did not hesitate to assist Eliezer and his camels, so too should a Jew serve Hashem with enthusiasm and without delay.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the proper way to perform acts of kindness, illustrating Rebecca's exemplary behavior towards Eliezer and his camels.
📖 Megillah 14a
The verse is mentioned in the context of discussing the qualities of righteous women, with Rebecca's actions serving as a model of hospitality and kindness.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:19 teach us about kindness?
A: Genesis 24:19 shows Rivka's (Rebecca's) extraordinary kindness by not only giving water to Eliezer but also offering to draw water for all his camels. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) highlights that this act demonstrated her natural compassion, making her suitable to be a matriarch of the Jewish people. The Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 1:5) teaches that we should emulate such acts of going beyond the minimum in kindness.
Q: Why did Rivka offer to water the camels in Genesis 24:19?
A: Rashi explains that Rivka's offer to water the camels showed her exceptional character. While giving water to a traveler was common, voluntarily watering ten thirsty camels (which drink large amounts) demonstrated extraordinary generosity. The Talmud (Ta'anit 4a) notes this was a sign of her righteousness and why she was chosen as Yitzchak's (Isaac's) wife.
Q: How does Genesis 24:19 relate to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches the Jewish value of 'chesed' (loving-kindness) in action. As the Shulchan Aruch (Yoreh De'ah 247:1) states, giving to others is fundamental in Judaism. Rivka's example shows we should perform kindness willingly and go beyond what's asked. The Chofetz Chaim taught that such acts build our character and bring Divine blessings.
Q: What is the significance of Rivka drawing water in Genesis 24:19?
A: The Kli Yakar explains that drawing water symbolizes sustaining life. Rivka's action represented her future role in sustaining the Jewish people through her descendants. The Netziv adds that her initiative ('I will draw') showed leadership qualities essential for the matriarch of our nation. Watering camels also alludes to her nourishing future converts (symbolized by camels who came from Avraham's travels).
Q: How many times did Rivka have to draw water for the camels in Genesis 24:19?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) calculates that Rivka made approximately 40 trips to the well (since each camel drinks about 4 buckets, and there were 10 camels). This immense effort, done without complaint, demonstrated her tremendous perseverance in doing kindness - a trait the Talmud (Sukkah 49b) says is greater than charity.