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Genesis 24:30 - Jewelry reveals divine matchmaking?

Genesis 24:30 - בראשית 24:30

Hebrew Text

וַיְהִי כִּרְאֹת אֶת־הַנֶּזֶם וְאֶת־הַצְּמִדִים עַל־יְדֵי אֲחֹתוֹ וּכְשָׁמְעוֹ אֶת־דִּבְרֵי רִבְקָה אֲחֹתוֹ לֵאמֹר כֹּה־דִבֶּר אֵלַי הָאִישׁ וַיָּבֹא אֶל־הָאִישׁ וְהִנֵּה עֹמֵד עַל־הַגְּמַלִּים עַל־הָעָיִן׃

English Translation

And it came to pass, when he saw the earring and bracelets upon his sister’s hands, and when he heard the words of Rivqa his sister, saying, Thus spoke the man to me; that he came to the man; and, behold, he stood by the camels at the well.

Transliteration

Vayihi kir'ot et-hanezem ve'et-hatzmidim al-yedei achoto ucheshamo et-divrei Rivka achoto lemor ko-diber elai ha'ish vayavo el-ha'ish vehinei omed al-hagmalim al-ha'ayin.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיְהִ֣י <b>׀</b> כִּרְאֹ֣ת אֶת־הַנֶּ֗זֶם וְֽאֶת־הַצְּמִדִים֮ עַל־יְדֵ֣י אֲחֹתוֹ֒ וּכְשׇׁמְע֗וֹ אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֞י רִבְקָ֤ה אֲחֹתוֹ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כֹּֽה־דִבֶּ֥ר אֵלַ֖י הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיָּבֹא֙ אֶל־הָאִ֔ישׁ וְהִנֵּ֛ה עֹמֵ֥ד עַל־הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים עַל־הָעָֽיִן׃
וַיְהִ֣י ׀ כִּרְאֹ֣ת אֶת־הַנֶּ֗זֶם וְֽאֶת־הַצְּמִדִים֮ עַל־יְדֵ֣י אֲחֹתוֹ֒ וּכְשׇׁמְע֗וֹ אֶת־דִּבְרֵ֞י רִבְקָ֤ה אֲחֹתוֹ֙ לֵאמֹ֔ר כֹּֽה־דִבֶּ֥ר אֵלַ֖י הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיָּבֹא֙ אֶל־הָאִ֔ישׁ וְהִנֵּ֛ה עֹמֵ֥ד עַל־הַגְּמַלִּ֖ים עַל־הָעָֽיִן׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereishit 24:30) describes the moment when Lavan, Rivka's brother, sees the jewelry given to her by Eliezer, Avraham's servant, and hears her account of their encounter. This leads Lavan to approach Eliezer, who is waiting by the camels at the well. The verse highlights Lavan's reaction to the signs of wealth and divine providence surrounding Eliezer's mission.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that Lavan's attention was drawn to the jewelry because it was exceptionally valuable, indicating the wealth of Avraham's household. The phrase "כֹּה־דִבֶּר אֵלַי הָאִישׁ" ("Thus spoke the man to me") suggests that Rivka recounted Eliezer's words, including his mention of divine guidance in finding a wife for Yitzchak. Rashi notes that Lavan's haste in approaching Eliezer was motivated by greed, as he saw an opportunity for material gain.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:7) elaborates on Lavan's character, portraying him as someone who was quick to act when he perceived personal benefit. The jewelry symbolized not only wealth but also the fulfillment of Eliezer's prayer for divine assistance. The Midrash contrasts Lavan's selfishness with Rivka's righteousness, as she acted with sincerity and modesty.

Rambam's Perspective

Rambam (Moreh Nevuchim) discusses the broader theme of divine providence in this narrative. The verse underscores how Hashem's plan unfolds through human actions, as Eliezer's success in finding Rivka was guided by prayer and divine intervention. Lavan's reaction, though self-serving, inadvertently plays a role in fulfilling Avraham's wish for Yitzchak's marriage.

Symbolism of the Jewelry

  • The Earring (נֶזֶם): Symbolizes listening and obedience, as Rivka heeded Eliezer's request for water and extended kindness to his camels.
  • The Bracelets (צְמִדִים): Represent connection and commitment, foreshadowing the bond between Rivka and Yitzchak.

Lavan's Character

The Talmud (Sotah 13a) alludes to Lavan's later deceitful nature, as seen in his dealings with Yaakov. Here, his immediate focus on material wealth foreshadows his future actions. The verse subtly hints at his flawed character by emphasizing his reaction to the jewelry rather than the spiritual significance of Eliezer's mission.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of the earring and bracelets in Genesis 24:30?
A: According to Rashi, the earring (נֶזֶם) and bracelets (צְמִדִים) were signs of wealth and betrothal. They indicated that Eliezer, Avraham's servant, had successfully found a suitable wife for Yitzchak (Isaac) in Rivka (Rebecca). The jewelry also showed that Rivka came from a noble family, fulfilling Avraham's request for a wife from his own people.
Q: Why did Lavan go out to meet Eliezer in Genesis 24:30?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:7) explains that Lavan was greedy and rushed out when he saw the expensive jewelry on his sister Rivka. His intentions were not pure, as he was more interested in the wealth than in the spiritual mission of finding a wife for Yitzchak. This contrasts with Rivka's kindness and generosity earlier in the story.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: Rivka demonstrates modesty and honesty by truthfully recounting Eliezer's words to her family (כֹּה־דִבֶּר אֵלַי הָאִישׁ). The Talmud (Yevamot 47a) praises her righteousness, which made her a fitting matriarch for the Jewish people. Her behavior teaches the importance of integrity and clear communication in fulfilling G-d's will.
Q: Why does the Torah mention that Eliezer was standing by the camels at the well?
A: Rashi explains that this detail shows Eliezer's humility and patience. Despite being Avraham's trusted servant on an important mission, he waited respectfully by the camels rather than intruding on Lavan's household. This teaches the Jewish value of derech eretz (proper conduct) even when dealing with others who may not share the same noble intentions.