Charles Ellicott Commentary Genesis 24:10

"And the servant took ten camels, of the camels of his master, and departed, having all goodly things of his master`s in his hand. And he arose, and went to Mesopotamia, unto the city of Nahor." — Genesis 24:10 (ASV)

And the servant. —Why did Isaac not go himself in search of a wife? We must not conclude from his inactivity that the matter did not have his full concurrence; but he was the heir, and according to Eastern customs, it was appropriate that the choice should be left to a trusty deputy. What is peculiar in the narrative is the distance to which the servant was sent, and the limitation of his choice to a particular family; but both these peculiarities arose from the religious considerations involved. Jacob subsequently went in person on a similar errand, but we must remember that Rebekah was also seeking a place of safety for him. Were it not for this, and had he been the sole heir, she would probably have sent an embassy to her brother’s house to ask for him a wife.

For all the goods of his master were in his hand. —Rather, with every good thing of his master’s in his hand. It was necessary not only that the servant should take with him such a convoy as would ensure his safety and that of the bride on their return, but also such rich presents as would adequately represent Abraham’s wealth and power.

Mesopotamia. —Heb., Aram-Naharaim: that is, “Aram of the two rivers.” Aram means highland, but it became the title of the whole Syrian race; and here Aram-Naharaim means that part of Syria which lies between the Tigris and Euphrates. It was a mountainless region, except towards the north. For Padan-aram, see Note on Genesis 25:20.

The city of Nahor. —This was Charran (Genesis 27:43). Nahor had probably migrated there from Ur when Terah was growing old, so that he could occupy the pastures which Abraham was about to abandon.