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Genesis 24:44 - Divine matchmaking through kindness

Genesis 24:44 - בראשית 24:44

Hebrew Text

וְאָמְרָה אֵלַי גַּם־אַתָּה שְׁתֵה וְגַם לִגְמַלֶּיךָ אֶשְׁאָב הִוא הָאִשָּׁה אֲשֶׁר־הֹכִיחַ יְהוָה לְבֶן־אֲדֹנִי׃

English Translation

and she say to me, Both drink thou, and I will also draw for thy camels: she shall be the woman whom the Lord has appointed for my master’s son.

Transliteration

Ve'amra elai gam-ata shete vegam ligmalecha eshav hi ha'isha asher-hochiach Adonai leven-adoni.

Hebrew Leining Text

וְאָמְרָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ גַּם־אַתָּ֣ה שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַ֥ם לִגְמַלֶּ֖יךָ אֶשְׁאָ֑ב הִ֣וא הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־הֹכִ֥יחַ יְהֹוָ֖ה לְבֶן־אֲדֹנִֽי׃
וְאָמְרָ֤ה אֵלַי֙ גַּם־אַתָּ֣ה שְׁתֵ֔ה וְגַ֥ם לִגְמַלֶּ֖יךָ אֶשְׁאָ֑ב הִ֣וא הָֽאִשָּׁ֔ה אֲשֶׁר־הֹכִ֥יחַ יְהֹוָ֖ה לְבֶן־אֲדֹנִֽי׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 24:44) is part of the narrative where Eliezer, the servant of Avraham Avinu, recounts his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. He describes the test he devised to identify the appropriate match—a woman who would offer water not only to him but also to his camels. Rivka fulfilled this sign, demonstrating her exceptional kindness (chesed), a trait essential for the future matriarch of the Jewish people.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi (Genesis 24:14) explains that Eliezer’s test was designed to identify a woman of exemplary character. Rivka’s willingness to draw water for the camels—a strenuous task—revealed her innate generosity and suitability for Yitzchak. Rashi further notes that the phrase "הִוא הָאִשָּׁה" ("she shall be the woman") indicates Divine Providence (hashgacha pratit), confirming Rivka as the destined wife for Yitzchak.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) elaborates that Rivka’s actions surpassed ordinary kindness. Drawing water for ten camels (Genesis 24:10) required immense effort, as camels drink large quantities after long journeys. Her initiative demonstrated not only physical strength but also a proactive spirit (zerizut), a quality praised in Jewish tradition.

  • Kindness as a Divine Sign: The Midrash teaches that Rivka’s response aligned with the values of Avraham’s household, where hospitality and chesed were central. Her actions confirmed she was Divinely chosen.
  • Camels as a Test: The inclusion of camels in the test was intentional, as caring for animals reflects a higher level of compassion (Talmud, Eruvin 18b).

Rambam’s Perspective

Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:2) derives from this episode that character traits (middos) are paramount in choosing a spouse. Rivka’s kindness was not merely a superficial act but a reflection of her inner righteousness, making her a fitting partner for Yitzchak, who embodied the trait of gevurah (strength in service of Hashem).

Chassidic Interpretation

The Seforno (Genesis 24:14) emphasizes that Rivka’s offer to water the camels without being asked highlighted her intuitive understanding of others' needs. This aligns with the Chassidic ideal of ahavas Yisrael (love for one’s fellow Jew), where true kindness anticipates and addresses unspoken needs.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is quoted in the Talmud.

📖 Chullin 95b
The verse is referenced in a discussion about the qualities of a righteous person, illustrating the kindness and hospitality shown by Rebecca, which is seen as exemplary behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Rivka offering water to Eliezer's camels in Genesis 24:44?
A: Rivka's act of offering water to Eliezer's camels demonstrated her exceptional kindness (chesed), which was a key sign that she was the right wife for Yitzchak. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) explains that this act showed she possessed the middah (character trait) of Avraham's household, as hospitality was central to their values.
Q: Why did Eliezer see Rivka's kindness as a sign from Hashem in this verse?
A: Eliezer had prayed for a specific sign (Genesis 24:14) - that the right woman would offer water to him and his camels without being asked. When Rivka did exactly this (and even more, drawing for all ten camels), he recognized it as clear divine guidance. Rashi notes that her going beyond basic courtesy showed her righteous nature.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's actions in Genesis 24:44?
A: The Talmud (Ta'anit 4a) derives from this episode that acts of kindness are even greater than charity, as Rivka gave water (which required effort) rather than just money. This teaches us the importance of going beyond the minimum in helping others - especially when representing Jewish values to others.
Q: Why does the verse say 'she shall be the woman' rather than just 'she is the woman'?
A: Rashi explains that Eliezer was speaking prophetically here - he wasn't just observing her kindness, but declaring with certainty that she was destined to be part of Avraham's family. The future tense ('shall be') emphasizes that this encounter was divinely orchestrated from the beginning.
Q: How does Rivka drawing water connect to Jewish marriage traditions today?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer) cites this story as part of the halachic basis for examining a potential spouse's character traits. Just as Eliezer looked for kindness, so too we prioritize middot (ethical qualities) in shidduchim (marriage matches), seeing them as signs of divine providence in finding one's bashert (destined partner).