Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What does Genesis 24:21 mean when it says 'the man wondering at her held his peace'?
A: This verse describes Eliezer, Avraham's servant, observing Rivkah's kindness at the well. According to Rashi, he remained silent ('held his peace') to carefully assess whether she was the right match for Yitzchak, as he had prayed for specific signs (Genesis 24:14). The Torah teaches us the importance of thoughtful observation before making important decisions.
Q: Why was Eliezer silent in Genesis 24:21?
A: The Midrash explains that Eliezer remained silent to see if Hashem had truly answered his prayer for success in finding a wife for Yitzchak. As Rambam teaches (Hilchos Dei'os 5:7), silence is often wise when evaluating a situation. Eliezer wanted to confirm that Rivkah's actions matched the signs he had requested from Hashem.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 24:21 about how to make decisions?
A: This verse teaches us the Jewish approach to major decisions: 1) Pray to Hashem for guidance (as Eliezer did in 24:12-14), 2) Observe carefully without rushing to conclusions, and 3) Look for clear signs of Divine Providence. The Talmud (Chullin 95b) derives from this that we should seek clear signs when making important choices, just as Eliezer did.
Q: How does Genesis 24:21 show Hashem's involvement in our lives?
A: The verse shows Hashgacha Pratit (Divine Providence) in action. As the Sforno explains, Eliezer remained silent to see if Hashem was truly directing events. This teaches that Hashem guides our paths when we sincerely seek His will. The Talmud (Moed Katan 18b) states that 'everything is in the hands of Heaven except the fear of Heaven' - meaning Hashem arranges circumstances, but we must choose wisely.
Q: What does 'to know whether the Lord had made his journey prosperous' mean in practical terms?
A: According to traditional Jewish interpretation, this phrase means Eliezer was looking for clear confirmation that his mission was blessed by Hashem. The Kli Yakar explains that true success ('hatzlacha') comes from Hashem when our actions align with His will. This mirrors Proverbs 3:6 - 'In all your ways know Him, and He will make your paths straight.'
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 24:21) describes Eliezer, Avraham's servant, observing Rivkah's actions at the well and silently waiting to discern whether Hashem had granted success to his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. The phrase "וְהָאִישׁ מִשְׁתָּאֵה לָהּ" ("And the man wondering at her") captures Eliezer's astonishment at Rivkah's exceptional kindness and suitability as a potential match for Yitzchak.
Eliezer's Silence and Divine Providence
Rashi explains that Eliezer "held his peace" (מַחֲרִישׁ) to avoid prematurely concluding that Rivkah was the destined wife for Yitzchak. He wanted to ensure that her actions aligned entirely with the sign he had requested from Hashem (Bereshit 24:14). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:8) emphasizes that Eliezer's restraint demonstrated his wisdom and trust in divine guidance, as he sought clear confirmation that Hashem had indeed "made his journey prosperous."
The Significance of "מִשְׁתָּאֵה" (Wondering)
Ramban notes that the term "מִשְׁתָּאֵה" implies more than mere surprise; it reflects Eliezer's deep contemplation of Rivkah's character. The Malbim adds that Eliezer was struck by how precisely Rivkah's actions fulfilled his prayer—not only offering him water but also drawing for his camels without being asked, a sign of extraordinary generosity (Bereshit 24:19-20).
Lessons in Discernment and Patience