Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is happening in Genesis 24:54?
A: In Genesis 24:54, Abraham's servant, who was sent to find a wife for Isaac, has just successfully completed his mission by securing Rebecca's hand in marriage. After eating and drinking with Rebecca's family, they spend the night, and the next morning, the servant asks to leave and return to his master, Abraham, with Rebecca.
Q: Why did Abraham's servant ask to leave so quickly in Genesis 24:54?
A: According to Rashi, Abraham's servant was eager to return quickly because he understood the importance of his mission and did not want to delay bringing Rebecca to Isaac. The Talmud (Berachot 8a) teaches that delaying the performance of a mitzvah (commandment) is improper, and the servant acted with urgency to fulfill his duty.
Q: What can we learn from Abraham's servant's behavior in Genesis 24:54?
A: We learn the importance of diligence and commitment to fulfilling responsibilities. The servant's immediate request to depart shows his dedication to his mission and his respect for Abraham's wishes. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) highlights this as an example of how a righteous person's servant is also careful in performing tasks with integrity.
Q: Why is the detail about eating and drinking mentioned in Genesis 24:54?
A: The Torah mentions eating and drinking to show that the servant and his companions acted with proper manners and gratitude, acknowledging the hospitality of Rebecca's family. Rambam (Hilchot De'ot 5:7) teaches that showing appreciation and behaving respectfully during meals is an important ethical trait.
Q: How does Genesis 24:54 relate to Jewish values today?
A: This verse teaches the importance of gratitude, urgency in performing good deeds, and respect for others' time and hospitality. These values are central to Jewish life, as seen in halachic (Jewish legal) guidelines about thanking hosts (Shulchan Aruch, Orach Chaim 170) and not delaying mitzvot (Kitzur Shulchan Aruch 1:1).
Context of the Verse
This verse (Bereshit 24:54) describes the scene after Eliezer, Avraham's servant, successfully finds a wife (Rivka) for Yitzchak. After being hosted by Rivka's family, he requests permission to return to his master, Avraham. The verse highlights the urgency of Eliezer's mission and his unwavering commitment to fulfilling Avraham's directive.
Rashi's Commentary
Rashi explains that Eliezer's statement, "Send me away to my master", demonstrates his dedication to Avraham. Despite the hospitality and comfort provided by Rivka's family, Eliezer prioritizes his mission and does not delay unnecessarily. Rashi emphasizes that a righteous servant's primary concern is fulfilling his master's will without personal indulgence.
Rambam's Perspective
Rambam (Hilchos Avadim 9:8) discusses the ethical obligations of a servant toward his master. Eliezer's conduct exemplifies the ideal of a faithful servant who does not exploit his master's trust. His immediate request to depart reflects his understanding that lingering without cause would be a breach of his duty.
Midrashic Insights
Halachic Implications
The Gemara (Kiddushin 22b) derives from this episode that a servant's primary loyalty must be to his master. Eliezer's actions serve as a model for how one should prioritize responsibilities, especially when acting on behalf of another. This principle extends beyond servitude to all forms of agency (shlichut) in Jewish law.
Symbolic Interpretation
Some commentators (e.g., Kli Yakar) suggest that Eliezer's swift departure symbolizes the soul's mission in this world. Just as Eliezer did not tarry in a foreign land, the soul must remain focused on its divine purpose and not become overly attached to worldly comforts.