Meanwhile, the man was gazing at her in silence, to know whether the LORD had made his journey successful or not. (Genesis 24:21 NAS95)
Abraham's servant, probably Eliezer (see Gen. 15:2), swore to find a wife for Isaac from among his father's relatives. Abraham assured his servant that God would go before him and make the 450 mile trip successful. Eliezer had spent a long time in Abraham's household and he'd seen the reality of God's presence and activity up close. He too believed, which caused him to pray as he made the camels kneel before the well outside the city of Nahor. In the sequence of events, I find it difficult not to wonder if God Himself prompted this prayer and its condition that would point to the woman of choice. As the servant finished praying, he met a woman, who not only gave him a drink, but offered to water his camels, fulfilling the prayed-for condition!
I find it interesting that the servant gazed at her in order to know whether the Lord had already made the journey a success. He gazed in silence, no conversation with the woman, who had to come and go many times to water the camels. Eliezer listened to the One present in the midst of orchestrating it all. He probably stood amazed at such an immediate answer and found it hard to believe, so he quieted himself. God is this Your reply? The servant saw her work, the generosity and kindness it expressed. Do I ask the next question of her heritage and of a place to stay? Of course God whispered yes! Communion and communication with God pointed the way to Rebekah, the daughter of Abraham's brother, and she invited him to stay with her family. Eliezer found Isaac's wife. God amazes us when we listen for His answers — pray and watch!
For Reflection:
“In the morning, O LORD, Thou wilt hear my voice; In the morning I will order my prayer to Thee and eagerly watch.” (Psalms 5:3 NASB)
- How conscious are you of watching for or listening to answers to your prayers?
- How do you imagine God works behind the scenes in your praying and answering your prayers?
