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Genesis 24:53 - Bridal gifts for Rivka's destiny

Genesis 24:53 - בראשית 24:53

Hebrew Text

וַיּוֹצֵא הָעֶבֶד כְּלֵי־כֶסֶף וּכְלֵי זָהָב וּבְגָדִים וַיִּתֵּן לְרִבְקָה וּמִגְדָּנֹת נָתַן לְאָחִיהָ וּלְאִמָּהּ׃

English Translation

And the servant brought out jewels of silver, and jewels of gold, and garments, and gave them to Rivqa: he gave also to her brother and to her mother precious things.

Transliteration

Vayotze ha'eved klei-kesef u'klei zahav u'v'gadim vayiten l'Rivka u'migdanot natan l'achiha u'l'ima.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיּוֹצֵ֨א הָעֶ֜בֶד כְּלֵי־כֶ֨סֶף וּכְלֵ֤י זָהָב֙ וּבְגָדִ֔ים וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְרִבְקָ֑ה וּמִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת נָתַ֥ן לְאָחִ֖יהָ וּלְאִמָּֽהּ׃
וַיּוֹצֵ֨א הָעֶ֜בֶד כְּלֵי־כֶ֨סֶף וּכְלֵ֤י זָהָב֙ וּבְגָדִ֔ים וַיִּתֵּ֖ן לְרִבְקָ֑ה וּמִ֨גְדָּנֹ֔ת נָתַ֥ן לְאָחִ֖יהָ וּלְאִמָּֽהּ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

The Servant's Gifts to Rivka and Her Family

The verse (Bereishit 24:53) describes how Avraham's servant, Eliezer, presents gifts to Rivka and her family after securing her as a wife for Yitzchak. The gifts serve multiple purposes in the narrative and carry deeper symbolism according to traditional commentaries.

Nature of the Gifts

  • Jewelry of Silver and Gold: Rashi explains that these gifts were given as a token of betrothal (kiddushin), establishing the legal bond between Yitzchak and Rivka. The silver and gold represent material wealth, demonstrating Avraham's prosperity and the honorable match being made.
  • Garments: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) suggests these were fine, royal garments, symbolizing Rivka's future role as a matriarch of the Jewish people. Some commentators connect these to the special garments later worn by the Kohen Gadol.
  • Precious Things for the Family: The "migdanot" (precious things) given to Rivka's brother and mother may have been gifts of appeasement, as the family initially hesitated to let Rivka leave immediately (Ramban).

Symbolic Meaning

The Kli Yakar notes that the three types of gifts correspond to three dimensions of the marriage:

  • Silver: Represents monetary obligations of marriage (ketubah)
  • Gold: Symbolizes the inherent value and sanctity of the marital bond
  • Garments: Allude to the physical and spiritual protection a husband provides his wife

Halachic Significance

The Rambam (Hilchot Ishut 3:1) cites this verse as a biblical source for the concept that betrothal can be effected through the giving of valuables (kiddushei kesef). The Malbim adds that Eliezer acted with precise legal formalities to ensure the betrothal would be valid according to halacha.

Moral Lesson

The Netziv emphasizes that Eliezer's generous gifts to Rivka's family demonstrate the importance of maintaining good relations with in-laws, even when they initially opposed the match. This models proper derech eretz (respectful conduct) in family relationships.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Avraham's servant give gifts to Rivka and her family?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 24:53), the gifts demonstrated Avraham's wealth and seriousness about the marriage proposal for Yitzchak. The silver and gold jewelry symbolized honor, while the garments represented dignity. This was customary when arranging an important marriage in biblical times.
Q: What is the significance of the gifts being given to Rivka's family too?
A: The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) explains that giving gifts to Rivka's brother and mother showed respect to her entire household. In Jewish tradition, marriage involves joining two families, not just two individuals. The gifts helped gain the family's goodwill for the match.
Q: What can we learn from this verse about preparing for marriage?
A: The Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 3:1) derives from this that one should honor a prospective spouse appropriately. The verse teaches that marriage arrangements should be made with dignity, generosity, and respect for both families involved - principles that remain important in Jewish matchmaking today.
Q: Why does the Torah mention these specific gifts of silver, gold and clothing?
A: The Talmud (Yoma 47a) notes that these were valuable items that demonstrated Avraham's status. Silver represents refinement, gold represents enduring value, and clothing represents outer dignity - all important qualities in building a Jewish home. The Malbim explains these gifts hinted at the spiritual riches Rivka would bring to Yitzchak's household.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish wedding customs today?
A: The Shulchan Aruch (Even HaEzer 27-31) shows how modern Jewish wedding customs, like giving gifts (sivlonot) before marriage, trace back to this biblical precedent. Just as Avraham's servant honored Rivka with gifts, today we maintain traditions of honoring the bride and showing respect between families when arranging marriages.