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Genesis 24:55 - Delay the divine match?

Genesis 24:55 - בראשית 24:55

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמֶר אָחִיהָ וְאִמָּהּ תֵּשֵׁב הַנַּעֲרָ אִתָּנוּ יָמִים אוֹ עָשׂוֹר אַחַר תֵּלֵךְ׃

English Translation

And her brother and her mother said, Let the girl stay with us a few days, at the least ten; after that she shall go.

Transliteration

Vayomer achiha ve'imah teshev hana'ara itanu yamim o asor achar telech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אָחִ֙יהָ֙ וְאִמָּ֔הּ תֵּשֵׁ֨ב הַנַּעֲרָ֥ אִתָּ֛נוּ יָמִ֖ים א֣וֹ עָשׂ֑וֹר אַחַ֖ר תֵּלֵֽךְ׃
וַיֹּ֤אמֶר אָחִ֙יהָ֙ וְאִמָּ֔הּ תֵּשֵׁ֨ב הַנַּעֲרָ֥ אִתָּ֛נוּ יָמִ֖ים א֣וֹ עָשׂ֑וֹר אַחַ֖ר תֵּלֵֽךְ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

This verse (Genesis 24:55) appears in the narrative of Eliezer's mission to find a wife for Yitzchak (Isaac). After Eliezer identifies Rivka (Rebecca) as the chosen wife, her brother Lavan and mother request that she remain with them for a period before departing.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "יָמִים אוֹ עָשׂוֹר" ("a few days, at the least ten") reflects a negotiation. The family initially suggests "a few days," but Eliezer insists on leaving immediately. They then propose "ten days" as a compromise, possibly to allow Rivka time to prepare for her journey or to say farewell properly.

Ibn Ezra's Insight

Ibn Ezra notes that the term "עָשׂוֹר" (ten) may allude to a full period of time, as the number ten often signifies completeness in Tanach. This suggests the family sought a meaningful, albeit brief, transition before Rivka's departure.

Midrashic Interpretation (Bereishit Rabbah)

The Midrash highlights the tension in the verse by contrasting the perspectives:

  • Lavan's motive: He may have wanted to delay for selfish reasons, as later evidenced by his deceptive nature (e.g., with Yaakov).
  • The mother's concern: She likely wished to spend additional time with her daughter out of maternal love.

Halachic Perspective (Rambam)

While not directly addressing this verse, Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 13:1-2) discusses the importance of mutual consent in marriage arrangements. Here, Rivka's family demonstrates proper protocol by not forcing an immediate departure, showing respect for her transition.

Chizkuni's Observation

Chizkuni points out that the verse mentions "אָחִיהָ וְאִמָּהּ" (her brother and her mother), but not her father Betuel, who had apparently died by this point (as hinted in Genesis 24:50). This explains why Lavan, as the brother, takes a leading role in the discussion.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does Genesis 24:55 mean when it says 'Let the girl stay with us a few days, at the least ten'?
A: In Genesis 24:55, Rivka's (Rebecca's) family asks that she stay with them for a short time before leaving with Eliezer to marry Yitzchak (Isaac). Rashi explains that 'a few days' refers to a period of time, while 'at least ten' suggests a minimum of ten days, possibly to prepare her for marriage or to say proper goodbyes.
Q: Why did Rivka's family want her to stay for ten more days?
A: According to Midrashic interpretations, Rivka's family wanted her to stay for ten days to ensure she was properly prepared for marriage and to give her time to transition emotionally. Some commentaries suggest it also allowed time to consult further about the match, as marriage is a serious commitment in Jewish tradition.
Q: How does this verse relate to Jewish values about family and marriage?
A: This verse highlights the importance of family bonds and proper preparation for marriage in Judaism. Rivka's family shows care by not rushing her departure, reflecting the Torah's emphasis on respectful transitions and honoring parents. The Rambam teaches that marriage should be approached thoughtfully, with proper time for preparation.
Q: What can we learn from Rivka's response to her family's request in this verse?
A: Though the verse records her family's request, Rivka ultimately chooses to go immediately when asked (as seen in the next verse). This teaches, according to Chazal (our Sages), her great enthusiasm for fulfilling G-d's will and joining the household of Avraham Avinu (Abraham our forefather), showing her righteous character.