Yeshualites Bible Study: Genesis 24 – “How to Find a Wife Without Tinder”

 

The Scene

Abraham’s servant (most likely Eliezer) is sent on the most stressful mission imaginable:
“Go find a wife for my son Isaac. Don’t mess this up.”

He doesn’t have a dating app, no Instagram stalking, no background checks. Just ten camels, a sack of gifts, and faith in God.

Genesis 24:10

“Then the servant took ten of his master’s camels and departed, taking all sorts of choice gifts from his master; and he arose and went to Mesopotamia to the city of Nahor.”

Funny Notes:

  • Rashi says Abraham’s camels were “distinguished by their muzzles.” Imagine rolling into town with ten camels wearing muzzles like holy pit bulls. Nobody could accuse them of snacking on Farmer Yitzhak’s cucumbers.

  • And Eliezer didn’t just bring gifts, he brought a deed of inheritance—basically a prenup in reverse: “Marry Isaac, and hey—he owns EVERYTHING.” Abraham understood in-laws. You gotta show receipts.

Genesis 24:11

“And he made the camels kneel down outside the city by the well of water at evening time, the time when women go out to draw water.”

Funny Notes:

  • Eliezer parks the camels like SUVs outside Starbucks at rush hour. He knows this is where the ladies hang out.

  • Wells were the ancient version of social media. If you wanted to know who’s single, who’s strong, and who has a good water-pouring arm—this was the place.

Genesis 24:12

“O Lord, God of my master Abraham, please grant me success today and show steadfast love to my master Abraham.”

Study Nugget:

David Guzik points out: Eliezer didn’t just rely on “circumstances.” He set the standard before anything happened. Unlike us, who pray:

  • “God, if the coffee shop is open, that means you want me to buy a latte.”

  • “If my phone battery survives at 1%, then surely you want me to watch another episode.”

Eliezer is smarter: he asks God for a clear, specific test.

Genesis 24:14

“Let the young woman… say, ‘Drink, and I will water your camels’—let her be the one…”

Funny Notes:

  • This wasn’t a light request. Camels drink up to 20 gallons each. Ten camels = 200 gallons.
    That’s like:

    • 3,200 cups of Starbucks tall lattes

    • Or 1,600 water bottles at the gym

    • Or “arm day for life”

  • Eliezer basically prayed: “Lord, send me a woman who’s strong enough to run a CrossFit class while being kind enough to do it for a stranger.”

Big Lesson for the Yeshualites

  1. Character > Looks. Eliezer didn’t care if she was “Rebekah the Instagram influencer” or “Rebekah the camel whisperer.” He wanted a heart of service.

  2. Pray Smart. Don’t pray vague, lazy prayers like, “Lord, just bless me.” Be specific—ask for God’s guidance in a way that tests hearts, not just vibes.

  3. God Answers in Sweat. Sometimes the sign of God’s will is not ease, but sacrifice. Rebekah didn’t just “say the right thing”—she proved it by hauling water till her back hurt.

Discussion Questions

  1. If you were Eliezer, what specific test would you have prayed for? (Be honest, don’t say “fire from heaven.”)

  2. What’s the “watering camels” equivalent today—something that shows a person’s character, not just their Instagram highlight reel?

  3. Have you ever prayed for a sign but then tried to edit the requirements when it got tough?

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