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Genesis 24:51 - Divine match confirmed, proceed now

Genesis 24:51 - בראשית 24:51

Hebrew Text

הִנֵּה־רִבְקָה לְפָנֶיךָ קַח וָלֵךְ וּתְהִי אִשָּׁה לְבֶן־אֲדֹנֶיךָ כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה׃

English Translation

Behold, Rivqa is before thee, take her, and go, and let her be thy master’s son’s wife, as the Lord has spoken.

Transliteration

Hine-Rivka lefanecha, kach valech utehi isha leven-adoneicha ka'asher diber Adonai.

Hebrew Leining Text

הִנֵּֽה־רִבְקָ֥ה לְפָנֶ֖יךָ קַ֣ח וָלֵ֑ךְ וּתְהִ֤י אִשָּׁה֙ לְבֶן־אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָֽה׃
הִנֵּֽה־רִבְקָ֥ה לְפָנֶ֖יךָ קַ֣ח וָלֵ֑ךְ וּתְהִ֤י אִשָּׁה֙ לְבֶן־אֲדֹנֶ֔יךָ כַּאֲשֶׁ֖ר דִּבֶּ֥ר יְהֹוָֽה׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Bereshit 24:51) appears in the narrative of Eliezer, Avraham’s servant, who was sent to find a wife for Yitzchak. After witnessing Rivqa’s kindness and confirming through divine signs that she was the chosen one, Eliezer meets her family. This statement is made by her brother Lavan and her father Besuel, acknowledging Hashem’s hand in the matter.

Key Themes and Interpretation

  • Divine Providence (Hashgacha Pratit): The phrase "כַּאֲשֶׁר דִּבֶּר יְהוָה" ("as the Lord has spoken") underscores that Rivqa’s selection was orchestrated by Hashem. Rashi explains that this refers to the angel who accompanied Eliezer, ensuring the success of his mission (Rashi on Bereshit 24:7).
  • Consent and Free Will: Despite recognizing Divine intervention, the family presents Rivqa to Eliezer with the words "הִנֵּה־רִבְקָה לְפָנֶיךָ" ("Behold, Rivqa is before thee"), implying her willingness to go. The Midrash (Bereshit Rabbah 60:12) highlights that Rivqa was consulted and agreed, emphasizing the importance of mutual consent in marriage.

Grammatical and Linguistic Insights

The term "לְבֶן־אֲדֹנֶיךָ" ("thy master’s son") is notable. Ramban observes that Lavan and Besuel refer to Yitzchak this way to subtly assert their own honor—acknowledging Avraham’s greatness while diplomatically avoiding direct subservience (Ramban on Bereshit 24:51).

Moral and Halachic Implications

  • Kiddushin (Marriage): The verse reflects the halachic principle that a woman’s consent is paramount in marriage. The Gemara (Kiddushin 2b) derives from this episode that betrothal requires the woman’s agreement.
  • Trust in Hashem: The narrative reinforces the idea that those who act with sincerity and faith, like Eliezer, merit visible Divine assistance—a theme echoed in Mishlei (3:6), "In all your ways acknowledge Him, and He will direct your paths."

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:51 mean?
A: In Genesis 24:51, Rivka's (Rebecca's) family agrees to let her marry Yitzchak (Isaac), as Hashem had destined. The verse shows Divine Providence in arranging the marriage of our forefathers, ensuring the continuity of the Jewish people. Rashi explains that 'as the Lord has spoken' refers to Eliezer's prayer being answered (Genesis 24:12-14).
Q: Why is Rivka's marriage to Yitzchak important?
A: Rivka's marriage to Yitzchak is crucial because it establishes the second generation of our patriarchs and matriarchs. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:5) teaches that Rivka was specially chosen for her kindness and righteousness, qualities necessary to continue Avraham's legacy and raise Yaakov (Jacob), who would father the 12 tribes.
Q: What can we learn from how Rivka's family responded?
A: Rivka's family recognized Hashem's hand in the matter and agreed without delay ('take her and go'). The Talmud (Moed Katan 18b) derives from this that one shouldn't delay performing a mitzvah. Their response also models how families should prioritize spiritual compatibility in marriage over other considerations.
Q: How does this verse apply to shidduchim (matchmaking) today?
A: This verse teaches that marriage matches should be made with awareness of Divine Providence. The Rambam (Ishut 2:2) notes that just as Yitzchak and Rivka's marriage was arranged through signs of kindness and Divine guidance, we too should look for shared values and hashgacha pratit (Divine Providence) when making matches.
Q: Why does the verse say 'as the Lord has spoken'?
A: The phrase emphasizes that this wasn't merely human matchmaking, but fulfillment of Hashem's plan. Rashi explains it refers to Eliezer's successful mission (Genesis 24:42-48), while the Sforno adds that it alludes to Hashem's promise to make Avraham's descendants numerous (Genesis 15:5), which required Yitzchak to marry the right woman.