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Genesis 24:45 - Divine matchmaking at well

Genesis 24:45 - בראשית 24:45

Hebrew Text

אֲנִי טֶרֶם אֲכַלֶּה לְדַבֵּר אֶל־לִבִּי וְהִנֵּה רִבְקָה יֹצֵאת וְכַדָּהּ עַל־שִׁכְמָהּ וַתֵּרֶד הָעַיְנָה וַתִּשְׁאָב וָאֹמַר אֵלֶיהָ הַשְׁקִינִי נָא׃

English Translation

And before I had done speaking in my heart, behold, Rivqa came out with her pitcher on her shoulder; and she went down to the well, and drew water: and I said to her, Let me drink, I pray thee.

Transliteration

Ani terem akaleh ledaber el-libi vehineh Rivkah yotzet vechadah al-shichmah vayered ha'aynah vatish'av vaomar eleha hashkini na.

Hebrew Leining Text

אֲנִי֩ טֶ֨רֶם אֲכַלֶּ֜ה לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל־לִבִּ֗י וְהִנֵּ֨ה רִבְקָ֤ה יֹצֵאת֙ וְכַדָּ֣הּ עַל־שִׁכְמָ֔הּ וַתֵּ֥רֶד הָעַ֖יְנָה וַתִּשְׁאָ֑ב וָאֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יהָ הַשְׁקִ֥ינִי נָֽא׃
אֲנִי֩ טֶ֨רֶם אֲכַלֶּ֜ה לְדַבֵּ֣ר אֶל־לִבִּ֗י וְהִנֵּ֨ה רִבְקָ֤ה יֹצֵאת֙ וְכַדָּ֣הּ עַל־שִׁכְמָ֔הּ וַתֵּ֥רֶד הָעַ֖יְנָה וַתִּשְׁאָ֑ב וָאֹמַ֥ר אֵלֶ֖יהָ הַשְׁקִ֥ינִי נָֽא׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:45) is part of the narrative where Eliezer, Avraham's servant, recounts his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. He describes how Rivka (Rivqa) appeared at the well, demonstrating kindness by offering water to him and his camels—a sign that she was the destined match for Yitzchak.

Eliezer's Silent Prayer

The phrase "טֶרֶם אֲכַלֶּה לְדַבֵּר אֶל־לִבִּי" ("before I had done speaking in my heart") refers to Eliezer's silent prayer to Hashem for success in his mission (Rashi, Bereshit 24:45). The Talmud (Berachot 34b) teaches that prayer from the heart is especially potent, and Eliezer's prayer was answered immediately—even before he finished.

Rivka's Appearance and Character

The verse emphasizes Rivka's prompt appearance ("וְהִנֵּה רִבְקָה יֹצֵאת") as a direct response to Eliezer's prayer. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:5) highlights that Rivka's actions—carrying a pitcher ("וְכַדָּהּ עַל־שִׁכְמָהּ") and drawing water—demonstrated her exemplary middot (character traits) of chessed (kindness) and diligence, key qualities for the matriarch of the Jewish people.

Symbolism of the Well

The well ("הָעַיְנָה") is a recurring motif in Torah narratives involving future matriarchs (e.g., Rachel and Tziporah). The Ramban (Bereshit 24:45) notes that wells symbolize divine providence and blessing, as water sustains life. Rivka's act of drawing water signifies her role in nurturing the future of Bnei Yisrael.

Eliezer's Request

When Eliezer says "הַשְׁקִינִי נָא" ("Let me drink, I pray thee"), he is testing Rivka's kindness (Rashi). The Midrash (Tanchuma, Chayei Sarah 4) explains that her willingness to serve a stranger—and even his camels—confirmed her suitability as Yitzchak's wife, fulfilling Avraham's condition that she be from a family of chessed.

Lessons from the Verse

  • Divine Providence: Hashem orchestrates events in response to sincere prayer (Malbim).
  • Character Over Appearance: Rivka's actions, not her looks, revealed her greatness (Sforno).
  • Immediate Action: Righteous individuals like Rivka act swiftly to perform kindness (Midrash Aggadah).

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the significance of Rivka (Rebecca) coming to the well in Genesis 24:45?
A: According to Rashi and the Midrash, Rivka's appearance at the well demonstrated her kindness and suitability to become the wife of Yitzchak (Isaac). Her act of drawing water for Eliezer and his camels showed her chessed (loving-kindness), a key trait for building the Jewish nation.
Q: Why does the verse mention that Eliezer was still 'speaking in his heart' when Rivka appeared?
A: The Talmud (Berachos 7a) explains that this shows Hashem answered Eliezer's prayer even before he finished his silent request. This teaches about Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit) and how Hashem orchestrates events to fulfill His plans, especially in finding the right match for Yitzchak.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka carrying her pitcher on her shoulder?
A: The Midrash (Bereishis Rabbah 60:5) notes that Rivka carried the heavy pitcher herself rather than making others serve her. This teaches humility and willingness to do physical work, important traits for building a Jewish home. The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 15:2) derives from this that character traits are more important than beauty when choosing a spouse.
Q: Why is this story about Eliezer finding Rivka given in such detail in the Torah?
A: The Ramban explains that these details show how carefully Hashem arranges matches (shidduchim) and guides events. The Sforno adds that it establishes Rivka's righteousness before she enters Avraham's family. This story becomes the model for Jewish marriage - built on kindness and Divine guidance.
Q: How does Rivka's act of drawing water apply to us today?
A: The Chofetz Chaim teaches that we learn from Rivka to actively look for opportunities to help others, even with simple acts like offering water. Just as Rivka's kindness shaped Jewish history, our small acts of chessed can have far-reaching impacts in building families and communities according to Torah values.