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Genesis 24:61 - Brides journey to destiny

Genesis 24:61 - בראשית 24:61

Hebrew Text

וַתָּקָם רִבְקָה וְנַעֲרֹתֶיהָ וַתִּרְכַּבְנָה עַל־הַגְּמַלִּים וַתֵּלַכְנָה אַחֲרֵי הָאִישׁ וַיִּקַּח הָעֶבֶד אֶת־רִבְקָה וַיֵּלַךְ׃

English Translation

And Rivqa, and her maids arose, and they rode upon the camels, and followed the man: and the servant took Rivqa, and went his way.

Transliteration

Vatakom Rivka vena'aroteha vatirkavna al-hagmalim vatelakhna acharei ha'ish vayikach ha'eved et-Rivka vayelech.

Hebrew Leining Text

וַתָּ֨קׇם רִבְקָ֜ה וְנַעֲרֹתֶ֗יהָ וַתִּרְכַּ֙בְנָה֙ עַל־הַגְּמַלִּ֔ים וַתֵּלַ֖כְנָה אַחֲרֵ֣י הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיִּקַּ֥ח הָעֶ֛בֶד אֶת־רִבְקָ֖ה וַיֵּלַֽךְ׃
וַתָּ֨קׇם רִבְקָ֜ה וְנַעֲרֹתֶ֗יהָ וַתִּרְכַּ֙בְנָה֙ עַל־הַגְּמַלִּ֔ים וַתֵּלַ֖כְנָה אַחֲרֵ֣י הָאִ֑ישׁ וַיִּקַּ֥ח הָעֶ֛בֶד אֶת־רִבְקָ֖ה וַיֵּלַֽךְ׃

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Parasha Commentary

Rivqa's Immediate Departure

The verse describes Rivqa's swift action in leaving her family to accompany Avraham's servant to marry Yitzchak. Rashi (on Bereishit 24:58) notes that this demonstrates her righteousness, as she did not delay despite the emotional difficulty of leaving her home. The Midrash (Bereishit Rabbah 60:12) further emphasizes that her alacrity mirrored Avraham's when he fulfilled Hashem's command, showing her suitability to join the household of Avraham.

The Role of Rivqa's Maidservants

The mention of Rivqa's "na'aroteha" (her maidservants) is significant. Ramban (on Bereishit 24:59) explains that these were given to her by her family as part of her dowry, a common practice for noble brides. The Talmud (Yevamot 61b) notes that these maidservants later converted to Judaism, indicating that Rivqa's influence extended beyond herself.

Symbolism of the Camels

The camels ("hagmalim") carry symbolic meaning. The Kli Yakar (on Bereishit 24:61) observes that camels represent bearing burdens patiently, alluding to Rivqa's ability to endure the challenges of joining Yitzchak's household. Additionally, camels were associated with Avraham's wealth (as seen earlier in the parsha), subtly connecting Rivqa to Avraham's blessed legacy.

The Servant's Role

  • The text states "vayikach ha'eved et Rivqa" (the servant took Rivqa), which Ibn Ezra explains refers to him formally receiving her into his care for the journey, not a physical taking.
  • Malbim notes the servant's diligence in fulfilling his mission, immediately departing once Rivqa was ready, reflecting his faithfulness to Avraham.

Walking "After the Man"

The phrase "vateilachna acharei ha'ish" (they followed the man) is interpreted by Sforno as demonstrating Rivqa's trust in Divine providence - she followed Eliezer (the servant) whom she recognized as being guided by Hashem's plan. This echoes the theme of hashgacha pratit that runs through the entire narrative of finding a wife for Yitzchak.

📚 Talmud Citations

This verse is not quoted in the Talmud.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Why did Rivka (Rebecca) ride on camels when leaving with Eliezer?
A: According to Rashi (Genesis 24:61), Rivka rode on camels because it was the most dignified and honorable way for her to travel as the future wife of Yitzchak (Isaac). Camels were considered prestigious in ancient times, showing the importance of this journey to become part of Avraham's family.
Q: What is the significance of Rivka's maids accompanying her?
A: The Torah mentions Rivka's maids (na'aroteha) to show that she came from a noble household, as having attendants was a sign of status (Ramban on Genesis 24:61). This also fulfilled the blessing given to Avraham that his descendants would leave with 'great wealth' (Genesis 15:14), as Rivka brought her own servants with her.
Q: Why does the verse say 'they followed the man' instead of naming Eliezer?
A: The Torah refers to Eliezer simply as 'the man' to emphasize that Rivka was following Hashem's plan, not just a human servant (Bereishit Rabbah 60:13). Her willingness to go with an unnamed 'man' shows her trust in Divine providence that this was the right path for her.
Q: What lesson can we learn from Rivka's actions in this verse?
A: From Rivka's immediate action of rising to go with Eliezer, we learn the importance of zerizut (alacrity) in doing mitzvot (Rashi on Genesis 24:61). Just as Rivka didn't delay in fulfilling Hashem's will by becoming Yitzchak's wife, we should be eager to perform good deeds without hesitation.
Q: Why does the Torah mention both 'they rode' and 'they followed' separately?
A: The dual description teaches that Rivka and her maids didn't just physically ride the camels, but consciously chose to follow Eliezer's guidance (Sforno on Genesis 24:61). This shows Rivka's complete commitment to her new role in Avraham's family, both in action and intention.