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Genesis 24:57 - Seeking Rivka's consent?

Genesis 24:57 - בראשית 24:57

Hebrew Text

וַיֹּאמְרוּ נִקְרָא לַנַּעֲרָ וְנִשְׁאֲלָה אֶת־פִּיהָ׃

English Translation

And they said, We will call the girl, and inquire at her mouth.

Transliteration

Vayomru nikra lana'ara venish'ala et-piha

Hebrew Leining Text

וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ נִקְרָ֣א לַֽנַּעֲרָ֑ וְנִשְׁאֲלָ֖ה אֶת־פִּֽיהָ׃
וַיֹּאמְר֖וּ נִקְרָ֣א לַֽנַּעֲרָ֑ וְנִשְׁאֲלָ֖ה אֶת־פִּֽיהָ׃

🎵 Listen to leining

Parasha Commentary

Context of the Verse

The verse (Genesis 24:57) appears in the narrative of Eliezer, servant of Avraham, seeking a wife for Yitzchak. After Eliezer recounts the miraculous signs that led him to Rivkah, her family, Betuel and Lavan, respond by saying, "We will call the girl, and inquire at her mouth." This demonstrates their recognition of Rivkah's autonomy in the matter of marriage.

Rashi's Commentary

Rashi explains that the phrase "וְנִשְׁאֲלָה אֶת־פִּיהָ" ("and inquire at her mouth") indicates that Rivkah's consent was essential for the marriage to proceed. This aligns with the halachic principle that a woman cannot be married against her will (Kiddushin 2b). Rashi emphasizes that even though her family initially agreed, they still sought her explicit approval, underscoring the Torah's respect for a woman's free will in marital matters.

Midrashic Insights

The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) highlights Rivkah's righteousness by noting that her family deferred to her decision. This reflects the idea that Rivkah was a bas chochmah (a wise woman) whose judgment was trusted. The Midrash further connects this to the broader theme of Divine Providence in the selection of Yitzchak's wife, as Rivkah's willingness confirmed she was the destined match.

Halachic Implications

Rambam (Hilchos Ishus 4:1) codifies this principle, stating that a woman's consent is required for marriage, derived from this very verse. The phrasing "נִשְׁאֲלָה אֶת־פִּיהָ" establishes a precedent for ensuring the bride's agreement, a cornerstone of Jewish marital law.

Moral Lessons

  • Respect for Autonomy: The verse teaches the importance of honoring an individual's voice, particularly in life-altering decisions like marriage.
  • Divine Guidance: Rivkah's readiness to go with Eliezer reflects her alignment with Hashem's plan, illustrating how righteousness and free will work in harmony.
  • Family Dynamics: Even in a patriarchal society, Rivkah's family recognized the need to consult her, setting a model for ethical conduct.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What does 'inquire at her mouth' mean in Genesis 24:57?
A: The phrase 'inquire at her mouth' means they wanted to ask Rebecca directly for her consent before finalizing the marriage arrangement with Isaac. This shows the importance of a woman's free will in marriage according to Jewish tradition (Rashi on Genesis 24:57, based on Talmud Kiddushin 2a).
Q: Why did they want to ask Rebecca directly in Genesis 24:57?
A: They wanted to ask Rebecca directly because Jewish law requires mutual consent for marriage. Even though her family had agreed, her personal approval was still necessary. This teaches us that forced marriages are invalid in Judaism (Rambam, Hilchot Ishut 4:1).
Q: What lesson can we learn from Genesis 24:57 about relationships?
A: We learn that healthy relationships require open communication and mutual agreement. Just as Rebecca was consulted about marrying Isaac, Jewish tradition emphasizes that both partners must willingly agree to marriage. This value remains important in Jewish relationships today (Talmud Kiddushin 41a).