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Genesis 24:27 - Divine guidance rewards faithfulness.

Genesis 24:27 - בראשית 24:27

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר בָּרוּךְ יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם אֲשֶׁר לֹא־עָזַב חַסְדּוֹ וַאֲמִתּוֹ מֵעִם אֲדֹנִי אָנֹכִי בַּדֶּרֶךְ נָחַנִי יְהוָה בֵּית אֲחֵי אֲדֹנִי׃

English Translation

And he said, Blessed be the Lord God of my master Avraham, Who has not left my master destitute of His love and His truth: as for me, the Lord has guided me in the way to the house of my master’s brethren.

Transliteration

Va'yomer baruch Adonai Elohei adoni Avraham asher lo azav chasdo ve'emito me'im adoni, anochi baderech nachani Adonai beit achei adoni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֗אמֶר בָּר֤וּךְ יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲ֠שֶׁ֠ר לֹֽא־עָזַ֥ב חַסְדּ֛וֹ וַאֲמִתּ֖וֹ מֵעִ֣ם אֲדֹנִ֑י אָנֹכִ֗י בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ נָחַ֣נִי יְהֹוָ֔ה בֵּ֖ית אֲחֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי׃
וַיֹּ֗אמֶר בָּר֤וּךְ יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲ֠שֶׁ֠ר לֹֽא־עָזַ֥ב חַסְדּ֛וֹ וַאֲמִתּ֖וֹ מֵעִ֣ם אֲדֹנִ֑י אָנֹכִ֗י בַּדֶּ֙רֶךְ֙ נָחַ֣נִי יְהֹוָ֔ה בֵּ֖ית אֲחֵ֥י אֲדֹנִֽי׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:27) is part of the narrative in which Eliezer, Avraham’s servant, expresses gratitude to Hashem for guiding him successfully to find a wife for Yitzchak from Avraham’s family. The verse reflects Eliezer’s recognition of Divine Providence (hashgacha pratit) in orchestrating events according to Avraham’s wishes.

Blessing Hashem for Chesed and Emet

Eliezer praises Hashem as "אֱלֹהֵי אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם" ("the God of my master Avraham"), acknowledging that Hashem did not abandon His chesed (kindness) and emet (truth) toward Avraham. Rashi explains that chesed refers to the kindness Avraham performed for others, while emet signifies the fulfillment of Hashem’s promise to Avraham (Bereshit 12:2). The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 59:8) emphasizes that Hashem’s kindness is enduring and extends to Avraham’s descendants.

Divine Guidance in Eliezer’s Journey

Eliezer states, "אָנֹכִי בַּדֶּרֶךְ נָחַנִי יְהוָה" ("as for me, the Lord has guided me in the way"). The Ramban notes that Eliezer attributes his success entirely to Hashem’s guidance, recognizing that his own efforts would have been insufficient without Divine intervention. The Talmud (Chullin 95b) derives from this verse that one should always acknowledge Hashem’s role in personal success.

Significance of "Beit Achai Adoni"

Eliezer refers to Rivkah’s family as "בֵּית אֲחֵי אֲדֹנִי" ("the house of my master’s brethren"). The Malbim explains that this phrasing underscores the importance of maintaining familial and spiritual continuity, as Avraham had instructed Eliezer to seek a wife from his own kin (Bereshit 24:4). The Sforno adds that this ensured Yitzchak’s wife would uphold the values of Avraham’s household.

Key Lessons from the Verse

  • Gratitude to Hashem: Eliezer models the proper response to Divine assistance by immediately blessing Hashem.
  • Chesed and Emet: The verse highlights that Hashem’s kindness and truth are everlasting, particularly toward those who uphold His ways.
  • Hashgacha Pratit: Even in seemingly ordinary events (like finding a wife), Hashem’s guidance is evident.
  • Continuity of Values: Choosing a spouse from Avraham’s family ensured the perpetuation of monotheistic ideals.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about divine providence and guidance, illustrating how God's kindness and truth are manifested in human affairs.
📖 Berakhot 60b
The verse is cited in the context of blessings and gratitude, emphasizing the recognition of God's continuous kindness and truth in one's life.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is speaking in Genesis 24:27?
A: The speaker is Eliezer, the servant of Avraham (Abraham). He was sent by Avraham to find a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac) from Avraham's family in Charan. This verse records Eliezer's prayer of gratitude after successfully finding Rivka (Rebecca).
Q: What does 'not left my master destitute of His love and His truth' mean?
A: According to Rashi, this means that Hashem (God) did not abandon Avraham by withholding His kindness ('chesed') and keeping His promise ('emet'). The 'love' refers to God's kindness in helping Eliezer succeed in his mission, and 'truth' refers to God fulfilling His promise to Avraham to care for his family.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah?
A: This verse highlights divine providence ('hashgacha pratit')—how Hashem guides events to fulfill His promises. The Rambam teaches that recognizing God's hand in our lives, as Eliezer does here, is fundamental to Jewish faith. It also sets the stage for the marriage of Yitzchak and Rivka, which continues the covenant.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Eliezer's words in this verse?
A: The Midrash teaches that Eliezer models gratitude and recognition of God's help. When we see success in our lives, we should acknowledge Hashem's role, just as Eliezer blesses God for guiding him. This attitude is central to Jewish thought, as seen in daily prayers thanking Hashem for His kindness.
Q: How does this verse apply to our lives today?
A: Like Eliezer, we should recognize and verbalize gratitude when we experience God's guidance. The Talmud (Berachot 54a) teaches that one must recite a blessing for miracles experienced personally. This verse reminds us to see God's hand in our 'daily miracles' and respond with praise.