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Genesis 24:48 - Divine guidance in matchmaking

Genesis 24:48 - בראשית 24:48

Hebrew Text

וָאֶקֹּד וָאֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶה לַיהוָה וָאֲבָרֵךְ אֶת־יְהוָה אֱלֹהֵי אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם אֲשֶׁר הִנְחַנִי בְּדֶרֶךְ אֱמֶת לָקַחַת אֶת־בַּת־אֲחִי אֲדֹנִי לִבְנוֹ׃

English Translation

And I bowed down my head, and worshipped the Lord, and blessed the Lord God of my master Avraham, Who had led me in the right way to take my master’s brother’s daughter for his son.

Transliteration

Va'ekod va'eshtachaveh la'Adonai va'avarekh et-Adonai Elohei adoni Avraham asher hichani bederekh emet lakachat et-bat-achi adoni livno.

Hebrew Leining Text

וָאֶקֹּ֥ד וָֽאֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה וָאֲבָרֵ֗ךְ אֶת־יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִנְחַ֙נִי֙ בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ אֱמֶ֔ת לָקַ֛חַת אֶת־בַּת־אֲחִ֥י אֲדֹנִ֖י לִבְנֽוֹ׃
וָאֶקֹּ֥ד וָֽאֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶ֖ה לַיהֹוָ֑ה וָאֲבָרֵ֗ךְ אֶת־יְהֹוָה֙ אֱלֹהֵי֙ אֲדֹנִ֣י אַבְרָהָ֔ם אֲשֶׁ֤ר הִנְחַ֙נִי֙ בְּדֶ֣רֶךְ אֱמֶ֔ת לָקַ֛חַת אֶת־בַּת־אֲחִ֥י אֲדֹנִ֖י לִבְנֽוֹ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Bereshit 24:48) is part of the narrative where Eliezer, Avraham's servant, recounts his mission to find a wife for Yitzchak. After successfully identifying Rivka as the chosen bride, Eliezer expresses gratitude to Hashem for guiding him on his journey. The verse reflects his acknowledgment of divine providence in fulfilling Avraham's request.

Eliezer's Actions: Bowing and Blessing

  • וָאֶקֹּד וָאֶשְׁתַּחֲוֶה (I bowed down and worshipped): Rashi explains that Eliezer bowed in profound gratitude to Hashem for orchestrating events so precisely. The Talmud (Berachot 34b) teaches that bowing (hishtachavayah) is an expression of complete submission to the divine will.
  • וָאֲבָרֵךְ אֶת־יְהוָה (I blessed the Lord): The Rambam (Hilchot Berachot 1:3) notes that blessing Hashem is a mitzvah when witnessing His kindness. Eliezer's blessing was a spontaneous response to recognizing Hashem's hand in his mission.

Recognition of Divine Guidance

Eliezer attributes his success to "הִנְחַנִי בְּדֶרֶךְ אֱמֶת" (Who led me in the right way). The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:14) elaborates that "derech emet" refers to the path of righteousness, where Hashem ensures that the righteous are guided according to His will. The Sforno adds that this phrase emphasizes the ethical integrity of Eliezer's mission—avoiding coercion and ensuring Rivka's consent.

Connection to Avraham's Legacy

Eliezer specifically blesses "אֱלֹהֵי אֲדֹנִי אַבְרָהָם" (the God of my master Avraham), highlighting Avraham's influence. The Kli Yakar explains that Eliezer recognized that this miracle was a continuation of Hashem's covenant with Avraham, ensuring the continuity of his lineage through Yitzchak.

The Significance of Rivka's Selection

The phrase "לָקַחַת אֶת־בַּת־אֲחִי אֲדֹנִי לִבְנוֹ" (to take my master’s brother’s daughter for his son) underscores the familial bond. The Netziv (Ha'amek Davar) notes that this was not merely a practical match but a fulfillment of Avraham's desire to maintain spiritual continuity within his family, as Rivka embodied the middot (traits) of chesed, just as Avraham did.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does it mean that Eliezer 'bowed down and worshipped' Hashem in Genesis 24:48?
A: According to Rashi, Eliezer bowed down in gratitude to Hashem for guiding him successfully to find a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). This teaches us the importance of recognizing and thanking Hashem when our prayers are answered.
Q: Why did Eliezer bless 'the God of my master Avraham' specifically?
A: The Ramban explains that Eliezer acknowledged that Hashem's kindness was connected to Avraham's merit. This shows how the righteousness of our ancestors can bring divine blessings to future generations.
Q: What does 'led me in the right way' mean in this verse?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah) teaches that Hashem performed miracles for Eliezer, making his journey successful. 'The right way' refers to both the physical path and the moral path of finding the proper match for Yitzchak according to Avraham's values.
Q: Why is this verse important in the Torah's narrative?
A: This verse marks the successful completion of Avraham's mission to find a proper wife for Yitzchak from his family. The Talmud (Yevamot 61b) notes how this established the importance of maintaining Jewish lineage through proper matches.
Q: How can we apply the lesson of this verse today?
A: Like Eliezer, we should recognize Hashem's hand in our lives, especially when things work out well. The Sforno teaches that this verse models how to properly attribute our successes to divine assistance while maintaining humility.