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Genesis 24:22 - Divine matchmaking through golden gifts

Genesis 24:22 - בראשית 24:22

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כַּאֲשֶׁר כִּלּוּ הַגְּמַלִּים לִשְׁתּוֹת וַיִּקַּח הָאִישׁ נֶזֶם זָהָב בֶּקַע מִשְׁקָלוֹ וּשְׁנֵי צְמִידִים עַל־יָדֶיהָ עֲשָׂרָה זָהָב מִשְׁקָלָם׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, as the camels had done drinking, that the man took a golden earring of half a shekel weight, and two bracelets for her hands of ten shekels weight of gold;

Transliteration

Vayehi ka'asher kilu hag'malim lishtot vayikach ha'ish nezem zahav beka mishkalo ushnei tz'midim al-yadeha asarah zahav mishkalam.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר כִּלּ֤וּ הַגְּמַלִּים֙ לִשְׁתּ֔וֹת וַיִּקַּ֤ח הָאִישׁ֙ נֶ֣זֶם זָהָ֔ב בֶּ֖קַע מִשְׁקָל֑וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֤י צְמִידִים֙ עַל־יָדֶ֔יהָ עֲשָׂרָ֥ה זָהָ֖ב מִשְׁקָלָֽם׃
וַיְהִ֗י כַּאֲשֶׁ֨ר כִּלּ֤וּ הַגְּמַלִּים֙ לִשְׁתּ֔וֹת וַיִּקַּ֤ח הָאִישׁ֙ נֶ֣זֶם זָהָ֔ב בֶּ֖קַע מִשְׁקָל֑וֹ וּשְׁנֵ֤י צְמִידִים֙ עַל־יָדֶ֔יהָ עֲשָׂרָ֥ה זָהָ֖ב מִשְׁקָלָֽם׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:22) describes the moment when Eliezer, Avraham's servant, presents gifts to Rivka after she demonstrates kindness by drawing water for him and his camels. The act of giving these gifts signifies Eliezer's recognition that Rivka is the destined wife for Yitzchak, as per Avraham's instructions.

Explanation of the Gifts

  • Nezem Zahav (Golden Earring): Rashi explains that this earring weighed a beka (half a shekel), alluding to the future half-shekel donation given by Bnei Yisrael for the Mishkan (Shemot 38:26). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:6) connects this to the mitzvah of machatzit hashekel, symbolizing that Rivka's descendants would fulfill this commandment.
  • Two Bracelets: The two bracelets, weighing ten shekels, correspond to the two Luchot (Tablets of the Covenant) and the Ten Commandments (Midrash Tanchuma, Chayei Sarah 4). This hints at Rivka's future role as a matriarch of Klal Yisrael, who would uphold the Torah.

Symbolism of the Weights

The Ramban (Nachmanides) notes that the weights—half a shekel and ten shekels—are precise and meaningful. The beka represents unity (half of a whole), suggesting Rivka's role in completing Yitzchak's mission. The ten shekels of the bracelets signify the completeness of the Divine commandments, as seen in the Aseret Hadibrot.

Eliezer's Intentions

According to the Malbim, Eliezer chose these specific gifts to test Rivka's character. Gold symbolizes enduring value, and the weights reflect spiritual ideals. By accepting them, Rivka demonstrated her suitability to join Avraham's household, which valued both material generosity and spiritual depth.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the weight of the golden earring and bracelets given to Rebecca, as part of a broader discussion on weights and measures in Jewish law.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Eliezer give Rivka jewelry in Genesis 24:22?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 24:22), Eliezer gave Rivka these gifts as a sign that she was the destined wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). The jewelry symbolized beauty and worthiness, showing that she had passed the test of kindness by offering water to him and his camels.
Q: What is the significance of the weights mentioned in Genesis 24:22?
A: The Torah specifies the weights (half-shekel for the nose-ring and ten shekels for the bracelets) to show the preciousness of these gifts. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:6) connects these weights to future Jewish contributions - the half-shekel alludes to the Mishkan donations, and the ten shekels hint at the Ten Commandments.
Q: How does Genesis 24:22 relate to Jewish marriage customs?
A: This verse establishes an early precedent for the Jewish marriage process. The Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 3:1) explains that giving valuables (kinyan) is one valid way to create an engagement, just as Eliezer's gifts to Rivka began the process that would lead to her marriage to Yitzchak.