He will send his angel before you so that you can get a wife for my son from there.
Genesis 24:7
Parents often spend a great deal of time worrying about the person their child will marry. Concerns about compatible personalities have their place. But faithful parents will desire most of all that their child will marry a godly Christian.
Abraham faced the same issue, only his son had fewer options. As a sojourner he had no godly community of faith surrounding him, no “nice girls” for Isaac to meet. He wanted Isaac to marry within Abraham’s extended family, and wanted to prevent Isaac from having to leave Canaan. It was “this land” (v. 7) that God promised his descendants. Instead, Abraham sent his most trusted servant (vv. 2–3).
Though Abraham has cause for concern, he did not fall prey to manipulating circumstances as he had done in Egypt and with Abimelek (see Genesis 12 and 20). His servant need not resort to tricks or lies to force the issue. Abraham had hope, but would not put God to the test (vv. 7–8).
Chapter 24 is the longest in Genesis, largely because the reader both sees the story happen and then hears it recounted to Rebekah’s family (vv. 35–48). This narrative oddity should clue us in to the importance of this story.
As God poured forth His blessings in creation, He intended Abraham as a funnel of those blessings for all people (12:3). Marriage is a particular way that God uses to bring forth life and blessing (2:18–25), and Isaac’s marriage ensures that God’s blessings will continue to all humanity. Though marriage is the main event, God’s hand is all over the text. He blessed Abraham (v. 1), sent angels (v. 7), and gave signs (v. 13). Our response should be that of the servant who “bowed down and worshiped the Lord” (v. 26).
Apply the Word
Every couple has a story, and many marriage seminars emphasize the importance of husbands and wives recalling and telling their story to themselves and their children. Recognizing God’s hand at work can strengthen our faith and our marriages. Tell someone a story of God’s blessing in your life. If it’s particularly good, they may even want to hear it twice.